Jamie Lee Curtis Follows Her Mother’s Legacy of Helping Others

When Jamie Lee Curtis first stepped into the spotlight as the terrified babysitter in the 1978 horror classic Halloween, she wasn’t just carrying on a family tradition of acting; she was also embodying a legacy of generosity and compassion instilled in her by her late mother, Janet Leigh. Janet, who famously played the role of a scream queen in Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 masterpiece Psycho, wasn’t just a legendary actress—she was a devoted philanthropist who inspired Jamie Lee to use her platform for good.

Jamie Lee recently opened up to Closer Weekly at the Angel Awards Gala hosted by Project Angel Food, sharing heartfelt memories of her mom. "My mother was more than just a great actress," Jamie Lee says. "She was an incredible woman who dedicated her time and energy to helping children through SHARE, a foundation here in LA. It’s a group of Hollywood moms who come together every year to organize a benefit show that raises funds for children in need." The Golden Globe-winning actress, now 60, fondly recalls her mother’s commitment to giving back, even after her passing in 2004 at the age of 77. Janet's influence taught Jamie Lee the importance of using her fame to make a difference in the world.

Jamie Lee Curtis Janet Leigh — Bei/Shutterstock

Using Fame for a Greater Purpose

Jamie Lee understands the immense responsibility that comes with being in the public eye. "The attention, money, and adulation that celebrities receive can sometimes feel overwhelming," she admits. "But there has to be something more meaningful that comes out of it. Fame should be used to create positive change, not just for personal gain." It’s this philosophy that drives Jamie Lee to stay involved in charitable causes and continue her mother’s legacy of kindness.

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Her career resurgence, thanks to the smash-hit reboot of Halloween, has reinvigorated her passion for helping others. And while she acknowledges the challenges she’s faced in life, including her battle with opioid addiction two decades ago, she’s grateful for the support system that helped her overcome those struggles. "I was fortunate enough to find recovery rooms all over Los Angeles where I could seek help," she explains. "Sobriety has been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved since then. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today." Her father, Tony Curtis, also struggled with addiction, making Jamie Lee’s triumph over her own demons even more remarkable.

Learning from the Legends: Lessons from Jamie Lee’s Parents

For Jamie Lee, the influence of her parents goes far beyond the world of entertainment. At the ICG Publicists Awards in Los Angeles, she shared how much she learned from watching her parents navigate their careers. "One of the greatest advantages of growing up as the child of legendary film stars is having the opportunity to observe how they handled themselves both on and off the screen," she says. "Their example was invaluable to me." From Janet's dedication to charity work to Tony's resilience in the face of personal challenges, Jamie Lee carries forward the lessons they taught her.