Through the magic of Hulu, I’ve been watching old episodes of My So-Called Life, the mid-’90s TV show that made Claire Catherine Danes (born April 12, 1979) a star.
Claire was just 15 years old when she landed the role of Angela Chase on the show, which fans loved for its authenticity, but her work was short-lived as the show only lasted a season. Despite the short run, it earned her an Emmy nomination and won her a Golden Globe.
Life as a teenage actress led to her first onscreen kiss, which incidentally occurred before her first one in real life. NOTE: I wouldn’t complain if 1) my first kiss was with Jordan Catalano and 2) they paid me to do it, haaaay.
After the show ended, Claire’s career took off, with roles in more than two dozen films, including Little Women, Romeo + Juliet (with Leonardo) and more recently Stardust, opposite Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro.
FUN FACT: Claire turned down the role of Rose Dewitt Bukater in Titanic, which later went to Kate Winslet.
On a bizarre note, Claire is a bit notorious among Filipinos as a result of remarks that appeared in a 1998 article for Vogue. Claire’s comments led to her being declared persona non-grata by the government of the country.
I still remember the e-mails from my mom with the subject line, “BAN CLAIRE DANES!!!” and thinking, “What the heck did Angela Chase get herself into?”
While I forgive her for her comments about my birthplace (she was just 19 at the time), as a die-hard Terminator fan, I’ll NEVER forgive her for Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, bluh! 🙂
Loading ...Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Tavia says
October 28th, 2009 at 9:41 amI think she regretted turning down the Rose role from Titanic after seeing what impact had the movie 🙂
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… La Prairie Life Threads – Silver, Gold & Platinum – Perfume Collection – Fall 2009 =-.
Citrine says
October 28th, 2009 at 10:44 amI actually like her center parted long straight hair (From Romeo and Juliet) the best
.-= Citrine’s last blog post… Sally Hansen Natural Beaty Powder Blush =-.
Karen says
October 28th, 2009 at 4:33 pmHi Citrine,
I like that style on her too. It’s simple and elegant.
Nicole says
October 28th, 2009 at 10:51 amI do love how she looks as a blonde, but Angela Chase holds a special place in my heart. Crimson Glow forever!
Karen says
October 28th, 2009 at 4:33 pmHi Nicole,
LOL! 🙂
landwhale says
October 28th, 2009 at 11:26 amActually Clair Danes was only about 13 or so when she landed the role and 13-15 when she filmed the episodes. She played a girl older than herself. That was what was so incredible about her performance. My so called Life aired in 1994 but was filmed earlier. Eitherway she looks terrible when her hair is too light because she is so pale. I like her best as a brunette/redhead.
Karen says
October 28th, 2009 at 4:32 pmHi Landwhale,
Wow, good trivia fun fact to know!
Jay says
October 28th, 2009 at 11:36 amI love Claire Dane ever since My So Called Life. I really enjoyed watching Stardust. I wonder what happen to the guy that played Tristan. I haven’t seen him in any other movie since. The movie really capture the essence of the book by Neil Gaiman.
Karen says
October 28th, 2009 at 4:30 pmHi Jay,
Neil Gaiman is cool. Which book is your fave?
amy says
October 28th, 2009 at 11:37 amI like how chic and sleek her hair looks for #8 but a love number #5 as well during her My So Called Life Years.
.-= amy’s last blog post… LOTD Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in 76 Ming Swatch on Lips and Review =-.
Karen says
October 28th, 2009 at 4:29 pmHi Amy,
I am so bummed that I finished the series! I am dying to know what happens to the characters.
Alyssa says
October 28th, 2009 at 12:04 pmHm, didn’t know about the Filipino controversy before…and I’m Filipina! I’m guessing it’s because my mom didn’t catch it on the news or else I’d be banned from watching her films, haha.
.-= Alyssa’s last blog post… Crazy Week =-.
Karen says
October 28th, 2009 at 4:27 pmHi Alyssa,
Yah, it was a long time ago!
All Women Stalker says
October 28th, 2009 at 12:57 pm1 and 3. Haha 7 look so fun. When did she have that hair?
-meream
.-= All Women Stalker’s last blog post… 37 Celebrities Caught Smoking … =-.
Karen says
October 28th, 2009 at 4:24 pmHi Meream,
She looks really young in the pic — I’m guessing the Romeo + Juliet era? That hairstyle seems very late 90s.
Marce says
October 28th, 2009 at 1:17 pmHow young does she look in #5 and #7! I vote for number 8, her hair looks shiny and healthy, and it doens’t hurt that the cut really flatters her.
.-= Marce’s last blog post… Nivea Star Fruits Labello – Review & Swatch =-.
Karen says
October 28th, 2009 at 4:25 pmHi Marce,
I’m a fan of #8 too. It almost looks like she has some dual color action going on, too, which I like.
Alison says
October 28th, 2009 at 2:07 pmI used to love my so called life! I had a major crush on Jared Leto (actually still do, he looks so hot in the music videos for 30 seconds to mars!)
Karen says
October 28th, 2009 at 4:22 pmHi Alison,
I love him when he’s not wearing eyeliner. I dunno, I just can’t get over dudes wearing makeup!
Mariah says
October 28th, 2009 at 2:32 pmI like all her hairstyles, and I think I’m going to bring #4 to the salon to get something similar. LOL, although she’s totally my boyfriend’s celeb crush.
Karen says
October 28th, 2009 at 4:21 pmHi Mariah,
No. 4 is super cute! Are you gonna go that light?
amy says
October 28th, 2009 at 5:51 pmI agree Karen, I always wonder if the series went on if Jordan and Angela would last or fizzle out. We should rally for a 15 years later reunion movie. I wish I can find this series in a DVD set.
.-= amy’s last blog post… Guerlain Tsarina Ombre Eclat 4 Couleurs Palette #406 Swatches and Review =-.
Anh says
October 29th, 2009 at 8:46 amOmg,I didn’t know she said that about the Philippines. Being 19 is no excuse. I’m on Team Karen’s Mom on this one.
.-= Anh’s last blog post… Cavewoman Costume- How To =-.
Martha says
October 29th, 2009 at 9:00 amI thought T3 was descent at least.
What did you think of T4?
Alison says
October 29th, 2009 at 1:01 pmFor me I don’t really mind the eyeliner on him or on johnny depp, but only those two!