These 10 Jamie Lee Curtis performances will always remain in the hearts of her fans

Amazon 2025 Upfront - Source: Getty
Amazon 2025 Upfront - Source: Getty

Jamie Lee Curtis is one of those rare actors who has continually been loved from one generation to the next. Beginning as the quintessential "scream queen" in Halloween and then delivering the ultimate performance in 2023 with an Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All At Once, she has truly gifted the world with legendary portrayals.

Can one say it all, from horror to comedy, from drama to action, and yet make each character come alive? Curtis' roles never just narrate a story; they strike a chord with the feelings of the audience.

She has used her stardom for her principles, thus making her more than just a movie star. This article takes a look at her 10 performances that will forever remain in the hearts of fans because she did not act them; she made them unforgettable.


These 10 Jamie Lee Curtis performances will always remain in the hearts of her fans

1. Halloween (1978) – Laurie Strode

Halloween (1978) | Image Source: Compass International Pictures
Halloween (1978) | Image Source: Compass International Pictures

Jamie Lee Curtis earned fame portraying Laurie Strode in Halloween. She portrayed a brave teenager standing up to the masked murderer, Michael Myers. Audiences loved her quiet strength and believability. This performance made her the original "scream queen." She has returned to the series several times over the years, with the most recent appearance in Halloween Ends (2022).

Curtis gave this horror character a full arc, which is a very uncommon feat in this genre. Her bond with the horror fans has never been broken, and Laurie Strode stands as a true icon.


2. True Lies (1994) – Helen Tasker

True Lies (1994) | Image Source: 20th Century Fox
True Lies (1994) | Image Source: 20th Century Fox

True Lies saw Jamie Lee Curtis playing the character of Helen, a bored housewife with no idea that her husband was a spy. The role had a little comedy, a little action, and some vulnerability. Curtis surprised viewers with a bold dance in the hotel room that has gone down as one of her most iconic moments. But she also portrayed a woman gaining confidence and strength again.

Curtis recently said in interviews that she was very proud that she could do most of her own stunts. Helen's transition from housewife to heroine made the role unforgettable and established that Curtis could do both comedy and action.


3. Freaky Friday (2003) – Tess Coleman

Freaky Friday (2003) | Image Source: Walt Disney Pictures
Freaky Friday (2003) | Image Source: Walt Disney Pictures

Jamie Lee Curtis was a genuine talking point in Freaky Friday. As the very serious mom Tess, who swapped bodies with her teenage daughter, her acting was laughable yet highly charged with the energy and heart of frail flesh. Curtis was hilarious and truthful in her portrayals of a teenager, demonstrating her understanding of the younger audience.

The actress herself revealed that this particular role brought her closer to her own children. Repartees with the audience's best are still remembered by the viewers. With the official sequel in preparation, Tess Coleman is going to be famous again.


4. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) – Deirdre Beaubeirdre

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) | Image Source: A24
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) | Image Source: A24

Jamie Lee Curtis took a wild leap with Deirdre in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Instead of a glamorous role, she embraced an unflattering look and strange behavior, showing she’s fearless as an actor. From hotdog fingers to heartbreaking moments of kindness, Deirdre became more than a joke; she became real.

Her performance helped earn the film multiple Oscars, including hers for the very first time. It is, in a way, bold enough to say that she is still growing, and fans consider her as one of the bravest actors of her generation.


5. A Fish Called Wanda (1988) – Wanda Gershwitz

A Fish Called Wanda (1988) | Image Source: MGM / United Artists
A Fish Called Wanda (1988) | Image Source: MGM / United Artists

In "A Fish Called Wanda," Curtis showed the world her abilities besides horror and family films. As Wanda, a graceful thief who fooled everyone while maintaining her cool, she combined charisma with an unmistakable edge to the character, much to the surprise of those who had never seen her in this light. The John Cleese-Curtis scenes have entered comedy legend.

She won a BAFTA for the performance and considers it one of her smartest performances decades later. Wanda was funny, but she was also intelligent, daring, and in complete control. It was a whole new stage for Jamie to become a real comedy force.


