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From the Archives: Anjelica Huston on Modeling, Movie-Making, and a Life in the Spotlight

From the Archives: Anjelica Huston on Modeling, Movie-Making, and a Life in the Spotlight

Update: 2026-02-24
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Anjelica Huston's life story unfolds, beginning with her introduction to Hollywood through her father, director John Huston, and her iconic roles in "Prizzi's Honor" and "The Addams Family." She shares details of her early life, including her mother's influence, her father's wartime filmmaking, and their move to Ireland. Huston recounts her first acting experience at 16, her mother's tragic death, and her subsequent transition to a modeling career in New York. Her relationship with photographer Bob Richardson and her father's disapproval are discussed, leading to a trip to Mexico. After moving to Los Angeles, Huston returned to acting, achieving an Oscar win for "Prizzi's Honor." She reflects on collaborations with directors and actors, the success of "The Addams Family," and her directorial debut with "Bastard Out of Carolina," expressing a particular fondness for working with children.

Outlines

00:00:00
Early Life and Hollywood Roots

Anjelica Huston's introduction to Hollywood, her Oscar-winning role in "Prizzi's Honor," and iconic performances in "The Addams Family." Her upbringing as director John Huston's daughter, relationship with Jack Nicholson, and early exposure to the arts are discussed.

00:05:41
Family History and Relocation

John Huston's WWII documentary work, conflicts with the War Department, and the family's move to Ireland due to McCarthyism. Details of Anjelica's birth during the filming of "The African Queen" in Africa, her mother's travels, and their time in France are shared.

00:08:36
Personal Challenges and Career Beginnings

The difficulties of keeping up with John Huston's lifestyle and the impact of her mother's death at 16. Anjelica's reflections on her relationship with her father after "A Walk with Love and Death" and her early theater work in London.

00:12:33
Transition to Modeling and New York

Anjelica's move to New York following her mother's death, where she began a modeling career with the help of influential photographers. Her relationship with photographer Bob Richardson and their artistic collaboration are detailed.

00:16:41
Relationship Dynamics and Los Angeles

John Huston's disapproval of Anjelica's relationship with Bob Richardson leads to a trip to Mexico, touching upon Dr. Max Jacobson's controversial practices. The eventual breakup with Richardson and her move to Los Angeles to live with her father, finding solace in the Palisades.

00:21:26
Return to Acting and Major Successes

Anjelica's decision to return to acting, leading to her Oscar-winning role in "Prizzi's Honor." Her reflections on working with directors and actors, the success of "The Addams Family," and the challenging production of "Cat in the Hat." Fond memories of Raul Julia and her collaboration with Jack Nicholson are shared.

00:46:16
Directorial Aspirations

Anjelica Huston discusses her transition into directing, starting with "Bastard Out of Carolina," and her passion for the filmmaking process, particularly her enjoyment of working with children.

Keywords

Anjelica Huston


American-British actress and former fashion model, known for "Prizzi's Honor" and "The Addams Family."

John Huston


Legendary filmmaker and father of Anjelica Huston, known for directing classics.

Prizzi's Honor


Film that earned Anjelica Huston an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Hollywood upbringing


Anjelica Huston's early life and experiences within the film industry due to her father's career.

Modeling career


Anjelica Huston's transition from fashion modeling to acting.

Directorial debut


Anjelica Huston's first experience directing, specifically "Bastard Out of Carolina."

Jack Nicholson


Actor and long-term partner of Anjelica Huston, co-star in "Prizzi's Honor."

The Addams Family


Successful film adaptation featuring Anjelica Huston in an iconic role.

Q&A

  • What was Anjelica Huston's first film experience?

    Anjelica Huston's first film experience was in "A Walk with Love and Death" in 1968, when she was 16 years old.

  • How did Anjelica Huston's mother influence her artistic development?

    Her mother exposed Anjelica to various art forms, shaping her artistic sensibilities from a young age.

  • What was the significance of "Prizzi's Honor" in Anjelica Huston's career?

    "Prizzi's Honor" earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and significantly boosted her acting career.

  • How did John Huston react to Anjelica's relationship with Bob Richardson?

    John Huston was initially horrified by the age difference and Richardson's history but later softened his stance.

  • What was Anjelica Huston's experience directing "Bastard Out of Carolina"?

    Anjelica Huston loved the directing process, especially working with child actors.

Show Notes

Anjelica Huston has lived many lives, all with grace and charisma. As the daughter of John Huston (director of The African QueenThe Maltese Falcon, and more) she was movie royalty from birth. But she grew up in rural Ireland and went to high school in Swinging-Sixties London. That meant she developed a set of values far removed from Hollywood high society. Her first career was as a high-end fashion model, a favorite subject of Richard Avedon and later a muse of Halston. But she had always wanted to be a movie actress, and she spent time in the trenches, working on her craft in classes and smaller roles before her Oscar-winning turn in Prizzi's Honor. Right as she was leaving the photo studio for the movie studio, she met Jack Nicholson: "he made me laugh," she tells Alec. The couple defined Hollywood cool for almost two decades. Huston tells Alec the story of all of her transitions -- romantic, professional, and geographic. Her two wonderful memoirs are A Story Lately Told and Watch Me.

Originally aired April 7th, 2020.

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From the Archives: Anjelica Huston on Modeling, Movie-Making, and a Life in the Spotlight

From the Archives: Anjelica Huston on Modeling, Movie-Making, and a Life in the Spotlight

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