Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Season 4, Episode 1: Julia Gets Wise with Glenn Close
Release Date: December 10, 2025
Host: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Guest: Glenn Close

Episode Overview

Julia Louis-Dreyfus kicks off Season 4 of "Wiser Than Me" by sitting down with the legendary, multifaceted Glenn Close. In a conversation that is both moving and delightfully candid, Julia and Glenn discuss the complexities of aging, Glenn’s unconventional childhood, her long career, life in Montana, mental health advocacy, and the wisdom gleaned from decades in the spotlight. The episode is packed with deep insights, wit, and the indelible sense that both women are eager to break new creative ground—even as they reflect on the past.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Glenn Close’s Life in Montana and Finding Home

[07:50] - [09:24]

Glenn describes her “luckiest thing”: buying land in Bozeman, Montana, before the area’s boom, creating a legacy for her family on property bordering national forest.
She shares her happiness in reconstructing a stone cottage that resembles her childhood refuge, stating, “That’s where I’m gonna die. Happily.”
Notable Quote:

"The happiest and most inspiring years of my life was in that place. And I have decided that I am gonna end my days in that cottage." (Glenn Close, 09:17)

2. Talking Age and Living Backward

[11:18] - [15:44]

Glenn openly states her age (78), but insists she feels like she’s in her 20s or 30s.
Describes a childhood “soul awareness” that shaped her perspective—her body as a “house” for whatever is “looking out of my eyes.”
She emphasizes the power of eye contact, mourning the loss of human connection in a digital age.
Notable Quote:

"Who I am has always been whatever is looking out of my eyes." (Glenn Close, 11:41)

3. The Joys and Realities of Aging

[14:44] - [15:50]

Glenn appreciates not worrying about pleasing people and values the depth of long-term relationships.
Finds herself learning more now than ever:

"I'm probably discovering more now than I ever have. I feel I'm finally maybe getting to the place where I can settle into who I am and not have to worry about pleasing people all the time." (Glenn Close, 15:06)
Enjoys the richness of shared history (“I like having a history with people…”).

4. Becoming a Grandmother and Reflections on Motherhood

[15:52] - [18:09]

Glenn is relishing her new role as “grandma” and cherishes time with her grandson Rory.
She reflects regretfully on missing time with her daughter Annie as a baby due to work, and is making up for it now.
On balancing motherhood and career, she and Julia agree:

"As soon as you have a child, you're basically cut in half." (Glenn Close, 18:42)
- Both credit having resources and support as essential.

5. The Realities (and Absurdities) of Showbiz

[02:22] - [03:59]

Julia recounts a devastating audition that culminated in seeing the role go to someone else—illustrating show business’s unpredictability.
She expresses admiration for actors over 70 who continue “risking everything”—calling them “heroic.”

6. Revisiting Iconic Roles and Misunderstood Women

[28:13] - [32:04]

Glenn discusses “Fatal Attraction,” detailing her deep research and her sympathy for Alex Forrest, viewing her as a tragic figure, not a villain.
Julia urges a retelling from Alex’s perspective; Glenn is game:

"Let's do it together." (Glenn Close, 31:02)
Glenn speaks about “Dangerous Liaisons,” describing audience demands for “punishment” of powerful women characters.
On vicious endings:

"It's not enough that she kills herself. No, no, no. She has to be shot, you know, in order to restore order to the family. It's a basic Greek tragedy." (Glenn Close, 30:35)

7. Influence of Family Women & Channeling Them in Her Work

[33:02] - [40:37]

Glenn’s grandmothers were strong characters—and sources for parts she played (“Granny Close” inspired her “Reversal of Fortune” meltdown).
Julia and Glenn swap stories about grandmothers’ quirks, temperaments, and the curiosities of older generations.
Glenn describes how her maternal grandmother inspired “Jenny Fields” in The World According to Garp.
Emphasis on the value of curiosity and truly seeing people.

