Actress Glenn Close has spent decades commanding attention on screen, but her latest public appearances have fans focused on something other than her acting.
Her impressive career has earned her eight Academy Award nominations and a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers.
Yet even the most celebrated stars cannot escape the toll on their body, even with a demanding career.
The Hollywood legend recently sparked concern after being photographed walking with a cane.
The sight raised questions about the 79-year-old actress’s health and whether something serious had happened behind the scenes.
Instead of letting the internet run wild, Close is addressing the speculation herself.
The Oscar nominee shared a personal update on her recovery and the physical challenges she’s been facing.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Close posted an Instagram video explaining that she recently underwent a complete hip replacement after discovering that her left hip had significantly deteriorated.
“I wanted to just hop on and thank you for all your love and to explain why I have a cane,” she began.
“I have a cane because I had a complete hip replacement. I found out that my left hip was in really bad shape, and my whole thing right now is to keep myself in running order so that I can really leap into whatever challenges come my way.”
Close shared the update while wearing a Frownies facial patch, designed to reduce the appearance of expression lines.
Her comments followed an Oct. 15 appearance at a New York City screening of “La Bola Negra,” according to Entertainment Weekly.
Photographs and video showed the actress using a cane, prompting questions about her mobility.
However, Close made it clear she has no intention of letting her recovery interfere with her demanding Hollywood schedule.
“I’m hobbling around on a cane for now, but I hope, come the 26th, I’ll be on a plane for London to be there for the opening of ‘Hunger Games’ in London. Sunrise on the Reaping! And then back to New York for the opening of ‘All’s Fair,’” she explained.
The “All’s Fair” actress admitted that climbing mountains might have to wait, but returning to her “good old self” remains the goal.
“Don’t worry, I’m feeling great. I have my wonderful, wonderful family around me, and I look forward to all the adventures coming,” Close reassured fans.
She also thanked Dr. Edwin Sue of New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery for overseeing her care.
Facebook users responded with encouragement and a few reminders that getting older comes with its own challenges.
“Feel better, take care of yourself,” one person wrote. Another admirer praised her appearance, writing, “She looks great still could tell immediately who she was..She’s aging very well .”
A third offered prayers, commenting, “Take care of #1 Ms. Close. Pray for healing.”
One fan found humor in the situation as she would, writing, “Hang in there lady! Aging ain’t fur sissies! LOL.” Another urged patience, adding, “Love your work, take the time to heal. We know you’ll be back.”
Close is hardly the first Hollywood veteran whose appearance or mobility has sparked online speculation.
In May, Queen Latifah raised similar concerns after footage showed the 56-year-old entertainer walking with a cane at North Carolina A&T State University’s commencement ceremony.
Some viewers speculated that the rapper-turned-actress had undergone knee surgery, but no reports confirmed those claims.
Earlier, Kathy Bates drew attention for her dramatic weight loss when she appeared at the January 2025 Golden Globe Awards.
The “Matlock” actress has revealed that she lost 100 pounds through lifestyle changes and medication. She also has a history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer and lymphedema.
Close, meanwhile, has experienced another kind of online scrutiny over the last few years.
In 2024, her dramatic transformation in Lee Daniels’ Netflix horror film “The Deliverance” had viewers doing double takes.
Close played Alberta, a character known for her heavy makeup, revealing outfits and collection of wigs. Some viewers compared her flamboyant hairstyles and styling to looks often associated with Tyler Perry productions, although Perry had no involvement in the film.
The comparisons became part of the online conversation as viewers struggled to reconcile Close’s glamorous Hollywood image with her gritty portrayal of a grandmother battling personal demons.
This time, however, Close’s changing appearance is no Hollywood makeover.
The actress is recovering from major surgery, and she appears determined to get back on her feet before her next red carpet.
For now, the cane is coming along for the ride.
