Jamie Lee Curtis’ Age in Freaky Friday: How Old She Was When She Played Tess Coleman

When Freaky Friday hit theaters in August 2003, audiences fell in love with the comedic chemistry between Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. The body-swap comedy, a remake of the 1976 classic, became an instant family favorite, thanks in large part to Curtis’ sharp wit and heartfelt performance as Tess Coleman — a mother who finds herself living in her teenage daughter’s shoes for a day. But how old was Jamie Lee Curtis when she stepped into this now-iconic role?

Jamie Lee Curtis was 44 years old during the filming of Freaky Friday. Principal photography took place in late 2002, and Curtis — born on November 22, 1958 — brought both maturity and comedic timing to the role. At the time, she was already an established Hollywood star, known for her work in Halloween, True Lies, and A Fish Called Wanda, making her casting as the quirky yet relatable mom a perfect fit.

How Old Was Jamie Lee Curtis in Freaky Friday?

Jamie Lee Curtis’ age during Freaky Friday is an interesting piece of movie trivia for fans of the beloved Disney film. She was 44 years old at the time of filming and turned 45 shortly after production wrapped. Her portrayal of Tess Coleman not only required comedic skill but also emotional depth — especially in scenes where she had to convincingly embody a 15-year-old’s mindset after swapping bodies with Anna (played by Lindsay Lohan).

Curtis wasn’t the first choice for the role — the part was originally offered to Annette Bening, who dropped out just days before filming began. Curtis, stepping in on short notice, quickly made the role her own. Her age at the time was notable because it gave her a real-world maternal presence while still allowing her to play the energetic, body-swapped teenager with authenticity.

Why Jamie Lee Curtis’ Age Was Perfect for the Role

At 44, Jamie Lee Curtis was in a sweet spot for the Tess Coleman character — old enough to play a seasoned parent yet young enough to handle the physical comedy and quick-paced humor. This balance allowed the movie to resonate with both parents and teenagers, contributing to its long-lasting appeal.

Her performance also won critical acclaim, with many praising her ability to fully embrace the teenage mannerisms needed for the body-swap scenes. This duality — maturity mixed with playful energy — is part of what made Freaky Friday stand out among other family comedies of the early 2000s.

How Curtis’ Age Compares to Lindsay Lohan’s in the Film

While Jamie Lee Curtis was 44 during filming, Lindsay Lohan was just 16 when cameras rolled in late 2002. Their real-life age gap — 28 years — was ideal for portraying a believable mother-daughter relationship.

Interestingly, in the 2025 sequel Freakier Friday, Curtis is now in her mid-60s, while Lohan plays a 37-year-old mother herself, creating a multi-generational twist on the original body-swap premise. This mirrors real life once again, as the sequel takes place 22 years after the original film, aligning almost exactly with the actors’ actual ages.

Jamie Lee Curtis’ Career at 44

By the time she starred in Freaky Friday, Curtis had been acting for over two decades. She had already earned the nickname “The Scream Queen” for her horror film roles but had also proven herself in comedy and drama. At 44, she was at the height of her versatility, able to transition seamlessly between genres.

Freaky Friday became one of her most commercially successful films of the 2000s and introduced her to a new generation of fans. The role also earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, proving that age was no barrier to delivering one of the most memorable performances of her career.

What’s Next for Jamie Lee Curtis After Freaky Friday

Jamie Lee Curtis continues to enjoy a celebrated Hollywood career. Since Freaky Friday, she has appeared in blockbuster hits like Knives Out and the revived Halloween trilogy, as well as writing best-selling children’s books.

With Freakier Friday now in theaters, Curtis once again reunites with Lohan to bring fans a fresh twist on the body-swap formula. Her age today — 66 — brings even more gravitas to her performance, proving that her comedic and dramatic skills have only sharpened with time.

Jamie Lee Curtis was 44 years old when she filmed Freaky Friday, and that casting decision remains one of the key reasons the film still resonates today. Her blend of maturity, humor, and youthful energy made Tess Coleman unforgettable, and her return in Freakier Friday is a nostalgic full-circle moment for fans.

You Must Know:

How old was Jamie Lee Curtis in Freaky Friday?
Jamie Lee Curtis was 44 years old when filming began in late 2002. She turned 45 shortly after production wrapped.

Who was originally cast as Tess Coleman before Jamie Lee Curtis?
The role was initially given to Annette Bening, who exited the project shortly before filming, leading Curtis to step in.

How much older is Jamie Lee Curtis than Lindsay Lohan?
Curtis is 28 years older than Lohan, which made their on-screen mother-daughter dynamic believable.

Did Jamie Lee Curtis win awards for Freaky Friday?
She was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her performance.

Is Jamie Lee Curtis in Freakier Friday?
Yes, she reprises her role in the 2025 sequel alongside Lindsay Lohan.