8. Childhood Trauma: Growing Up in the MRA (Moral Rearmament)

[46:09] - [53:17]

Glenn discloses the emotional and psychological wounds of being raised in a fundamentalist group.
Recounts a heart-wrenching memory as a child, feeling guilty for her parents’ abandonment.
Speaks openly about generational trauma and the burden of forgiveness:

"The burden of forgiveness is always with the child." (Glenn Close, 54:44)

9. Healing and Forgiveness

[54:21] - [56:38]

Glenn found forgiveness through understanding her parents’ own traumas.
Discusses writing a candid letter to her father and gaining emotional liberation by confronting the truth.

10. Up With People & Personal Growth

[56:51] - [58:52]

Glenn’s years performing with Up With People—a group connected to the cult—delayed her formal education and romantic experiences.
Julia reveals her own family’s brush with "Up With People," adding a touch of levity.

11. Lessons From Parenting and Relationships

[58:52] - [61:12]

Glenn does not feel she brought cult-related “baggage” into motherhood, but notes her "empty toolbox" when it came to adult relationships.
Observes that her daughter’s generation seems to be forming healthier partnerships and takes pride in that progress.

12. Her Ongoing Creative Drive

[61:12] - [65:13]

Glenn no longer feels the need to “prove” herself but still seeks creative satisfaction.
Describes her role in an upcoming “Hunger Games” prequel and the excitement of physically transforming for a part.
Talks the nitty-gritty of facial prosthetics and creating iconic looks, delighting Julia with exclusive photos over Zoom.
Notable Quote:

"It's so much fun...I did not look like myself. It was so fabulous." (Glenn Close, 64:07)

13. Mental Health Advocacy and Family

[70:15] - [76:09]

Glenn explains how her sister Jessie's struggle with bipolar disorder—and her nephew’s diagnosis—propelled the founding of Bring Change to Mind.
Stigma, she notes, is “just as bad as the illnesses themselves."
Advocates for honest conversations about mental health, especially among youth.

14. Closing Reflections & Practical Wisdom

Rapid-Fire Q&A [76:28] - [79:02]:

What would she tell her 21-year-old self? “Get out of it [the cult]. Get an education.”
Something she’d say yes to? A missed romantic opportunity with Robert Redford (“I was too clueless”).
Top advice about aging:

"Try to fall in love with your skin...I wanted to find a tree bark that looked like the skin of my arm, and it would make me feel like I belong." (Glenn Close, 78:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On childhood realization:
"Who I am has always been whatever is looking out of my eyes." (Glenn Close, 11:41)
On being split by motherhood:
"As soon as you have a child, you're basically cut in half." (Glenn Close, 18:42)
On Alex Forrest (“Fatal Attraction”):
"She really was a tragic figure...she is now considered one of the great villains..." (Glenn Close, 28:33)
On forgiveness:
"The burden of forgiveness is always with the child." (Glenn Close, 54:44)
On advice for aging:
"Try to fall in love with your skin." (Glenn Close, 78:30)
On missing out on Robert Redford:
"I was too clueless...didn't get it." (Glenn Close, 77:48)

Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment / Topic | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 07:50 | Glenn’s Home/Life in Montana; Family legacy. | | 11:18 | Discussing age, feeling young, “soul” awareness. | | 18:09 | Navigating parenting, regret, and the working mom balance. | | 28:33 | Portraying Alex Forrest as a tragic figure. | | 33:02 | Channeling grandmothers in her characters. | | 46:09 | The impact of growing up in Moral Rearmament (MRA). | | 54:44 | On forgiveness and healing family trauma. | | 58:52 | Impact of childhood experience on Glenn’s own motherhood. | | 61:32 | Career motivations, embracing transformation for new roles. | | 70:30 | Mental health advocacy and founding Bring Change to Mind. | | 76:28 | Lightning round—advice to her younger self & aging insights. |

Tone & Language

The episode is conversational, warm, honest, and peppered with comic asides and moments of vulnerability. Julia and Glenn meet as peers—and occasionally as co-conspirators, especially as they brainstorm reclaiming villainous women’s stories or marvel at family eccentricities.

For Listeners

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Glenn Close’s life and legacy, the realities of aging in the public eye, the healing process after family trauma, the inside baseball of acting, and the challenge—and joy—of reinventing oneself at any age.

