American Dream Story Jessica Lange Turns 70

The Star Tells Why Success Hasn’t Come Easy but Is Still Worth It

- Judy Kean

She has beauty, talent and a strong work ethic. But it’s perseverance – and refusing to let bad reviews get her down – that has also led to Jessica Lange’s acting career still going strong as she turns 70.

The double Oscar winner – who celebrated her milestone birthday on April 20 – is busier than ever, despite working in an industry that has a habit of consigning many actresses to the scrapheap once they get past their 40s.

“At a certain age, women are no longer considered a viable or valuable part of the community – even if that’s when they feel like they’re at the top of their game,” Jessica notes, adding, “And it’s not just in Hollywood.”

She’s pleased there are still plenty of offers coming her way.

It helps that in recent years she became the muse of producer Ryan Murphy (53), who cast her in his hit TV shows American Horror Story and Feud (in which she played movie legend Joan Crawford), along with new series The Politician, which she is filming alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, Bette Midler and Dylan McDermott.

Her mantelpiece is full of accolades – she’s one of a select group of people who’ve won Oscar, Tony and Emmy awards – and she has a reputation for nailing neurotic, fragile characters.

But getting to where she is today hasn’t been easy for the striking blonde, who has had her fair share of career lows.