For decades, Glenn Close has been celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses, but away from the spotlight, the Oscar-nominated star has long been just as devoted to one role above all others — being a mother.
Close shares her only child, Annie Starke, with former partner John Starke, and over the years the two have built a relationship that appears just as strong off-screen as it does in public interviews and appearances.
The actress has often spoken openly about how proud she is of her daughter, especially as Starke carved out an identity of her own beyond being the child of a Hollywood icon.
“I’m proud that she’s a fantastic human being,” Close told Glamour in 2022. “I’m proud that she’s fiercer than I am.”
Growing Up Far From Hollywood Chaos
Although Starke spent time on major movie sets during childhood, she has said her upbringing itself was surprisingly grounded.
Raised in Bedford, New York, she described her childhood as deeply normal despite her mother’s fame. In an interview with PEOPLE, Starke recalled growing up surrounded by animals and nature, crediting both of her parents for keeping life stable and down-to-earth.
That balance between Hollywood and ordinary family life became especially important as Close’s career continued to grow. While filming projects overseas and across the United States, the actress often brought her daughter along, introducing her to the entertainment world from an early age.
One of Starke’s earliest experiences came when she accompanied her mother to France as an infant during filming for Dangerous Liaisons. Years later, she would also spend time on the set of 101 Dalmatians, where Close famously played Cruella De Vil.
According to Close, the hundreds of puppies on set became far more distracting than any schoolwork Starke was supposed to complete during filming.
Following Her Mother Into Acting
Despite initially trying to avoid the entertainment industry, Starke eventually realized acting was what she wanted to pursue.
She later studied art history at Hamilton College before moving into professional acting, building credits in both theater and television. Her early stage work included an off-Broadway production of “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” where she performed alongside Rumer Willis.
Her biggest breakthrough came after appearing with her mother in The Wife, where Starke portrayed the younger version of Close’s character.
The project became especially meaningful because the pair worked closely together to shape the emotional depth of the same character across two generations.
Close later explained that Starke essentially laid the emotional foundation for the role, while Starke described the experience as deeply personal and emotionally demanding.
The performance also caught the attention of Sarah Paulson, eventually helping Starke land a role in Netflix’s Ratched.
Life in Montana and a New Chapter
Outside acting, Starke has expanded into food and lifestyle content through her cooking series, “The Mountain Kitchen.”
Filmed at Close’s Montana ranch, the show combines cooking, ranch life, and outdoor living while highlighting the state’s scenery and slower pace of life.
Starke now lives in Montana with her husband Marc Albu, whom she married in 2018 during an intimate backyard ceremony at her childhood home in Bedford Hills.
The wedding itself reflected the close-knit atmosphere that appears to define much of her relationship with her mother and extended family. Years later, Close still publicly reflects on the celebration with affection, describing it as filled with love, laughter, music, and family memories.
While Glenn Close built one of Hollywood’s most respected careers, it is clear that her bond with Annie Starke remains one of the achievements she values most.