Summary by Podcast Summarizer AI | December 2025

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Season 4, Episode 1: Julia Gets Wise with Glenn Close
Release Date: December 10, 2025
Host: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Guest: Glenn Close

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Glenn Close’s Life in Montana and Finding Home

[07:50] - [09:24]

Glenn describes her “luckiest thing”: buying land in Bozeman, Montana, before the area’s boom, creating a legacy for her family on property bordering national forest.
She shares her happiness in reconstructing a stone cottage that resembles her childhood refuge, stating, “That’s where I’m gonna die. Happily.”
Notable Quote:

"The happiest and most inspiring years of my life was in that place. And I have decided that I am gonna end my days in that cottage." (Glenn Close, 09:17)

2. Talking Age and Living Backward

[11:18] - [15:44]

Glenn openly states her age (78), but insists she feels like she’s in her 20s or 30s.
Describes a childhood “soul awareness” that shaped her perspective—her body as a “house” for whatever is “looking out of my eyes.”
She emphasizes the power of eye contact, mourning the loss of human connection in a digital age.
Notable Quote:

"Who I am has always been whatever is looking out of my eyes." (Glenn Close, 11:41)

3. The Joys and Realities of Aging

[14:44] - [15:50]

Glenn appreciates not worrying about pleasing people and values the depth of long-term relationships.
Finds herself learning more now than ever:

"I'm probably discovering more now than I ever have. I feel I'm finally maybe getting to the place where I can settle into who I am and not have to worry about pleasing people all the time." (Glenn Close, 15:06)
Enjoys the richness of shared history (“I like having a history with people…”).

4. Becoming a Grandmother and Reflections on Motherhood

[15:52] - [18:09]

Glenn is relishing her new role as “grandma” and cherishes time with her grandson Rory.
She reflects regretfully on missing time with her daughter Annie as a baby due to work, and is making up for it now.
On balancing motherhood and career, she and Julia agree:

"As soon as you have a child, you're basically cut in half." (Glenn Close, 18:42)
- Both credit having resources and support as essential.

5. The Realities (and Absurdities) of Showbiz

[02:22] - [03:59]

Julia recounts a devastating audition that culminated in seeing the role go to someone else—illustrating show business’s unpredictability.
She expresses admiration for actors over 70 who continue “risking everything”—calling them “heroic.”

6. Revisiting Iconic Roles and Misunderstood Women

[28:13] - [32:04]

Glenn discusses “Fatal Attraction,” detailing her deep research and her sympathy for Alex Forrest, viewing her as a tragic figure, not a villain.
Julia urges a retelling from Alex’s perspective; Glenn is game:

"Let's do it together." (Glenn Close, 31:02)
Glenn speaks about “Dangerous Liaisons,” describing audience demands for “punishment” of powerful women characters.
On vicious endings:

"It's not enough that she kills herself. No, no, no. She has to be shot, you know, in order to restore order to the family. It's a basic Greek tragedy." (Glenn Close, 30:35)

7. Influence of Family Women & Channeling Them in Her Work

[33:02] - [40:37]

Glenn’s grandmothers were strong characters—and sources for parts she played (“Granny Close” inspired her “Reversal of Fortune” meltdown).
Julia and Glenn swap stories about grandmothers’ quirks, temperaments, and the curiosities of older generations.
Glenn describes how her maternal grandmother inspired “Jenny Fields” in The World According to Garp.
Emphasis on the value of curiosity and truly seeing people.

8. Childhood Trauma: Growing Up in the MRA (Moral Rearmament)

[46:09] - [53:17]

Glenn discloses the emotional and psychological wounds of being raised in a fundamentalist group.
Recounts a heart-wrenching memory as a child, feeling guilty for her parents’ abandonment.
Speaks openly about generational trauma and the burden of forgiveness:

"The burden of forgiveness is always with the child." (Glenn Close, 54:44)

9. Healing and Forgiveness

[54:21] - [56:38]

Glenn found forgiveness through understanding her parents’ own traumas.
Discusses writing a candid letter to her father and gaining emotional liberation by confronting the truth.

