• Faith: Judaism
• Career: Actress
• Birthday:  November 22, 1958

Jamie Lee Curtis is an actress, producer, and author of children's books. Widely recognized for her work in horror and slasher films, she has earned the title of "scream queen," while also gaining acclaim for her roles in comedy.

Jamie Lee Curtis was born on November 22, 1958, in Santa Monica, California, to Hollywood icons Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis. Her mother, of Danish, German, and Scotch‑Irish descent, and her father, born Bernard Schwartz, the son of Jewish emigrants from Mátészalka, Hungary, gave Curtis a richly diverse cultural heritage.

Her parents divorced in 1962, and her mother later remarried Robert Brandt. Jamie is the younger sister of actress Kelly Curtis (born 1956) and also has several half‑siblings from her father’s later marriages, including Allegra, Alexandra, Benjamin, and Nicholas (who tragically died of an overdose in 1994).

Curtis attended Westlake School (now Harvard-Westlake) and Beverly Hills High School before graduating from Choate Rosemary Hall. She briefly attended the University of the Pacific, intending to major in social work, but left after one semester to pursue acting.

Raised in a show-business family, Curtis initially wanted to become a police officer. A spontaneous audition led to a contract with Universal Studios and the beginning of her acting career.

Curtis’s breakout role came in 1978 as Laurie Strode in the horror classic "Halloween," which earned her the title of "scream queen." She followed this with roles in other horror films such as "The Fog," "Prom Night," "Terror Train," and "Roadgames."

She moved beyond horror with comic performances in "Trading Places," which earned her critical acclaim, and "A Fish Called Wanda," which showcased her versatility. In "Perfect," she gained a reputation as a sex symbol.

Her role in "True Lies" as Helen Tasker earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Curtis also had success on television, winning a Golden Globe for "Anything but Love" and receiving an Emmy nomination for the television movie "Nicholas’ Gift."

Curtis reprised the role of Laurie Strode in multiple "Halloween" sequels, most recently in "Halloween Ends." Other notable recent films include "Freaky Friday," "Knives Out," and "Everything Everywhere All at Once," the last of which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

She also won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2024 for her guest role in the series "The Bear."

Beyond acting, Curtis is a successful author of children's books, several of which became best-sellers.

After becoming a mother, Curtis shifted her focus to commercial work in order to spend more time with her family. She later returned to leading film roles, culminating in her Oscar win.

In 1984, Curtis married actor and filmmaker Christopher Guest. Though she technically holds the title of Baroness Haden-Guest, she chooses not to use it. The couple adopted two daughters: Annie in 1986 and Ruby in 1996. In 2021, Curtis publicly supported Ruby's transition.

Curtis has described motherhood as one of the most meaningful roles of her life and has made family a top priority.

Her relationship with her father, Tony Curtis, was complicated. Although he provided financial support, he was often emotionally distant. Jamie Lee and her siblings have been open about the importance of breaking generational cycles, especially in areas like addiction and parenting.

Curtis overcame a decade-long addiction to Vicodin and alcohol and has been sober for many years. She is now an outspoken advocate for addiction recovery.

Jamie Lee Curtis's Religious Beliefs

Although raised without a religious upbringing, Curtis began to explore her Jewish heritage in adulthood. She took an active role in restoring the Great Synagogue in Budapest and a synagogue in Mátészalka, Hungary, where her grandparents once worshipped. She also attended the opening of a memorial museum and café dedicated to preserving Jewish heritage in that region.

Curtis has expressed deep admiration for Jewish teachings, especially the wisdom of Hillel, whose famous quote—"If I am not for myself, who is for me? When I am for myself, what am I? If not now, when?"—has served as a guiding principle in her life.