There’s no denying that stars like Elizabeth Ashley don’t come around often. Since her Broadway debut with Robert Redford six decades ago in The Highest Tree, and their unforgettable 1963 follow-up Barefoot in the Park, Ashley has carved out a legacy as one of the most dynamic actresses of her time. The Tony-winning performer is not only celebrated for her incredible roles in films like the chilling 1978 thriller Coma and TV hits such as her 1990-1994 sitcom Evening Shade (which earned her an Emmy nomination), but also for her unforgettable personality.
When asked about her famous raspy Louisiana drawl, Ashley had a lot to say. "Well, I’m flattered, shocked, and just a little embarrassed to hear that my personality is so well-regarded!" she told Closer Weekly in an exclusive interview. "Growing up in the South, we had this tradition of conversation being a kind of blood sport. Back then, before political correctness took over, I always leaned into being a bit of a rebel. And I still do!"
Her spirit of rebellion, combined with the unwavering support of her son Christian, 51, has helped her overcome some of life’s toughest challenges, including an abusive marriage to her second husband, George Peppard, and a nervous breakdown. As her Groundhog Day-style comedy series Russian Doll premiered on Netflix in February, Closer Weekly caught up with Ashley to talk about her remarkable life and what the future holds as she approaches her 80th birthday this summer. "At my age, if you're still walking and talking, people think you've had a brilliant career," she joked. "But hey, the important thing is you're still here!"
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Scroll down for our exclusive Q&A with Elizabeth!
Russian Doll: A New Chapter
When asked how she ended up in the critically acclaimed Russian Doll, Ashley shared, "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure how it all came about, but I have a sneaking suspicion it was thanks to Natasha Lyonne. We had an incredible conversation at Lou Reed's memorial back in 2013. I’m thrilled to be part of such an original project that’s resonating so strongly with audiences."
A Legacy on Screen
While many fans may know her best from Evening Shade, Ashley’s career spans decades of unforgettable performances. "I adored working on Evening Shade!" she reminisced. "I met Burt Reynolds way back in our struggling actor days in New York, hanging out in some dingy bar where all the dreamers gathered. He was living in a tiny room with Rip Torn and, I think, Bruce Dern. Burt was such a loyal, kind, and brilliant man. I miss him dearly."