6. Knives Out (2019) – Linda Drysdale

Knives Out (2019) | Image Source: Lionsgate Films
Knives Out (2019) | Image Source: Lionsgate Films

In the murder thriller Knives Out, Jamie Lee Curtis portrayed Linda Drysdale, a feisty businesswoman and daughter of the murder victim. Linda was among the greedy family members living with her around the murder victim, and she emerged with a sharp brain and wicked sarcasm.

The movie was a huge success and brought her to a new audience of film lovers. She's talked about how much fun playing the role was and how much she enjoyed the cast. Linda wasn't the leading suspect, but she swiped every scene she was in. Fans adored her commanding presence and glamorous flair.


7. My Girl (1991) – Shelly DeVoto

My Girl (1991) | Image Source: Columbia Pictures
My Girl (1991) | Image Source: Columbia Pictures

Jamie Lee Curtis brought warmth and soothing energy to My Girl as Shelly DeVoto, a make-up artist who becomes part of a grieving family's world. While our central story follows young Vada, Shelly's inclusion brings with it comfort and hope. Curtis imbued her character with gentle strength, showing how kindness heals utterly without big drama.

With Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis had charming chemistry, and audiences delighted in their soft romance developing. Curtis has recently mentioned in published interviews that she felt Shelly's character was based on real people, who stayed strong during difficult times. It's a role that quietly lingers, much like Shelly herself.


8. Trading Places (1983) – Ophelia

Trading Places (1983) | Image Source: Paramount Pictures
Trading Places (1983) | Image Source: Paramount Pictures

The role of the wise-cracking, compassionate prostitute with a smart scheme was something new and different from Jamie Lee Curtis, and she shocked everybody on screen. She stood toe-to-toe with stars like Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, ensuring her performance was as unforgettable as any other star.

The film went on to become a hit, and she went on to win a BAFTA for the film. Later, in 2023, Curtis stated how she continued to feel proud of playing Ophelia, claiming her to be "a survivor with brains and heart." Fans adore how real and fearless she made that character.


9. The Fog (1980) – Elizabeth Solley

The Fog (1980) | Image Source: Compass International Pictures
The Fog (1980) | Image Source: Compass International Pictures

In The Fog, Jamie Lee Curtis once again worked with horror icon John Carpenter as Elizabeth, a hitchhiker caught up in a supernatural mystery. The movie blended supernatural fright with creepy atmosphere. Jamie Lee Curtis wasn't merely appearing to scream; she contributed to the tension with subtle fear and genuine emotion. This film followed Halloween and contributed to her reputation as a favorite in the horror genre.

Even now, horror enthusiasts credit The Fog for its atmosphere and Curtis's relaxed, earthy performance. She went on to describe it as one of her most enjoyable shoots.


10. Scream Queens (2015–2016) – Cathy Munsch

Scream Queens (2015–2016) | Image Source: Fox Television Studios / 20th Century Fox Television
Scream Queens (2015–2016) | Image Source: Fox Television Studios / 20th Century Fox Television

Jamie Lee Curtis returned to horror with a twist in Scream Queens, starring as Dean Cathy Munsch, tough, enigmatic, and slightly deranged. The series blended horror and dark comedy, and Curtis was clearly enjoying herself. She made fun of her "scream queen" heritage and introduced fresh complexity to the role. Her scenes were chic and tended to steal the episode.

Young viewers got to know her through this show, and Curtis was a favorite again. She's mentioned how much she enjoyed working with a new generation of actors. Cathy Munsch is one of her most daring TV characters, and audiences couldn't get enough.


With characters that feel like old friends - brave, funny, emotional, and strong - Jamie Lee Curtis gave them all to us. From horror classics to touching and inspiring family films and award-winning dramas, she showed how immensely impactful it can be when a great actor really comes through with a great performance.

These 10 roles lead us to recall why she will always have a special spot in all of our hearts. Regardless of any genre or decade, the name Jamie Lee Curtis will always stand as a hallmark of true legends.

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Edited by Sroban Ghosh