Jamie Lee Curtis’ Hollywood Roots: The Legacy of Her Parents, Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis, Oscar-winning actress and self-proclaimed “OG nepo baby,” comes from a legacy of true Hollywood royalty — her parents, Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis. Born in 1958, Curtis grew up in the shadow of two of the most iconic actors of their generation, whose talent, charisma, and ambition shaped both her life and career.

Janet Leigh, remembered for her unforgettable performance in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, and Tony Curtis, celebrated for classics like The Defiant Ones and Some Like It Hot, married in 1951 and welcomed two daughters: Kelly Curtis in 1956 and Jamie Lee in 1958. Although their marriage ended in divorce in 1962, Curtis has often expressed gratitude that she was “born from love and not resentment.”

In 2023, she honored her parents at the Screen Actors Guild Awards by wearing her mother’s wedding ring — a poignant reminder of her roots during a career-defining moment that included her first Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Who Are Jamie Lee Curtis’ Parents?

Jamie Lee Curtis’ parents were Hollywood icons Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis. Leigh, born Jeanette Helen Morrison in California, became a leading actress of the 1950s and ’60s, starring in films such as Touch of Evil, The Manchurian Candidate, and her Golden Globe–winning performance in Psycho. She passed away in 2004 after a remarkable 50-year career.

Tony Curtis, born Bernard Schwartz in New York to Hungarian immigrant parents, starred in over 150 films, including Sweet Smell of Success and The Defiant Ones, earning an Oscar nomination in 1959. Known for his magnetic screen presence and personal charm, he remained active in Hollywood until his death in 2010.

Though their marriage lasted only 11 years, the couple’s shared fame and artistic drive profoundly influenced their daughters’ lives, particularly Jamie Lee’s path into acting.

The Marriage and Family Life of Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis

Tony Curtis married Janet Leigh in 1951, marking the start of what seemed to be Hollywood’s golden couple era. Leigh had been married twice before, while Curtis was embarking on his first marriage. The two appeared together in films like Houdini (1953) and The Vikings (1958), showcasing both their chemistry and star power.

They had two daughters — Kelly, who also pursued acting, and Jamie Lee. Despite their eventual split in 1962, Curtis and Leigh maintained careers that kept them in the public eye for decades. Curtis went on to marry five more times, while Leigh found lasting companionship with stockbroker Robert Brandt until her death.

How Jamie Lee Curtis Honors Her Parents’ Legacy

Jamie Lee Curtis frequently speaks about her parents’ influence, both personally and professionally. In acceptance speeches, social media posts, and interviews, she reflects on their beauty, ambition, and work ethic. She acknowledges the complexities of their personal lives — including the divorces — while emphasizing the love that brought her into the world.

Curtis’ decision to wear her mother’s wedding ring at the SAG Awards symbolized a bridge between generations, honoring not just her parents’ legacy in Hollywood, but the foundation they built for her own career.

Career Highlights of Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis

• Tony Curtis: Known for The Defiant Ones (Oscar nomination), Some Like It Hot (ranked AFI’s #1 comedy), Spartacus, and Operation Petticoat.

• Janet Leigh: Starred in Psycho, Touch of Evil, The Manchurian Candidate, and Bye Bye Birdie. Won a Golden Globe for Psycho and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Their combined achievements left a lasting mark on Hollywood’s Golden Age, inspiring a generation of actors — including their daughter.

Philanthropy and Personal Values

Outside of acting, Janet Leigh dedicated herself to charitable causes, co-founding the SHARE organization, which has raised over $50 million for children’s charities. Jamie Lee has followed in her footsteps, supporting causes such as the Special Olympics and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles through her initiative My Hand in Yours.

Jamie Lee Curtis’ story is more than just a tale of celebrity lineage — it’s a testament to the enduring influence of two Hollywood legends, Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, whose legacies continue to shine through their daughter’s life and work.

You Must Know:

Who were Jamie Lee Curtis’ parents?
Her parents were Janet Leigh, best known for Psycho, and Tony Curtis, famous for The Defiant Ones and Some Like It Hot.

When did Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis marry and divorce?
They married in 1951 and divorced in 1962 after 11 years together.

Did Jamie Lee Curtis’ sister also act?
Yes, Kelly Curtis, born in 1956, also pursued an acting career.

What awards did Jamie Lee Curtis’ parents win?
Janet Leigh won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar. Tony Curtis was nominated for an Oscar and starred in several AFI-ranked films.

What philanthropic work was Janet Leigh involved in?
She co-founded the SHARE organization, raising millions for children’s charities.