Actress Piper Laurie is experiencing one of the most remarkable years in her nearly seven-decade career. She stars alongside Matthew McConaughey and Bruce Dern in the big-screen biopic White Boy Rick, while her performance in the indie drama Snapshots earned her top honors at film festivals worldwide. Yet, success isn't new to the 86-year-old star. Since her 1950 film debut opposite Ronald Reagan in Louisa, she's garnered three Oscar nominations for her roles in The Hustler, Children of a Lesser God, and, most memorably, as the terrifying mother in Carrie. However, fans might be surprised to learn that she overcame a challenging childhood, including an anxiety disorder that left her unable to communicate as a child.

“I’ve faced tough times, but I’ve also been incredibly fortunate,” Piper exclusively shared with Closer Weekly in the magazine’s latest issue, now available on newsstands. In this exclusive Q&A, Piper opens up about her early experiences with Ronald Reagan, her relationships with her daughter Anna and co-stars, and why she's "not frightened often by anything. Either I've been through it before, or I just know I will survive!"

Piper in the '50s. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

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Back in the Spotlight: Piper Laurie's Remarkable Comeback

At 86, Piper Laurie is proving that age is just a number. Opportunities for older actors are rare, but Piper has been incredibly lucky. Her role in White Boy Rick was a delightful experience. Playing the grandmother of the title character alongside Bruce Dern and portraying the mother of the charming Matthew McConaughey made the project especially enjoyable. Despite the heavy subject matter of drug dealing, Piper found joy in the process. Immediately after, she took on a more substantial role in Snapshots, a film made on a shoestring budget, yet it earned her four leading actress awards. "My parents would scold me for bragging, but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished," she says with a smile.

A Lifetime of Achievements

In 2017, Piper received a lifetime achievement award, an honor that, while humbling, also reminded her of the passage of time. "It’s a bit scary, but it’s wonderful to be appreciated while I’m still alive," she reflects with gratitude.

Working with Legends: Memories of Paul Newman and More

Throughout her career, Piper collaborated with some of Hollywood's most iconic figures. Paul Newman, her co-star in The Hustler, was a true gentleman. "He’s the best, a real mensch," she recalls fondly. Even today, she keeps him close by using his salad dressing, a small but meaningful tribute to their time together.

Her experiences with Rock Hudson in Has Anybody Seen My Gal were equally memorable. They shared laughter and camaraderie, and he introduced her to the circus when she was just 18. Their screen test at Universal marked the beginning of a long and storied career.

James Garner: A Memorable Partnership

Piper's collaboration with James Garner in the 1986 TV movie Promise earned her an Emmy. When asked about working with him, she beams, "He was terrific." Though he declined her invitation to perform in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, citing fear of returning to the stage after years away, their partnership remains a cherished memory.

A Complicated Legacy: Working with Sissy Spacek

Piper's dynamic with Sissy Spacek on Carrie was less harmonious, with limited off-screen interaction until the project concluded. However, when Piper brought her young daughter to set on the final day, Sissy was enchanted. This connection may have inspired Sissy to start her own family. Their paths crossed again in The Grass Harp, where Piper played Sissy's sister instead of her mother, allowing for a delightful role reversal.