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
I think she regretted turning down the Rose role from Titanic after seeing what impact had the movie 🙂
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I actually like her center parted long straight hair (From Romeo and Juliet) the best
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Hi Citrine,
I like that style on her too. It’s simple and elegant.
I do love how she looks as a blonde, but Angela Chase holds a special place in my heart. Crimson Glow forever!
Hi Nicole,
LOL! 🙂
Actually 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.
Hi Landwhale,
Wow, good trivia fun fact to know!
I 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.
Hi Jay,
Neil Gaiman is cool. Which book is your fave?
I like how chic and sleek her hair looks for #8 but a love number #5 as well during her My So Called Life Years.
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Hi Amy,
I am so bummed that I finished the series! I am dying to know what happens to the characters.
Hm, 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.
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Hi Alyssa,
Yah, it was a long time ago!
1 and 3. Haha 7 look so fun. When did she have that hair?
-meream
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Hi Meream,
She looks really young in the pic — I’m guessing the Romeo + Juliet era? That hairstyle seems very late 90s.
How 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.
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Hi Marce,
I’m a fan of #8 too. It almost looks like she has some dual color action going on, too, which I like.
I 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!)
Hi Alison,
I love him when he’s not wearing eyeliner. I dunno, I just can’t get over dudes wearing makeup!
I 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.
Hi Mariah,
No. 4 is super cute! Are you gonna go that light?
I 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.
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Omg,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.
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I thought T3 was descent at least.
What did you think of T4?
For me I don’t really mind the eyeliner on him or on johnny depp, but only those two!