Jessica Lange’s illustrious acting career, marked by her performances in “American Horror Story” and “Tootsie,” has garnered her widespread recognition. Similarly, her late ex-fiancé was also a notable figure within the entertainment industry.
Insight into Sam Shepard: Jessica Lange’s Acclaimed Ex-Fiancé
Sam Shepard, born on November 5, 1943, in Fort Sheridan, Illinois, was an American playwright, actor, author, screenwriter, and director whose work is celebrated on both the stage and screen.
Sam’s legacy is particularly tied to his contributions to Broadway, with plays such as “Buried Child,” “Curse of the Starving Class,” and “True West” to his name.
His motion-picture performances include roles in “Steel Magnolias,” “The Pelican Brief,” “Black Hawk Down,” and “August: Osage County.”
In 1984, he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “The Right Stuff,” although he did not win the Oscar, which went to Jack Nicholson for “Terms of Endearment.”
Sam began a relationship with Jessica Lange, his co-star in the film “Frances,” in 1982. They worked together again in “Country,” “Don’t Come Knocking,” and “Crimes of the Heart.”
By December 1983, the couple was engaged, and although they never married, their partnership lasted until 2009.
Regarding Jessica, Sam mentioned to The Guardian, “We’re definitely an incredible match. But, you know, not without fireworks… I’d never met anybody like her. She was astounding.”
“One of the great things about her, aside from her natural beauty, which was remarkable, was her humbleness,” he added.
Jessica Lange and Sam Shepard’s Shared Parenthood
Their union resulted in the birth of two children, a daughter named Hannah and a son named Samuel. Lange also has an older daughter named Aleksandra from her previous relationship with Mikhail Baryshnikov.
In addition, Sam Shepard had an older son, Jesse, from his marriage to his former wife O-Lan Jones.
The End of Sam Shepard’s Journey: His Cause of Death
At the age of 73, on July 27, 2017, Sam Shepard succumbed to complications from ALS. His representative confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his home in Kentucky, surrounded by family members.
Conclusion
Sam Shepard’s life and legacy as a multifaceted artist and his nearly three-decade relationship with Jessica Lange have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. His theatrical works and screen performances have influenced countless artists, while his relationship with Lange remains a testament to a powerful partnership in Hollywood. Despite their separation and Shepard’s eventual passing in 2017, his contributions to the arts continue to resonate with audiences and colleagues alike.