Even though Janet Leigh passed away in October 2004 at the age of 77 due to vasculitis, her impact on the world continues through her two remarkable daughters — Kelly Curtis, now 63, and Jamie Lee Curtis, 61. Her legacy lives on not just in their lives but in the hearts of fans who remember her as one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses.
Closer Weekly recently sat down with Janet’s oldest daughter, Kelly Curtis, who shared some of the most profound lessons she learned from her mother. “She taught me to be grateful for the life and gifts that God has given me,” Kelly revealed in an exclusive interview. “She emphasized that compassion, self-reliance, courage, and humility are the greatest human qualities to strive for and live by.” These values shaped not only Kelly but also her younger sister, Jamie Lee, who often talks about how much their mother influenced them both.
Janet wasn’t just a beautiful actress; she was a force of nature. Jamie Lee once described her mother to HuffPost as someone whose beauty was “undeniably intoxicating.” And it wasn’t just her looks—it was her spirit. “Her face was undeniably beautiful. She was intoxicating,” Jamie said, capturing the essence of what made Janet so unforgettable.
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Janet Leigh’s journey in love started with Tony Curtis, an aspiring actor who was captivated by her beauty at a party. In Janet Leigh: A Biography, Tony recalled, “Her face was exquisite. It just devastated me to look at this woman.” Janet, on the other hand, was equally smitten by Tony’s charm. They tied the knot in 1951, and for over a decade, their union seemed like a fairytale come true. However, as their careers soared, so did the pressures of fame. By 1962, their marriage had dissolved, leaving both parties heartbroken.
Jamie Lee Curtis has spoken candidly about her parents’ relationship, recalling in More magazine, “My parents’ bond had deteriorated precipitously as their stardom grew. And like any other save-the-marriage baby, I failed.” Tony eventually left Janet for Taras Bulba co-star Christine Kaufmann, who was just 17 years old at the time. Their marriage didn’t last long, ending in divorce in 1968. Tony went on to marry four more times before passing away in 2010 from congestive heart failure.
Despite the heartbreak, Janet found love again with stockbroker Robert Brandt. They married in 1962, and he remained by her side until her passing. Robert provided Janet with the stability and support she needed during one of the most challenging periods of her life. He became a crucial part of her world, helping her navigate the complexities of motherhood and career.