Glenn Close has been "haunted" by her Norma Desmond role for 20 years.
The 68-year-old actress is preparing to reprise the part of faded screen star Norma when ‘Sunset Boulevard’ comes to London’s West End, having previously done so more than two decades ago, and Glenn has revealed just how important the role has been in the context of her career.
She shared: "When I was approached to do this, I thought it was a gift. I am very thrilled. To play a character and be able to come back to the same character 20 years later, it’s going to be another exploration for me.
"I’ve had 20 years of life, 20 years of my craft and she won’t be exactly the same. I’m not too sure what she’ll be like. She’s been in my psyche. When you’ve played a great character like that, she becomes part of your fabric."
The American actress explained she’s never been able to leave the role of Norma behind.
She said: "She’s haunted me since I left her."
The new production is based on the Oscar-winning 1950 film, and Glenn revealed she’s been busily preparing for the part.
She explained: "For me, it starts with working out. You need to have strong muscles to project that kind of energy on stage, so you have to be in good shape. I’m getting on the treadmill – it’s not something I really love to do but I know how much I will appreciate it.
"You have to take care of your voice. I’m hoping there will be a good E&T (ear and throat) guy to deal with my postnasal drip. You become quite a hypochondriac."
Glenn Close feels ‘haunted’ by Norma Desmond role
