Melissa Leo is one of those rare individuals who genuinely loves her work. From her early days landing her first big role on All My Children, to her iconic performances as Sgt. Kay Howard on Homicide: Life on the Street, and her unforgettable Oscar-winning role in The Fighter, Melissa has always been thrilled to act. At 61, she continues to chase her passion with relentless enthusiasm.
"Whether it’s on a TV set, a movie set, or — fingers crossed — back on stage one day, it’s all about the chance to act," Melissa tells Closer. "Acting alone in the shower doesn’t count. Real acting happens when you're observed. As an actor, you need a team that says, 'We want you.'"
In her latest role, Melissa takes center stage as the titular character in the crime drama Ida Red, available now via streaming and on-demand platforms. "I’m always on the lookout for roles I haven’t played before," she explains. "Ida is a powerhouse in the crime world, respected by everyone. In this stage of my life, I don’t always get the respect I deserve, so portraying Ida was a delightful reminder of what it feels like to command that kind of reverence."
Read also:Hugh Jackman And Sutton Foster Love Sacrifice And New Beginnings
Childhood Roots: How New York and Vermont Shaped Melissa Leo
How did growing up in New York and Vermont prepare you for life as an actor?
"I wouldn’t be where I am today without the childhood I had. It wasn’t easy, and we didn’t have much. After my parents separated, things got even tougher. My mom moved us out of New York City to the countryside. I grew up knowing both the urban pulse and the quiet beauty of nature. I can start a fire, tend to a wood stove, and even camp in the woods. This breadth of experience gives me access to a wider range of characters that resonate deeply with who I am."
Never a Doubt: Melissa's Journey to Acting
Did you ever question whether acting was the right path for you?
"Not for a second. At 15, living in London with my mom, I attended a theater school, and something clicked: 'This is what I’m meant to do.' What I didn’t realize at the time was how to actually land roles. That’s a lesson I’m still learning after all these years. Acting is a lifelong journey of discovery."
Lessons Learned: The Value of Uncertainty
Is there anything you know now that you wish you’d known earlier?
"I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything. There’s comfort in knowing something, but the beauty lies in the unknown. When you don’t know, anything is possible. That’s the magic of life, and it’s especially true in the arts."
Read also:Why Did Teddi Leave Lsquotrackerrsquo Heres What Really Happened
Breaking Into Soaps: Melissa's First Big Break
In 1984, you landed the role of Linda Warner on All My Children. What was that experience like?
"It was pure joy! Every day was an adventure. Waking up at five in the morning, heading to the old studio on 67th Street, and learning how soap operas are made—it was thrilling. We shot scenes as if they were live, which added an extra layer of excitement."
Favorite Roles: A Tough Choice
With so many incredible roles under your belt, do you have a favorite?
"Oh, I couldn’t possibly pick just one. If I did, I’d leave out so many others. I’ve played women of all kinds—hateful, mean, delightful, ugly, beautiful—and each one has shaped me into a stronger, more capable person. They’ve all contributed to making Melissa the actor she is today."
Learning from Costars
Is there a former costar who taught you the most?
"So many have influenced me, but Peter Bergman on All My Children gave me an early lesson. On the first day of filming, he pulled out a script and tucked it under his cushion. Coming from acting school, I thought memorizing lines was mandatory. But for film and TV, it’s different. That was a pivotal moment for me."
