Jamie Lee Curtis, the beloved actress known for her portrayal of Laurie Strode in the Halloween franchise, was deeply moved after reading a series of emotional messages from dedicated fans. The outpouring of love and appreciation left her unable to hold back her tears, demonstrating just how much the iconic horror series and its audience mean to her.
The Halloween franchise, spanning over four decades, has become one of the most legendary horror sagas in cinematic history. Comprising 13 films, as well as novels, comic books, and even a video game, the series has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the horror genre. Much of its success can be attributed to its terrifying antagonist, Michael Myers. Recognized by his eerie white mask and silent yet relentless pursuit of his victims, Myers is the embodiment of pure evil—his preferred method of murder being a simple yet chillingly effective chef’s knife.
However, no story is complete without a hero, and Jamie Lee Curtis brought one of the most legendary horror heroines to life. Playing Laurie Strode, Curtis became the quintessential “final girl,” a term in horror cinema referring to the last woman standing after a relentless battle with a monstrous antagonist. Over the years, fans grew deeply attached to both the actress and her character, admiring Laurie’s resilience, courage, and refusal to be defeated by the nightmare that is Michael Myers.
Curtis first stepped into Laurie Strode’s shoes in John Carpenter’s original Halloween (1978), a film that not only launched her career but also solidified her as one of the most famous scream queens in Hollywood. Since then, Curtis has appeared in several installments of the franchise, delivering performances that helped define the modern horror genre. But while Halloween may be her most recognized work, her career extends far beyond horror. Having starred in over 54 films, Curtis has become one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile stars, captivating audiences in both dramatic and comedic roles.
Reflecting on her experience playing Laurie Strode, Curtis wrote a heartfelt essay expressing the deep connection she feels toward the character. In her piece, she credited Laurie for teaching her valuable life lessons, including resilience, loyalty, perseverance, and unwavering courage.
“I have tried over the years to inculcate those aspects of Laurie’s character into my own, to carry that mantle and represent survivors of all types of unimaginable horror and trauma, pain and suffering, who stand up to tyranny and oppression – real and imagined,” she wrote, emphasizing how Laurie Strode has inspired not just her, but generations of fans.
In recent years, Curtis made a much-anticipated return to the franchise when director David Gordon Green resurrected the series with Halloween (2018), followed by Halloween Kills (2021) and Halloween Ends (2022). These films allowed her to revisit the character one final time, bringing closure to Laurie’s decades-long battle with Michael Myers. However, with Halloween Ends marking the conclusion of this iconic saga, it also signified Curtis’ last portrayal of Laurie Strode—a farewell that was incredibly emotional, both for her and the fans who have followed her journey.
To commemorate the end of an era, the official Halloween Ends Instagram page shared a touching video featuring Curtis as she sat down to listen to messages from devoted fans. The words of admiration and gratitude poured in, with one fan calling her “the greatest final girl in the world,” while another described her as “such an iconic, formative scream queen.” A third message captured the sentiment of many, stating, “You mean a lot to myself and horror fans and film fans across the world.”
As Curtis absorbed these heartfelt tributes, she became visibly overwhelmed with emotion. The messages resonated deeply with her, serving as a reminder of the immense impact her character has had on horror lovers around the globe. Struggling to hold back tears, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you, guys.” Then, overcome with emotion, she abruptly added, “Turn this f***ing off, I can’t… It’s obviously hard, all of it is hard, saying goodbye, and nobody wants to say that. So, I won’t say that.”
Instead, she left her fans with a heartfelt message of appreciation: “I am just going to say thank you. It’s a legacy that I’m very, very proud is attached to me and one that I treat with a lot of respect. So, Happy Halloween, everybody. God bless you all. Thank you for everything.”
With these words, Jamie Lee Curtis bid farewell to Halloween, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in horror movie history. While Laurie Strode’s story may have reached its conclusion, Curtis’ impact on the franchise and its fans is everlasting.