Throwback Pics Of Jamie Lee Curtis & Her Old Hollywood Star Mom Janet Leigh

We don’t have a monarchy in America, so when Hollywood celebs’ positions in Tinseltown span generations, that’s our version of a royal family. And we especially love watching the mother-daughter duos. Think Melanie Griffith and Dakota Johnson, Lisa Bonet and Zoë Kravitz, and, of course, Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis. The latter pair is especially dreamy because Leigh was a part of Old Hollywood’s Golden Age. She started acting in the ’40s and starred in the genre-birthing classic film “Psycho,” which earned her an Oscar nomination. A regular on the red carpets of that era, Leigh definitely had some looks that could go up against the best-dressed moments from Old Hollywood’s awards show heyday.

Curtis, in her own right, has been racking up the acting credits for nearly five decades. She famously took on mom’s horror movie crown, playing preyed-upon teen Laurie Strode in 1978’s “Halloween” and its slew of sequels and remakes. More recently, she wrapped her role in the megahit series “The Bear.” Jamie Lee Curtis’ transformation since her ’70s scream queen days has been something to see, and mom Janet Leigh has been by her side for most of it. Before Leigh died in 2004, the two were often photographed together arm-in-arm at Hollywood’s glitziest affairs. 

Jamie Lee Curtis was born in 1958, and so she would’ve been 8 or 9 years old when this photo was snapped of her clutching onto Hollywood starlet — but to her, just mom — Janet Leigh in 1967. Curtis’ darling little pout and kid-friendly bowl cut are enough to cue all the swoons. But judging by Leigh’s big grin, it was all good vibes on this sunny day as mom and daughter chilled in a golf cart dressed in casual but cute shorts and tank tops. We’re especially loving Leigh’s red Mod-style headband.

Back in 1979, Jamie Lee Curtis and her mom, Janet Leigh, hugged each other while posing for portraits in Los Angeles. Curtis was dressed for the era, rocking a striped button-down shirt underneath a vest, high-waisted flared blue jeans, and well-worn boots. Leigh also embraced a casual vibe, opting for a white turtleneck sweater and matching loose trousers paired with black boots. Curtis’ lack of makeup compared to Leigh’s heavier glam is such a cute mother-daughter moment and a lovely nod to their different generations.

While arriving at the Photoplay Awards in Hollywood in September 1979, Jamie Lee Curtis and Janet Leigh stopped to take a picture in the parking lot. Good thing, because now we’ll always have proof of their epic outfits. Leigh donned a black satiny slip dress with a shimmery sheer blouse tied over the top — a perfect match for her bright, dewy makeup look. Curtis was there next to her mom in an equally silky look. She wore a periwinkle suit and a wrapped top with a few fun cutouts.

In March 1983, photogs caught Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis out and about, looking full of energy and encapsulating the decade in their vibes and with their ‘fits. Leigh donned a chunky chain necklace with a simple knotted turtleneck dress; the younger Curtis, sporting a short, feathered haircut, wore a trendy number with a polka-dot bodice under an oversized pinstripe blazer. The “Freaky Friday” star’s pearl necklace was such a nice addition, infusing a touch of daintiness and timeless elegance.

Mother-daughter duo Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis were in attendance for the 16th Annual People’s Choice Awards in March 1990. Curtis picked up an award that night for the sitcom “Anything but Love,” which ran for four seasons. Mom Leigh was there to support, dressed in a layered look featuring head-to-toe multicolored sequins that was perfect for the era. Curtis, on the other hand, went simple and chic, seen holding her trophy wearing a black dress in a classic cut. 

The Screen Actors Guild Awards (now the Actor Awards) held its very first ceremony in February 1995, and Jamie Lee Curtis and Janet Leigh walked the red carpet dressed in complementary looks. Curtis — who was nominated that night for her supporting role in “True Lies” — wore a flirty knee-length dress, nipped at the waist with a belt, for an easy yet sophisticated look. Leigh rocked a busy jacket with a bright floral print over a white plisse maxi dress.

Janet Leigh accompanied Jamie Lee Curtis to the Los Angeles premiere of “Halloween H20: 20 Years Later” in July 1998. Fun fact that you may have missed: Leigh had a small cameo in the film, acting opposite her daughter. For the movie premiere, Leigh donned an ethereal ivory dress decorated in delicate beading. Curtis, for her part, rocked a tomato-red midi dress in a classic, airy silhouette and black mule sandals. And we’re so loving their matching pixie cuts.

Janet Leigh reached for a powder-blue skirt suit and a double strand of pearls back in September 1998 when Jamie Lee Curtis was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. True to form, Curtis played it cool, opting for a sleek black dress with sexy spaghetti straps for the ceremony. If you’re in search of casual ways to style your favorite little black dress, follow Curtis’ lead and opt for a classic silhouette and dainty jewelry.