Jamie Lee Curtis has been a Hollywood fixture for decades, renowned not only for her acting talent but also for her uncanny ability to reinvent herself.

Her breakthrough came in 1978 with her iconic role as Laurie Strode in Halloween, becoming one of the pioneers of the modern slasher genre and earning her the nickname “The Scream Queen.” She made it clear from the start that she was more than just a “horror actress,” easily switching between comedy, drama, and other genres.

As the daughter of two film legends, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, it seemed almost fateful that she would follow in her parents’ footsteps, but she consciously chose her own path.

After starting out in horror films, she naturally turned to comedy, starring in classics like The Joker (1983) and Wanda (1988). His humor, courage, and charisma have quickly made him one of the most versatile stars in the world.

One of the secrets to his long career is his honesty. Jamie has never hidden his personal struggles, including his battle with addiction and recovery. He has been an outspoken advocate for mental health and sobriety, while also finding success as a children’s author and a vocal advocate for social causes, including children’s health and equal rights.

In recent years, his career has taken a new turn. He returned to the genre that started him with the recent Halloween films, and then earned critical acclaim for the multi-award-winning film Everything, Everywhere, Always (2022).

For her portrayal of tax inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdre, she won the 2023 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress—a fitting reward for decades of dedicated work.

Jamie Lee Curtis is now much more than a celebrated actress: she is a symbol of perseverance, self-renewal, and authenticity. From horror queen to comedy star to Oscar-winning actress, she has broken genre barriers without ever losing herself in the process.

With a career spanning nearly fifty years, she remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in film.

Jamie Lee Curtis’ 14 Most Memorable Roles—From Horror to Comedy

Since her role as Lauri in Halloween (1978), she has proven herself in countless genres—from action to romance to animated dubbing. Here are 14 notable roles from her career:

Elizabeth Solley – The Mist (1980) In John Carpenter’s mystical horror, she plays a rebellious hitchhiker who becomes involved in the mystery of a century-old shipwreck.

Megan Turner – Blue Steel (1990) Kathryn Bigelow’s action thriller, where Curtis plays a rookie cop who faces off against a serial killer.

Maggie Green – Nicholas’ Gift (1998) A drama based on a true story about a mother who donates her son’s organs after a tragedy. It earned her an Emmy nomination.

Jessie – Perfect (1985) An aerobics instructor who gets into a complicated relationship with a journalist (John Travolta).

Hannah Miller – Anything But Love (1989–1992) A romantic sitcom for which she won a Golden Globe.

Wanda Gershwitz – Wanda (1988)Jewel-heist comedy for which she received a Golden Globe nomination.

Linda Drysdale – Trapped (2019)Cynical, outspoken sister in a great crime comedy.

Donna Berzatto – Teddy Bear (2023)One of the most shocking TV guest roles of the year, an Emmy-winning performance right after the Oscar.

Helen Tasker – Between Two Fires (1994)James Cameron’s action comedy, where she goes from housewife to action hero – Golden Globe-winning role.

Ophelia – Her Replacement (1983)Comedy with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, BAFTA-winning performance.

Deirdre Beaubeirdre – Everything, Everywhere, Always (2022)Oscar-winning supporting role in a weird, multi-dimensional comedy-drama.

Tess Coleman – I Can’t Stand You (2003) A Disney comedy about a body swapping with Lindsay Lohan, in which Curtis plays a mother who takes on the role of a teenage girl in a hilarious way.

Laurie Strode – Halloween franchise (1978–2022) The iconic horror heroine who established her career, and whom she played for over four decades.

Jamie Lee Curtis is still living proof that an actor can be both a genre icon and a versatile character. Whether it’s screaming, laughing or crying, she’s authentic in all of them.