Faye Dunaway remains a cherished icon in the acting world. She’s well-known for her unforgettable roles portraying formidable and complex women, leaving a lasting impact on cinema.
At 83, she continues to impress audiences with her talent and presence.
Many of you will remember her chilling line, “no more wire hangers!” from the classic cult film, Mommie Dearest. However, her talents extend beyond this role, having starred in movies like Hurry Sundown with Michael Caine and Bonnie and Clyde, proving herself a versatile actress.
Born in Bascom, Florida, Dunaway has earned numerous accolades, including three Golden Globes and an Emmy, marking a deeply successful career.
When discussing Faye Dunaway’s incredible journey, it’s impossible not to mention Mommie Dearest. Her portrayal of Joan Crawford in the movie was so convincing that the crew was astonished when she emerged in character.
The film Mommie Dearest is a dramatized adaptation of Christina Crawford’s book about the tumultuous relationship with her adopted mother, the legendary Joan Crawford. Dunaway’s portrayal was both terrifying and captivating.
She blurred the lines between fiction and reality, bringing Joan Crawford back to life. In fact, she described this transformation as wanting to “climb inside her skin,” a testament to her dedication as an actress.
So effective was her portrayal that rumors circulated about Dunaway being haunted by Crawford’s spirit. According to the Los Angeles Times, it seemed she had temporarily adopted the late actress’s voice.
This portrayal left a mark on her career that she later expressed some regrets over, believing it might have led to misunderstandings about her true self among audiences and industry professionals.
During her career, she had the pleasure of working with a range of leading men in Hollywood, from Paul Newman and Robert Redford to Kirk Douglas and Johnny Depp. Despite the temptations, she opted to maintain professional boundaries on set.
However, she confessed to particular attractions, notably to Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty, but upheld her rule of keeping personal feelings separate from professional responsibilities.
That said, Dunaway did have a notable relationship with Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni. Their whirlwind romance reflected their onscreen chemistry in A Place for Lovers, a film that received mixed reviews at the time.
Expressing her feelings, she shared that Mastroianni provided a sense of protection she valued deeply.
In 1974, she married musician Peter Wolf, but their marriage ended five years later. Following this, she became involved with photographer Terry O’Neill, with whom she had a son, Liam.
Their marriage ended in 1987, but not without leaving a mark. An iconic photograph from that time shows Dunaway by a pool at The Beverly Hills Hotel, Oscar in hand, emblematic of her successes and challenges.
While Dunaway has faced criticism for being difficult to work with, her talent is undeniable. In 2019, she made headlines for being dismissed from an off-Broadway production, showing the complexities of her career.
Among her peers, Jack Nicholson once called her the “gossamer grenade,” highlighting the mixed feelings her persona evoked in others.
Despite these challenges, her remarkable abilities remain recognized, earning her a place on People’s list of 50 Most Beautiful People in 1997 and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.
Currently single, Faye Dunaway has expressed a desire to find companionship, indicating her openness to new experiences and relationships.
In 2022, she demonstrated her sustained passion for acting, appearing alongside Kevin Spacey in the Italian film L’uomo che disegnò Dio.
Faye Dunaway’s contribution to Hollywood is untouchable, and her journey truly illustrates her dedication and singular talent. Share your thoughts on how well she channeled Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest and what you think about the reported tales of her fiery temperament!
