Let me tell you about Adrienne Barbeau, a true Hollywood icon who’s never shied away from bold decisions. Whether it was playing the unforgettable Rizzo in Broadway’s Grease, becoming the feminist daughter of Bea Arthur on Maude, or starring in cult classics like Escape From New York and The Fog, Adrienne has consistently chosen roles that reflect her strong and outspoken personality. So, it’s no surprise that after welcoming her son Cody in 1984 with her then-husband, director John Carpenter, she decided to prioritize motherhood over her flourishing acting career.
In a heartfelt interview with Closer Weekly, Adrienne shares, “My career has always taken a backseat to being a mom. When I had Cody, I consciously decided that some jobs just weren’t worth taking if they meant missing out on precious moments with him.”
That same dedication to family carried over when Adrienne, at the age of 51, gave birth to twin sons, Walker and William, with her second husband, playwright Billy Van Zandt. Despite her recent divorce from Billy, Adrienne is embracing this new chapter of her life with open arms. At 74, she’s not only reprising her iconic roles in small-screen adaptations of Swamp Thing and Creepshow but also continuing her passion for writing, a career she started in her 50s. “It was an unexpected but incredible journey that began later in life,” Adrienne confides to Closer. “Life is all about living in the moment!”
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Scroll below to read our exclusive Q & A with Adrienne!
Back to Her Roots: Adrienne’s Exciting Return to Swamp Thing and Creepshow
Adrienne recently returned to her horror roots by starring in an episode of Swamp Thing on DC Universe and in Creepshow on Shudder. When asked about revisiting these iconic roles, she said, “It was such a blast to dive back into that world. It felt like coming full circle, reconnecting with the projects that shaped my career and the fans who’ve supported me over the years.”
Maude: A Show Ahead of Its Time
Most people remember Adrienne from her days on Maude, a groundbreaking sitcom that tackled controversial topics long before they became mainstream. “We were dealing with issues like the Equal Rights Amendment, abortion rights, and mental health,” Adrienne recalls. “It was bold, and it resonated with audiences because it reflected real-life challenges people faced every day.”
Adrienne’s Special Bond with Bea Arthur
Adrienne shares fond memories of working alongside the legendary Bea Arthur. “Bea was incredible. She taught me so much about comedy, professionalism, and teamwork. She’d always put the show first, even if it meant letting someone else shine. I still find myself channeling her delivery sometimes—it’s like she’s still with me!”
A Personal Connection
Beyond the professional relationship, Adrienne and Bea formed a deep bond. “We weren’t just colleagues; we were friends. Bea loved being at home, cooking delicious chicken salad, and spending time with her family and dogs. She truly cared about the people around her, and that warmth radiated both on and off-screen.”
