Jamie Lee Curtis Thanks Mom For Sparing Her From The Exorcist

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Everyone knows Jamie Lee Curtis from Halloween, but it’s amazing to learn she almost started her career with a different famous horror movie! I always thought Halloween was her first big role, but apparently, things could have gone another way. It’s fascinating to think about how close she was to becoming known for something else entirely.

Jamie Lee Curtis recently shared on The Drew Barrymore Show that she auditioned for the lead role of Regan in the 1973 horror film The Exorcist when she was about 12 years old. The film’s producer, Ray Stark, believed Curtis’s mother, a well-known actress, thought her daughter would be a good fit. However, when Stark asked if Curtis could audition, her mother immediately refused.

Although it could have been a great opportunity, Curtis’s mother decided against letting her audition for the demanding role at just 12 years old. The actress remembered being quite outgoing as a child, and thought that’s why the producer was interested in her. Looking back, she’s grateful her mother made that decision, especially since it was for a horror movie.

He contacted my mom about casting me in the movie The Exorcist. I was around twelve years old then – a bit of a spunky, outgoing kid – and he’d probably noticed me at a party and thought I might be a good fit. But my mom turned down the audition request.

Curtis shared that she feels fortunate her mother prevented her from becoming a child star. She’s grateful her mom let her have a normal childhood, protecting her from the pressures of early fame. She contrasted this with Barrymore’s experience, noting that the actress became famous at a very young age without that same protection.

My mom thankfully made sure I had a normal childhood, something I know you unfortunately missed out on. You simply weren’t given that chance.

Curtis’ mother proved to be right about the casting. Linda Blair, who played Regan, later spoke openly about the difficult experience of making The Exorcist. At just 14 years old during filming, she suffered a fractured spine that led to scoliosis and ongoing pain, as well as depression and struggles with drug use. The film’s success also brought unwanted attention, including stalking and death threats.

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2025-12-28 03:48