In John Carpenter’s 1978 slasher Halloween, Curtis made her feature film debut. She portrayed Laurie Strode, a high school student who falls victim to serial killer Michael Myers on Halloween night.
Fortunately, Strode escapes Michael Myers’ attack and cements her reputation as one of the first “final girls” in the slasher film genre.
Six more times, in the sequels Halloween II (1981), Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), Halloween: Resurrection (2002), Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills (2021), and most recently Halloween Ends, Curtis would once again play the popular role (2022).
Curtis would go on to star in other horror films such as The Mist, Prom Night, Horror Train, and Roadgames, making her a cornerstone of not only the Halloween franchise but the slasher genre as a whole thanks to this role.
Curtis is often referred to by fans as the “Scream Queen”, in addition to her other nicknames of “Final Girl” and “Last Girl”.
Curtis has already received praise and gratitude from some of her biggest fans in a video promoting the release of the new film.
Curtis can be seen watching a video montage of some of her followers calling her “the best ‘Final Girl’ in the world” in a clip posted on the official Halloween Instagram page.
“You mean a lot to me, horror buffs and movie fans all over the world,” says another fan.
Another responds: “I love you, we love you, thank you,” as Curtis is seen getting increasingly emotional.
Curtis says, “Thank you, gentlemen,” then points to the camera and says:
“Turn off this f***ing thing, I can’t…”
Curtis takes a moment to collect herself before telling her fans: “Obviously it’s painful, goodbyes, in general, are terrible and nobody likes to say it. I’m not going to say it. Just a quick thank you, please.
“I treat my legacy with great respect because it’s something I’m extremely, extremely proud of. Happy Halloween, everyone, and God bless you all. I appreciate it all.
Curtis also described what it was like to finally say goodbye to Laurie in an essay for PEOPLE, saying, “When I look scared in the movie, it’s because I’m scared. Right now I’m afraid “Life is scary.” However, Laurie showed me that life can also be beautiful, full of art, love, and vitality! All of you for MINE please!”
Halloween Ends is now playing in theaters and can be streamed on Peacock.
It’s clear that Jamie Lee Curtis’ influence on horror film will be felt for years to come, as Halloween Ends signals the end of an era. Her admirers will always appreciate the contribution she made to the film industry through her talent, dedication and passion for her work that made her a true icon.