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Curtis: Mom saved me from horror at 12
28 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Curtis almost auditioned for 'The Exorcist' at age 12.
- Her mother, Janet Leigh, prevented the audition.
- Curtis later found fame in horror films like 'Halloween'.
Jamie Lee Curtis recently shared a pivotal childhood memory that shaped her illustrious film career. Speaking on The Drew Barrymore Show, Curtis disclosed that a producer once sought her for a role in the renowned horror film 'The Exorcist' when she was just 12 years old. Her mother, actress Janet Leigh, however, declined the opportunity, ensuring Curtis had a protected childhood.
Curtis expressed gratitude for her mother's decision, contrasting it with the early start of child actors like Drew Barrymore. While Linda Blair ultimately portrayed the role in 'The Exorcist,' earning an Oscar nomination, Curtis embarked on her own horror legacy. She achieved significant fame at 19 with the 1978 film 'Halloween'.
This early brush with horror ultimately paved the way for Curtis's enduring career in the genre. She went on to star in numerous successful horror films, including 'The Fog' and 'Prom Night,' and recently reprised her iconic role as Laurie Strode in 'Halloween Ends' in 2022, solidifying her status as a horror film legend.
