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Jamie Lee Curtis, daughter of Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, was born November 22, 1958. Her parents divorced in 1962, and she has not hidden the fact that she does not have a close relationship with her father. She once said about him, "I don't expect to hear from him on my birthday or Christmas. I see him when I see him. He's like a ghost."

Curtis attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California after high school graduation, but she left school after one semester to pursue an acting career. Her first film, "Halloween," in 1978 was a huge box office success, and she was subsequently cast in several more horror flicks. These films earned her the title of "Scream Queen," but none proved to be as successful as "Halloween."

In the early and middle eighties, roles in "Trading Places" and "Love Letters" helped her shed the horror queen image and established her as a sex symbol. In 1988, Curtis' role in "A Fish Called Wanda" showcased her talent for comedy. In 1994, she co-starred in "True Lies" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and won a Golden Globe for her performance. Curtis has been the recipient Golden Globe Awards, People's Choice Awards and Emmy nominations during her career, starring not only in feature films, but in a successful television show, "Anything but Love," as well.

In her forties, Curtis entered treatment for prescription drug and alcohol addiction that spurred a good deal of self-searching and realigning of her priorities. Her family is her number one priority, and she only accepts roles that allow her to stay close to home. Being a wife and mom is the role that she cherishes most.

Curtis has come to be known and admired for her no nonsense approach to aging. She proudly sports gray hair, and was quoted as saying, "Believe me, none of it works," on the subject of plastic surgery. In a recent interview with "AARP Magazine," she is quoted as saying, "Getting older means paring yourself down to an essential version of yourself." In the same interview, she also said, "I actually think there's an incredible amount of self-knowledge that comes with getting older." She has a great attitude and much insight about aging and has streamlined everything. For the most part, she wears only black and white because it is easy. She only owns one pair of jeans and has given away her jewelry. She believes in function over frivolity.

In addition to being a wonderful actor, Curtis is a writer of critically acclaimed children's books, serves as spokesperson for several children's charities, and even an inventor. She holds a patent for her invention, a diaper with a built-in packet containing wipes that can be removed and used with one hand! However, she will not allow the diaper to be marketed until biodegradable diapers start being sold.

Curtis has been married to actor Christopher Guest since 1984. In 1996 she became Lady Haden-Guest when her husband inherited the Barony of Haden-Guest upon the death of his father. The couple has two adopted children, Anne Haden Guest and Thomas Haden Guest.

Jamie Lee Curtis is a talented and creative, yet a practical and sensible powerhouse, proving that women can and do improve with age.

Learn more about this author, Kim Everett.
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