Julianne Moore has captivated audiences for years and recently won her first Oscar for her role in Still Alice, in which she plays a woman diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. To celebrate her award and achievements, here are ten interesting facts about this acclaimed actress.
#1. Birth Name: Julie Anne Smith
Julianne Moore was born Julie Anne Smith. However, her name was already registered with the Actor’s Equity union. “My father’s middle name is Moore; my mother’s name is Anne. So, I just slammed the Anne onto the Julie,” Moore shared. This allowed her to honor both her parents while giving herself a unique stage name.
#2. Dual Oscar Nominations
Moore is one of the few actors nominated for both a Supporting and Lead Acting Oscar in the same year. In 2003, she received nods for her Supporting role in The Hours and her Lead role in Far from Heaven, proving her incredible range.
#3. Author of Children’s Books
Moore is not only an accomplished actress but also a children’s book author. Her Freckleface Strawberry series teaches kids the value of self-acceptance and has become beloved by readers around the world.
#4. Overcoming Stage Fright
Julianne’s first stage role came early, playing the Little Red-Haired Girl in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at school. Despite stage fright, she pushed through and discovered her love for performing.
#5. Finally Winning Her Oscar
Moore took home her first Oscar for Still Alice at the age of 54, making her one of only a few women in their 50s to receive an Academy Award in recent decades. Shirley Booth was 54 when she won for Come Back, Little Sheba in 1952.
#6. Reuniting with Alec Baldwin
Moore suggested Alec Baldwin for the role of her husband in Still Alice. The two had previously portrayed a couple on 30 Rock, and their onscreen chemistry made Baldwin a natural choice for her co-star.
#7. Exploring Comedy
Though known for her dramatic roles, Moore began experimenting with comedy with her appearances in 30 Rock (2009) and The Kids Are All Right (2010). She continued this trend with her well-received performance in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011).
#8. Bond with Philip Seymour Hoffman
Julianne worked alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman in four different films: Boogie Nights, Magnolia, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, and The Big Lebowski. Each shared a respect for nuanced acting, making their collaborations memorable.
#9. Fitness Enthusiast
Even with her busy career, Moore makes time for fitness, practicing Ashtanga yoga regularly. She believes it keeps her balanced and helps her manage the physical and emotional demands of her roles.
#10. Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion
Moore is a passionate advocate for diversity in Hollywood. She’s been vocal about the importance of representing various perspectives onscreen, helping pave the way for inclusive storytelling.
