Iconic 80s actress from erotic thriller who embraced Scientology is unrecognizable... who is she?

Daily Mail​

11-05-2025

Fans of classic '80s cinema were in for a surprise when one of its most iconic leading ladies stepped out for a rare appearance in Los Angeles on Thursday.
The glamorous actress, now 77, who earned an Oscar nod for playing a betrayed wife in an erotic 1987 thriller, looked as effortlessly stunning as ever while walking her dog in her upscale neighborhood.
Dressed in a simple yet stylish navy jacket, gray hoodie, and matching pants, she looked a far cry from her gritty early role in Sylvester Stallone's Paradise Alley.
But that unmistakable auburn hair? Still flawless — and instantly recognizable to longtime fans.
She went on to share the screen with Harrison Ford in Patriot Games and later made headlines for her connection to Scientology, with her son reportedly heading up the church's Celebrity Centre.
Can you guess the legendary star?
Fans of classic '80s cinema were in for a surprise when one of its most iconic leading ladies stepped out for a rare appearance in Los Angeles on Thursday
The glamorous actress, now 77, who earned an Oscar nod for playing Michael Douglas ' betrayed wife in the 1987 thriller Fatal Attraction, looked as effortlessly stunning as ever while walking her dog in her upscale neighborhood
If you said Anne Archer, you're right! The star played the betrayed wife of cheating Michael Douglas in 1987's Fatal Attraction - alongside Glenn Close.
Born into Hollywood royalty, Anne is a true original nepo baby.
Her mother Marjorie Lord was a sitcom star on The Danny Thomas Show, while her father John Archer found steady work on stage, television, and film.
Anne was even named Miss Golden Globe in 1971 — an honor traditionally bestowed upon the children of Hollywood elites.
After graduating from Pitzer College in California, she started booking bit parts on television before landing a regular role on the short-lived ABC sitcom Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice in 1973.
Through the early 1980s, Archer continued working steadily in made-for-TV movies and eventually landed a lead on NBC's short-lived drama The Family Tree.
She joined Falcon Crest in 1985 as the scheming Cassandra Wilder, but it was 1987's Fatal Attraction that made her a household name.
Starring opposite Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, Archer's performance as the wronged wife earned her Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominations.
If you said Anne Archer, you're right! (seen in 2023)
Glenn Close, Michael Douglas, Anne lit up the screen in Fatal Attraction, directed by Adrian Lyne
Archer's performance as the wronged wife earned her Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominations
She went on to share the screen with Harrison Ford in Patriot Games
Anne was even named Miss Golden Globe in 1971 — an honor traditionally bestowed upon the children of Hollywood elites
Though her 1993 turn in the erotic thriller Body of Evidence was panned — even scoring her a Razzie nod — she rebounded that same year in Robert Altman's critically acclaimed Short Cuts (pictured)
The '90s saw her in a string of major films, including Love at Large, Narrow Margin, and Eminent Domain.
She played Cathy Ryan alongside Harrison Ford in both Patriot Games (1992) and Clear and Present Danger (1994).
Though her 1993 turn in the erotic thriller Body of Evidence was panned — even scoring her a Razzie nod — she rebounded that same year in Robert Altman's critically acclaimed Short Cuts.
Archer's spiritual life has also drawn attention.
She embraced Scientology, which she credits with bringing clarity and balance to her life and marriage to producer/director Terry Jastrow.
She embraced Scientology, which she credits with bringing clarity and balance to her life and marriage to producer/director Terry Jastrow, (Anne and Terry in 2023)
Her eldest son, Tommy Davis — from her previous marriage to William Davis — reportedly became the head of Scientology's Celebrity Centre in L.A., though her younger son, Jeffrey (with Jastrow), chose not to follow the faith; (Tommy and Anne in 2017)
'Scientology has been very meaningful in my life,' Archer told The Guardian in 2014., adding, ''It's taught me a lot of good information. A lot of sanity… My older son has embraced it, but my younger son hasn't — which is absolutely fine. There is no conflict. It's only true if it's true for you.'
Most recently, Archer returned to screens as an FBI Director in the 2024 series Paper Money.
Her eldest son, Tommy Davis — from her previous marriage to William Davis — reportedly became the head of Scientology's Celebrity Centre in L.A., though her younger son, Jeffrey (with Jastrow), chose not to follow the faith.
'Scientology has been very meaningful in my life,' Archer told The Guardian in 2014.
'It's taught me a lot of good information. A lot of sanity… My older son has embraced it, but my younger son hasn't — which is absolutely fine. There is no conflict. It's only true if it's true for you.'
Most recently, Archer returned to screens as an FBI Director in the 2024 series Paper Money.