Jennifer Connelly: An Enduring Icon from Labyrinth to Today
Jennifer Connelly has captivated audiences for decades with her versatile talent and striking presence. From her breakout role as a teenager navigating a fantasy world to her commanding performance in a blockbuster sequel, Connelly has built a career marked by memorable characters and critical acclaim. As fans celebrate her extensive filmography, many look back on the film that started it all for so many: Labyrinth. Now, with the classic film returning to the spotlight, it’s the perfect time to explore the journey of this remarkable actress.
Recently, news broke that the beloved 1986 fantasy musical Labyrinth will be returning to North American theaters for its 40th anniversary. Fathom Entertainment is set to re-release a stunning 4K remaster from January 8th to January 11th, 2025. This special event will also feature exclusive footage from the “Labyrinth Experience & Masked Ball,” a U.K. cosplay event, offering a new treat for devoted fans. This resurgence in popularity, alongside the film’s recent arrival on Netflix, has introduced a new generation to the magic of the Goblin King and the young girl who dared to challenge him.
This guide will delve into Jennifer Connelly’s career, answering the most frequently asked questions about her life, her iconic roles, and what she is doing now.
The Role That Defined a Generation: Jennifer Connelly in Labyrinth
For many, the name Jennifer Connelly is synonymous with Sarah Williams, the frustrated teenager who wishes her baby brother away to the goblins. At just 14 years old during filming, Connelly held her own opposite the legendary David Bowie, who played the charismatic Goblin King, Jareth. Her portrayal of Sarah’s journey from a selfish teen to a courageous hero resonated with audiences worldwide.
Labyrinth, directed by the visionary Jim Henson and produced by George Lucas, was a masterful blend of puppetry, music, and fantasy. Though it wasn’t a massive box office success upon its initial release, it has since become a cherished cult classic. Connelly herself has reflected on the unique magic of the production, praising Henson’s genius and the tangible, practical world created by the Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
The film’s upcoming 40th-anniversary re-release is a testament to its enduring legacy and the public’s continued fascination with its imaginative world and unforgettable characters.
How Old Was Jennifer Connelly in Labyrinth?
One of the most common questions fans ask is about her age during the film’s production. Jennifer Connelly was born on December 12, 1970. Filming for Labyrinth took place in 1985, meaning she was 14 years old when she took on the role of Sarah and turned 15 during production. The film was released in June 1986, shortly before her 16th birthday.
A Career of Transformation: Beyond the Labyrinth
While Labyrinth made her a star, Jennifer Connelly’s career is anything but one-note. She successfully transitioned from a child actor to a respected adult performer, taking on complex and challenging roles that showcased her incredible range.
Key Roles in Jennifer Connelly’s Filmography:
- Career Opportunities (1991): This romantic comedy solidified her status as a 90s icon. Playing the town beauty locked in a Target store overnight with a local dreamer, Connelly created a memorable and aspirational look. To achieve a similar flawless, photo-ready complexion, a fine-milled powder like the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder can help blur imperfections and set makeup for a long-lasting finish.
- The Rocketeer (1991): In this Disney adventure, Connelly played the aspiring actress Jenny Blake, embodying the glamour of 1930s Hollywood with elegance and charm.
- Requiem for a Dream (2000): In a stark departure from her earlier work, Connelly delivered a raw and harrowing performance as Marion Silver, a woman battling drug addiction. This role earned her widespread critical acclaim and proved her depth as a dramatic actress.
- A Beautiful Mind (2001): Her role as Alicia Nash, the supportive and resilient wife of mathematician John Nash (played by Russell Crowe), earned Jennifer Connelly an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress.
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022): Decades after the original, Connelly joined the sequel as Penny Benjamin, a strong, independent bar owner and Maverick’s new love interest. Her performance was praised for bringing maturity and heart to the blockbuster film, proving she can command the screen in any genre. For her natural yet defined look in the film, a touch of mascara like the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High® Mascara and a hint of color with Benefit Benetint — Rose can recreate that effortless beauty.
Answering Your Most Asked Questions
Fans are always curious about the woman behind the iconic roles. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Jennifer Connelly.
Who is Jennifer Connelly Married To?
Jennifer Connelly has been married to English actor Paul Bettany since 2003. The two met on the set of A Beautiful Mind in 2001. The couple has two children together, a son named Stellan and a daughter named Agnes. Connelly also has a son, Kai, from a previous relationship with photographer David Dugan.
What is Jennifer Connelly’s Ethnicity?
Jennifer Connelly has a diverse heritage. Her father was of Irish and Norwegian descent, while her mother was from an Ashkenazi Jewish family with roots in Russia and Poland.
What is Jennifer Connelly Doing Now?
Jennifer Connelly remains an active and sought-after actress. Besides her role in Top Gun: Maverick, she has also starred in the TNT television series Snowpiercer, where she played Melanie Cavill. She also leads the Apple TV+ series Dark Matter, a sci-fi thriller that has garnered significant attention.
Did Jennifer Connelly Win an Oscar?
Yes, she did. Jennifer Connelly won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2002 for her powerful performance in the film A Beautiful Mind.
Achieving the Jennifer Connelly Look
Throughout her career, Jennifer Connelly has been a beauty icon, known for her striking dark hair, bold eyebrows, and luminous skin. Her look often emphasizes a natural, radiant base with defined eyes and a neutral lip.
To get her signature glow, start with a hydrating skincare routine. Products like the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum can provide a plump, moisturized canvas. For a flawless base that looks like second skin, a lightweight foundation such as Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation works wonders.
Connelly’s eye makeup is typically understated yet impactful. A precise line using a liquid eyeliner like the NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner can define the eyes, followed by a coat of volumizing mascara. To finish the look with a subtle sheen on the lips, a nourishing lip oil like the Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil provides hydration and a hint of gloss.
The Enduring Allure of Jennifer Connelly
From a fantasy princess to an Oscar-winning actress, Jennifer Connelly has crafted a career defined by talent, grace, and intelligent role choices. Her ability to disappear into a character, whether in a 90s cult classic or a modern blockbuster, is a testament to her skill.
As Labyrinth returns to enchant a new audience, her legacy as the brave Sarah Williams is cemented. At the same time, her ongoing work continues to captivate and inspire. Jennifer Connelly is not just an actress; she is a true artist whose impact on cinema will be felt for generations to come.