‘Had no clue…’: The Deliverance Actress Glenn Close Felt ‘Intrigued’ On Playing A White Woman Living In Black Community For First Time

As an ardent admirer of Glenn Close, I am continually astounded by her unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and avoiding monotony in her illustrious career. Her decision to never repeat herself is not just a professional choice but a testament to her zest for growth and exploration as an artist.


Glenn Close admitted that she was unsure about portraying her character in Netflix’s horror-thriller film The Deliverance, but she welcomed the opportunity as it presented a fresh challenge. With eight Oscar nominations under her belt, Close has strived to avoid playing repetitive roles for her own satisfaction, explaining to PEOPLE that her self-imposed rule is “to never repeat myself; just for my own sake.”

When director Lee Daniels discussed the role of Alberta in “The Deliverance” with Close, she admitted she was unfamiliar with portraying a White woman who has spent her entire life within the Black community and exclusively dated Black men. Alberta, a character who has experienced abuse and in turn became an abuser, discovers a profound spiritual connection with God.

Even though she’s undergoing chemotherapy, Daniels maintains a vibrant zest for life, keeping her lively spirit by sporting eccentric wigs and flirting with the nursing staff. Close said, “When [Daniels] told me that there are women like this in every Black community, I was captivated and wanted to portray her accurately.”

The story centers on a troubled family, led by single mom Ebony (played by Andra Day). She’s grappling with financial difficulties, personal struggles with addiction, and raising her kids. To escape their problems, they relocate to a house in Indiana along with Ebony’s mother Alberta (Close). However, they soon uncover that the new home is haunted by some supernatural force.

A family residing in a house in Indiana encounters unusual, sinister events that lead them and their community to believe the property serves as a gateway to the underworld, according to the plot summary. Speaking with PEOPLE, Day discussed her collaboration with the actress famed for Fatal Attraction. “The way she brought this character to life, and watching her, she’s such an icon,” Day expressed admiration.

Beyond the camera, the real-life mother-daughter duo shared a strong bond, which they refer to as “a deeper connection.” Day underscored that this affection was crucial in navigating some of the heated disagreements portrayed on screen. “We relied on this love, and we certainly have it,” she concluded.

In terms of the relationship between a mother and daughter, Close interprets their significant conflicts as manifestations of an “overwhelming affection” they hold towards each other. This bond is complex due to the fact that both have faced challenges in their lives.

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2024-08-23 20:38