10. Up With People & Personal Growth

[56:51] - [58:52]

Glenn’s years performing with Up With People—a group connected to the cult—delayed her formal education and romantic experiences.
Julia reveals her own family’s brush with "Up With People," adding a touch of levity.

11. Lessons From Parenting and Relationships

[58:52] - [61:12]

Glenn does not feel she brought cult-related “baggage” into motherhood, but notes her "empty toolbox" when it came to adult relationships.
Observes that her daughter’s generation seems to be forming healthier partnerships and takes pride in that progress.

12. Her Ongoing Creative Drive

[61:12] - [65:13]

Glenn no longer feels the need to “prove” herself but still seeks creative satisfaction.
Describes her role in an upcoming “Hunger Games” prequel and the excitement of physically transforming for a part.
Talks the nitty-gritty of facial prosthetics and creating iconic looks, delighting Julia with exclusive photos over Zoom.
Notable Quote:

"It's so much fun...I did not look like myself. It was so fabulous." (Glenn Close, 64:07)

13. Mental Health Advocacy and Family

[70:15] - [76:09]

Glenn explains how her sister Jessie's struggle with bipolar disorder—and her nephew’s diagnosis—propelled the founding of Bring Change to Mind.
Stigma, she notes, is “just as bad as the illnesses themselves."
Advocates for honest conversations about mental health, especially among youth.

14. Closing Reflections & Practical Wisdom

Rapid-Fire Q&A [76:28] - [79:02]:

What would she tell her 21-year-old self? “Get out of it [the cult]. Get an education.”
Something she’d say yes to? A missed romantic opportunity with Robert Redford (“I was too clueless”).
Top advice about aging:

"Try to fall in love with your skin...I wanted to find a tree bark that looked like the skin of my arm, and it would make me feel like I belong." (Glenn Close, 78:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On childhood realization:
"Who I am has always been whatever is looking out of my eyes." (Glenn Close, 11:41)
On being split by motherhood:
"As soon as you have a child, you're basically cut in half." (Glenn Close, 18:42)
On Alex Forrest (“Fatal Attraction”):
"She really was a tragic figure...she is now considered one of the great villains..." (Glenn Close, 28:33)
On forgiveness:
"The burden of forgiveness is always with the child." (Glenn Close, 54:44)
On advice for aging:
"Try to fall in love with your skin." (Glenn Close, 78:30)
On missing out on Robert Redford:
"I was too clueless...didn't get it." (Glenn Close, 77:48)

Important Timestamps

Tone & Language

For Listeners

Summary by Podcast Summarizer AI | December 2025

Julia Gets Wise with Glenn Close

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Summary

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Glenn Close’s Life in Montana and Finding Home

2. Talking Age and Living Backward

3. The Joys and Realities of Aging

4. Becoming a Grandmother and Reflections on Motherhood

5. The Realities (and Absurdities) of Showbiz

6. Revisiting Iconic Roles and Misunderstood Women

7. Influence of Family Women & Channeling Them in Her Work

8. Childhood Trauma: Growing Up in the MRA (Moral Rearmament)

9. Healing and Forgiveness

10. Up With People & Personal Growth

11. Lessons From Parenting and Relationships

12. Her Ongoing Creative Drive

13. Mental Health Advocacy and Family

14. Closing Reflections & Practical Wisdom

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Tone & Language

For Listeners

Summary

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Glenn Close’s Life in Montana and Finding Home

2. Talking Age and Living Backward

3. The Joys and Realities of Aging

4. Becoming a Grandmother and Reflections on Motherhood

5. The Realities (and Absurdities) of Showbiz

6. Revisiting Iconic Roles and Misunderstood Women

7. Influence of Family Women & Channeling Them in Her Work

8. Childhood Trauma: Growing Up in the MRA (Moral Rearmament)

9. Healing and Forgiveness

10. Up With People & Personal Growth

11. Lessons From Parenting and Relationships

12. Her Ongoing Creative Drive

13. Mental Health Advocacy and Family

14. Closing Reflections & Practical Wisdom

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Tone & Language

For Listeners