Faye Dunaway is truly one of our timeless stars from Hollywood’s golden years. Best known for portraying strong, complex, and sometimes challenging characters, her performances have left an indelible mark on the film industry.
At 83, Dunaway continues to make her presence felt, a testament to her enduring talent and passion for acting.
Many will remember Dunaway for her unforgettable line, “no more wire hangers!” in the cult classic film Mommie Dearest. She also starred in other notable films like Hurry Sundown with Michael Caine and Bonnie and Clyde, where she famously won the lead role over stars like Jane Fonda and Natalie Wood.
Born in Bascom, Florida, Dunaway’s career is adorned with accolades, including three Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy.
Mommie Dearest, a film that requires its own mention, saw Dunaway stepping into the shoes of legendary actress Joan Crawford. Her transformation into Crawford for Mommie Dearest was so compelling that it left the crew in awe.
The film is based on Christina Crawford’s memoir, depicting the turbulent relationship with her adoptive mother, the famed Joan Crawford.
Dunaway’s performance as Crawford was both frightening and fascinating, breathing life into the character in a way that blurred reality and fiction. In her words, she sought to channel Crawford on a deep level, famously saying she wished to “climb inside her skin.”
This dedication to her role led many to speculate whether Dunaway was hauntingly channeling Crawford’s spirit, a sentiment echoed by the media at the time.
Despite the success of her performance, Dunaway feels it might have steered her career in a way that misrepresented her. She expressed to Entertainment Tonight her regret about how it gave some the wrong impression of her as a person.
Throughout her career, Dunaway worked alongside some of the most iconic leading men in Hollywood, including Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Kirk Douglas. Despite the allure of her co-stars, Dunaway maintained professional boundaries.
However, she acknowledged being tempted by stars like Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty, though she refrained from romantic entanglements believing it could disrupt their work.
Interestingly, Dunaway did break her own rule for Marcello Mastroianni, a renowned Italian actor. The pair starred in A Place for Lovers, and their on-screen affair mirrored their real-life romance, which lasted three years.
She fondly remembers her time with Mastroianni, describing him as a man who made her feel uniquely protected, though their relationship ended when he chose to remain with his wife.
On the personal front, Dunaway married musician Peter Wolf in 1974, a union that lasted five years. A subsequent marriage to photographer Terry O’Neill saw them welcoming a son, Liam, born in 1980. Their marriage ended in 1987.
Rumored to be temperamental and demanding, Dunaway has had her share of challenges on set. She was dismissed from an off-Broadway production in 2019 due to creating a challenging work environment.
Her reputation in Hollywood has been colorful, to say the least, with many co-stars labeling her personality as difficult yet undeniably talented.
Despite her complexities, Dunaway’s talent is undeniable. She was named one of People’s 50 Most Beautiful People in 1997 and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.
Currently single, Dunaway remains open to the idea of companionship, expressing a desire for a partner provided she finds the right match.
In 2022, she starred in an Italian film, L’uomo che disegnò Dio, alongside Kevin Spacey, continuing to add to her illustrious career.
There’s no doubt that Hollywood owes a piece of its history to Dunaway. Her work, particularly her portrayal of Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest, remains a vivid highlight. Do share your thoughts on her performances and her infamous moments!
