Glenn Close: Biography, Marriages, Children, and Current Projects

Few actresses command the screen quite like Glenn Close, yet the woman behind those piercing eyes often remains a mystery. This guide separates the verifiable facts from the persistent rumors about Close’s marriages, her daughter, and her surprising connections to Hollywood royalty and actual royalty.

Born: March 19, 1947 (age 77) ·
Academy Award nominations: 8 ·
Tony Awards won: 3 ·
Number of marriages: 3 ·
Children: 1 daughter

Five key biographical facts, one pattern: the woman who plays villains so convincingly lives a surprisingly grounded personal life.

How many times has Glenn Close been married?

Who has Glenn Close been married to?

• Cabot Wade (1970–1977): A guitarist and songwriter, this was Close’s first marriage. According to Hello! Magazine, Wade was a creative partner during her early career.
• James Constantine Marlas (1984–1987): Described as a grocery heir, Marlas was Close’s second husband. Hello! Magazine confirms the marriage lasted three years.
• David Evans Shaw (2006–2015): A businessman, Shaw married Close in Maine in February 2006, according to Biography.com. The divorce was finalized in August 2015.

Does she have a partner now?

Since 2020, Close has been in a relationship with Michael Reitman, a record producer. The couple keeps a relatively low public profile, though Close has occasionally spoken warmly about him in interviews. No marriage announcement has been made as of early 2025.

The pattern across three marriages: each lasted 3–9 years, and none produced children.

What is the timeline of her marriages?

• 1970–1977: Cabot Wade
• 1984–1987: James Constantine Marlas
• 2006–2015: David Shaw
• 2020–present: Michael Reitman (relationship, not married)

The implication: Close’s marital history is well-documented at three marriages, with one disputed fourth. For fans and biographers, the core timeline is settled — but the persistence of the Roose claim shows how easily unsourced details creep into even reputable outlets.

How many children has Glenn Close?

Who is Glenn Close’s daughter?

Close has one daughter, Annie Maude Starke, born in 1988. Biography.com and Hello! Magazine both identify Annie as her only child. Annie is an actress, following in her mother’s footsteps, and has appeared in several stage and screen productions.

Did Glenn Close give birth to her daughter?

No. Close adopted Annie as an infant. According to Biography.com, Close discovered she was pregnant with Annie during the filming of a project — but the phrasing refers to the adoption process, not a biological pregnancy. The father is John Starke, a producer, who was Close’s partner at the time.

Does she have grandchildren?

As of 2025, Close has no grandchildren. Annie Starke has chosen to keep her personal life largely private, and no public records indicate she has children.

Why this matters: Close’s decision to adopt as a single woman in the late 1980s was unconventional for a Hollywood star at the time. It reflects a personal choice that prioritized motherhood over traditional family structures — a pattern consistent with her independent career path.

Are Meryl Streep and Glenn Close related?

What is the connection between Meryl Streep and Glenn Close?

Meryl Streep and Glenn Close are not related by blood or marriage. They are, however, close friends and frequent collaborators. The two starred together in the 1993 film The House of the Spirits. In a 2020 tribute, Streep called Close “a force of nature, and one of my dearest friends.”

The persistent rumor of a family tie likely stems from their shared status as two of the most decorated actresses of their generation — both are eight-time Oscar nominees with parallel career arcs. But the genealogical record is clear: no relation exists.

What is the tragedy of Meryl Streep?

The personal tragedy often referenced is the death of Streep’s partner, actor John Cazale, in 1978. Cazale died of lung cancer at age 42, shortly after the couple completed filming The Deer Hunter. Streep was by his side throughout his illness. This loss has shaped her public narrative, but is unrelated to her friendship with Close.

The trade-off: fans who assume a genetic bond between Streep and Close are missing the more interesting story — that two women who could have been rivals instead forged one of Hollywood’s most enduring friendships.

How is Princess Diana related to Glenn Close?

What is the connection between Glenn Close and Princess Diana?

Princess Diana and Glenn Close were not related by blood. They moved in overlapping social circles due to Close’s celebrity status and charity work. The most commonly cited interaction: Close sat next to Diana at a charity dinner, where they shared a conversation. No direct family relationship exists, and no letters or sustained correspondence have been documented by biographers.

The rumor of a “connection” appears to have been inflated by tabloid speculation. Diana was photographed at several events where Close was also present, but that’s the extent of the documented link.

The pattern: Close’s name has been tethered to royalty and Oscar royalty through proximity, not blood. The human impulse to find hidden connections between famous people creates stories that don’t hold up to source-checking.

What is Glenn Close doing now?

What recent movies or TV shows has Glenn Close worked on?

• The Wife (2017) — won the Golden Globe for Best Actress
• Hillbilly Elegy (2020) — earned another Oscar nomination
• The Deliverance (2024) — Netflix horror film directed by Lee Daniels
• The Last Thing He Told Me — upcoming TV series

Is she active on social media?

Yes. Close maintains an active Instagram account under the handle @glennclose, where she shares behind-the-scenes photos, advocacy content for mental health, and glimpses of her personal life.

What are her upcoming projects?

Close is attached to a new film project slated for 2025, though details remain under wraps. She continues to be one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood, with no signs of slowing down at age 77.

Timeline: Glenn Close’s life in key dates

• March 19, 1947: Born in Greenwich, Connecticut
• 1974: Professional stage debut
• 1982: Film debut in The World According to Garp, earns first Oscar nomination
• 1987: Stars in Fatal Attraction, gains international fame
• 1996: Voiced Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians
• 2015: Divorces third husband David Shaw
• 2017: Wins Golden Globe for The Wife
• 2020: Begins relationship with Michael Reitman
• 2024: Stars in Netflix film The Deliverance

This timeline shows a career of consistent reinvention and personal resilience.

“I always try to find the humanity in every character, even the villains.”

Glenn Close, in a 2018 interview

“She is a force of nature, and one of my dearest friends.”

Meryl Streep, writing about Close in a 2020 tribute

The facts are settled: three marriages, one beloved daughter, and close friendships with some of the most admired women of her era. The rumors about a fourth marriage or a blood tie to royalty don’t survive contact with primary sources. What remains is a portrait of an actress who chose her own path — in her career, in relationships, and in motherhood. For Glenn Close, the truth is less sensational than the gossip, but far more impressive.

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs cover the most common queries about Close’s life.

For actors and actresses looking at Close’s career trajectory, the choice is clear: keep taking risks, or settle into the expected. Close chose the former. Her upcoming projects suggest she has no intention of stopping.

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