Anjelica Huston Bio
Anjelica Huston (born July 8, 1951) is an American actress, director, and model. She is best known for playing Morticia Addams in The Addams Family and Addams Family Values. Over her extensive career, she has portrayed eccentric characters and received numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Prizzi’s Honor. Huston is also recognized for her collaboration with director Wes Anderson in several films.
Early Life and Background
Anjelica Huston was born on July 8, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, to director John Huston and prima ballerina Enrica Soma. Her paternal grandfather was the Canadian-born actor Walter Huston. Huston has Scottish, Irish, English, and Welsh ancestry from her father, and Italian from her mother. When she was two years old, her family relocated to Ireland, where she spent much of her childhood. Huston attended school at Kylemore Abbey and later Holland Park School after moving to England. Huston has a complex family background due to her parents’ multiple marriages and relationships. She has an older brother, Tony, and a younger maternal half-sister named Allegra, as well as a younger paternal half-brother, actor Danny Huston. Huston described herself as a “lonely child” during her upbringing in the Irish countryside.
Path to Hollywood
Huston made her big screen debut in her father’s film A Walk with Love and Death (1969), where she played a 16-year-old French noblewoman. Although she was initially reluctant to act, she moved to New York City after her mother’s death in a car accident and began modeling. Inspired by models like Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy, she pursued modeling and became a frequent subject for photographer Bob Richardson. Huston worked in Europe for several years before returning to California to focus on acting. Her breakthrough came with her performance in Prizzi’s Honor (1985), directed by her father, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Anjelica Huston Career
Early Career (1968–1975)
Anjelica Huston’s early career was marked by her debut in A Walk with Love and Death and her subsequent work as a model. After moving to California, she took on smaller roles in films like The Last Tycoon (1976) and The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981). Despite a slow start, she gained recognition for her performances in various films, including a brief appearance in Frances (1982) and a larger role in The Ice Pirates (1984).
Breakthrough (1985–1988)
Huston’s breakthrough role came in Prizzi’s Honor (1985), where she played Maerose, the daughter of a Mafia clan head. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, leading to her winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Following this success, she starred in several notable films, including Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) and The Grifters (1990), both of which showcased her talent for portraying complex characters.
Notable Works and Milestones
Anjelica Huston’s signature work includes her role as Morticia Addams in The Addams Family (1991) and its sequel, Addams Family Values (1993). She received Golden Globe nominations for both films, solidifying her status as a prominent actress in Hollywood.
Anjelica Huston Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Anjelica Huston has received numerous nominations for her performances, including three Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for her roles in The Addams Family and Addams Family Values.
Anjelica Huston Awards Won
Anjelica Huston won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Prizzi’s Honor (1985). She also received a Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of Carrie Chapman Catt in Iron Jawed Angels (2004).
Anjelica Huston Family
Anjelica Huston is the daughter of director John Huston and prima ballerina Enrica Soma. She has an older brother, Tony, and a younger half-sister, Allegra, as well as a younger half-brother, Danny Huston, who is also an actor.
Personal Life
Anjelica Huston has had several notable relationships throughout her life, including a long-term relationship with actor Jack Nicholson. She was married to sculptor Robert Graham from 1992 until his death in 2008. Huston has no children but has expressed a desire to have a family. She has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including animal rights activism and support for humanitarian causes. Huston is set to star in upcoming projects, including a lead role in the BBC Agatha Christie limited series, Towards Zero, and the live-action feature The Christmas Witch Trial of La Befana, both scheduled for release in 2025.
