Daryl Hannah is an American actress and environmental activist, known for her ethereal beauty and captivating charisma. She kicked off her acting career in 1978 with the film The Fury. Her strong will and tremendous effort propelled her to popularity and respect. We’ll delve deeper into her life and work on chicagovski.com.
Childhood and Adolescence
Daryl was born in Chicago in 1960 to Jean Metzger and Donald Hannah. Her father owned a company that manufactured barges and tugboats, while her mother was a producer and former teacher, likely instilling in her daughter a love for cinema. Daryl had two brothers, Don and Page, and later a stepsister joined the family. When Jean and Donald divorced, her mother remarried businessman Jerrorold Wexler, with whom she had another daughter, Tanya. Daryl, along with her siblings, grew up in Long Grove, Illinois. As a child, she was incredibly shy, leading to a diagnosis of borderline autism. Soon after, it was discovered she also had dyslexia, making reading a challenge. Despite these hurdles, she harbored a strong passion for acting. While attending Francis W. Parker School, she actively participated in sports, including soccer. From an early age, Daryl loved watching movies, likely due to sleep issues. After graduating high school, she enrolled in the University of Southern California’s theater department, studying acting and ballet. After earning her degree, Hannah continued her dramatic arts training at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and in New York under the tutelage of the renowned acting coach Stella Adler.
Conquering Hollywood
In 1978, Daryl made her film debut playing Pam in the horror flick The Fury. In 1982, she brought to life the acrobatic character Pris in the sci-fi film Blade Runner. The same year, she appeared on the big screen in Summer Lovers and Blade Runner; the latter grossed $33 million at the box office, establishing Hannah as a promising actress. In 1984, the actress took on the role of Madison, a mermaid, in the hugely popular film Splash, which brought her widespread fame and recognition. She then graced audiences in High Spirit (1988) and Steel Magnolias (1989). In 1993, she landed the role of Nancy Archer in the television remake of Attack Of The Fifty-Foot Woman. Notably, in the 1990s, Hannah confidently walked the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Later works that further boosted her popularity include Kill Bill (2004), Shark Swarm, Final Days of Planet Earth, Shannon’s Rainbow, and The Cycle (2009).
Beyond her film work, Hannah also graced the stage and directed several films. Daryl wrote and directed the short film The Last Supper. In 2000, she embodied Marilyn Monroe in the play The Seven Year Itch at West End. Her performance captivated audiences and garnered positive reviews from critics. In 2002, Daryl appeared in Robbie Williams’ music video for the song Feel. Together with actress Hilary Turner, she co-created two popular board games, Love It or Hate It and LIEbrary.
For her significant contributions to cinema, Hannah has received numerous accolades, including a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress in Kill Bill, and the Environmental Media Award for Constant Commitment.
Passionate Activist
Daryl is a dedicated environmental advocate and blogger who actively maintains a weekly video blog, DHLoveLife, focusing on ecologically sustainable solutions. To live in line with her convictions, she built a home from eco-friendly materials and uses solar energy. She also drives a car that runs on biodiesel fuel. In 2006, Hannah and her colleague Taran Smith were arrested during a protest to save a city farm in South Central Los Angeles. Because the new owner, Ralph Horowitz, intended to build a warehouse on the land, Daryl chained herself to a walnut tree for three weeks, preventing farmers from being evicted from their land.
In June 2009, Hannah protested against mountaintop removal coal mining in southern West Virginia, leading to her arrest alongside other demonstrators. This method of coal extraction is known to cause significant environmental damage. In 2011, the actress was again arrested for another protest against the proposed Keystone oil pipeline from Canada to the U.S. This time, she and others were on horseback and bicycles. In 2014, Hannah and Neil Young led a march in Washington against the Keystone pipeline. She also endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. She is a member of the World Future Council, an organization dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future.
Personal Life
Her personal life has always been under the media’s microscope. Magazines and newspapers constantly published articles about the actress’s romance with John F. Kennedy Jr., son of the 35th U.S. President. The couple had known each other since youth, often visiting St. Martin’s Island together and meeting at Hollywood parties. Circumstances led them to decide to continue their connection at a wedding they both attended. It’s worth noting that at the time, Daryl was in a 10-year relationship with rock musician Jackson Browne. However, passion won out, and she ended things with her first love, diving into a new, beautiful romance. But it soon ended when Jacqueline Kennedy’s mother convinced her son that a relationship with the actress could negatively impact his political career and reputation. These romantic setbacks broke Daryl, and she was alone for a long time. In 2014, recovering from her misfortunes, the actress began a relationship with musician Neil Young, and they married in 2018.
Daryl Hannah continues to appear in various films, delighting her fans with new, brilliantly performed roles.