JACQUELINE BISSET: Life's Too Short TO BE BORING

The veteran actress talks about her beginnings, favorite co-stars and her new film Loren & Rose

- Katie Bruno

In her latest film, Loren & Rose, Jacqueline Bisset plays a once-famous actress tracked down by a young, inexperienced filmmaker. Over the course of three meals together, the pair evolve from strangers to close friends. "It's one of the best parts I've ever had in my life - and I've had quite a long life!" the British film star, 78, jokes with Closer. It's true that Jacqueline, who made her film debut with an uncredited role in 1965, has had the kind of career variety and longevity that has eluded most of her contemporaries.

While many complain about the lack of great roles for women over 50, Jacqueline, who had three projects released in 2021, proves that plum parts are out there for those who want them. "I keep going. I'm still looking for the roles," says Jacqueline, who has enjoyed working in smaller, independent features. "I don't say yes for reasons of economics. I look for the quality of the piece."

So what drew you to Loren & Rose?

It was a wonderful character and very, very well-written. It's about a meeting in a restaurant. Kelly Blatz played Loren, and I play Rose. [My character] had a peculiar reputation for being a little unpredictable, being involved in all kinds of trends and odd behavior. Even though he's been discouraged, he wants to meet me. I sort of become a mentor to him. It's a wonderful script, and there is great chemistry between us.

Did you ever have an experience like that?

Have you had a mentor? Not really. My parents were good mentors for me, in the sense that they gave me good advice. I didn't always use it, of course. It's planted my feet, in a certain sense, and allowed me not to fall into some of the traps of Hollywood and not get over greedy.

Do you remember any specific advice you received from them?