Jamie Lee Curtis plans to never retire from acting, making her intentions clear at the Tribeca Film Festival, where she attended the premiere of Mariska Hargitay’s documentary, My Mom Jayne. At age 66, the Oscar-winning actress openly declared that her passion for performing endures, and she foresees herself working in the industry for life.
During an appearance at the event, Curtis responded candidly when asked about retirement, emphasizing that she intends to keep pursuing her career indefinitely. The acclaimed author and Emmy winner told ET Online that despite her age, stepping away from her craft is not in her plans. According to the Freaky Friday star, “I’ll die working.”—Jamie Lee Curtis, Oscar-winning actress
Changing Perspectives: Embracing Creativity Later in Life
Jamie Lee Curtis has spoken previously about her evolving attitude toward work and retirement. While appearing on MSNBC’s Morning Joe in 2023, she openly reflected on uncertain moments during her career, sharing,
“There have been many, many, many points when I said ‘I don’t think I’ll ever make another movie again.’”
—Jamie Lee Curtis, Oscar-winning actress
Recently, Curtis has discovered renewed enthusiasm and creativity, particularly since turning sixty. She noted her recent years have been exceptionally rewarding, stating,
“I’ve had the most creative life in the last year than I have in my entire life at 64.”
—Jamie Lee Curtis, Oscar-winning actress
Family Influence and the Motivation to Continue Working
As the daughter of famous Hollywood icons Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, Jamie Lee Curtis grew up witnessing the highs and lows of her celebrity parents’ careers. She recalled how both “monster stars” eventually found themselves sidelined from the work that made them famous, observing,
“I watched my parents, who both were monster stars…I watched them no longer get to do the work that made them stars. I watched them just be famous people who used to work. And it killed them. And it’s heartbreaking.”
—Jamie Lee Curtis, Oscar-winning actress
The experience left a deep impact on Curtis, instilling a fear of being left out once the offers stopped coming. She explained,
“So, I always felt I better get out before they no longer ask me,”
—Jamie Lee Curtis, Oscar-winning actress, highlighting how the unpredictability of show business influenced her thoughts on retirement.
Championing Age and Opportunity in Hollywood
Despite earlier anxieties, the Halloween star has now embraced her age and the opportunities it brings. She feels fortunate to experience life and her career at this stage, saying she considers herself “lucky” to witness each new chapter and every “wrinkle.” Curtis is proud to serve as a role model for older women in Hollywood, believing that the present moment is her chance to make an impact. She affirmed,
“This is my time to do my work, because I’m now having this opportunity to do it.”
—Jamie Lee Curtis, Oscar-winning actress
Jamie Lee Curtis’s vow to continue working reflects a deeply personal and complex relationship with fame, family, and the fear of fading relevance. Her outspoken approach at the Tribeca Film Festival underscores the evolving roles of veteran actresses in the entertainment industry and signals her intention to inspire others while carrying forward her remarkable career.
