Glenn Close Says She Joined the 'Greatest Icons Ever in the Entertainment Business' After Her Hand and Footprint Ceremony (Exclusive)

Jack Smart, Scott Huver, Daniel S. LevineSat, May 2, 2026 at 3:31 AM UTC

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Glenn Close on May 1Credit: Chris Delmas / AFP via Getty -

Glenn Close's hands and footprints were immortalized in cement at the TCL Chinese Theatre on May 1

The Emmy and Tony winner shared memories of working with the late Robin Williams and Mary Beth Hurt in her speech

Close was supported at the ceremony by Melissa McCarthy, daughter Annie Starke and more

Glenn Close is officially immortal.

The 79-year-old screen legend was all smiles at her Hand & Footprint Ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in the heart of Hollywood on Friday, surrounded by family, friends and fans. Wearing a brown suit and killer shades, Close joined the elite group of cinema stars whose imprints will be forever preserved at the iconic venue.

During her speech, the Oscar nominee shared memories of working with the late Robin Williams and Mary Beth Hurt, whom she referred to as her "beloved best friend of 52 years." Close worked with both stars in 1982's The World According to Garp, which marked her film debut. She met Hurt in 1974, when she understudied for Hurt in the play Love for Love.

Close reflected on what it means to be an actor, comparing the profession to being an alien.

"We are members of the alien nation, because I think we have more antennae than maybe some other humans," she said of actors. "And there are aliens and civilians, and we definitely speak different languages. I fear a world where the civilians completely disenfranchise us aliens. We aliens thrive and live on creative collaboration. It is our sustenance."

"Then there is what I call creative friction, the act of removing your ego in the fight for the best results," Close continued. "Then there's the world according to Rory, my grandson, which is, 'Uh-oh.' Or 'Oh, wow!' "

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Glenn Close on May 1Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty

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Close's Hand & Footprint Ceremony is one of the events in this year's TCM Classic Film Festival, celebrating cinema's history in Los Angeles from April 30 to May 3. The actress will present a special screening of her 1988 hit Dangerous Liaisons, for which she received one of her eight Academy Award nominations.

Among those supporting the Wake Up Dead Man star at the ceremony were Melissa McCarthy, Ben Falcone and Williams' daughter Zelda Williams. The event was also a sweet family affair, with Close's daughter Annie Starke giving a speech while holding her son Rory Westaway Albu, who she welcomed in February 2025.

Glenn Close (center) with Melissa McCarthy and Ben FalconeCredit: Emma McIntyre/Getty

"I love it," Close tells PEOPLE exclusively of being a grandmother. "Every single minute!"

"It's also as much of a joy to see my daughter blossoming at this point, as a lovely, funny, wonderful mother. And you can see it in the face of her child," Close, who spoke to PEOPLE after the handprint ceremony, adds.

“To this day, I can remember the first time I saw Glenn Close on the big screen,” said Ben Mankiewicz, host of TCM Primetime and the TCM Classic Film Festival, in a statement. “More than four decades later, Glenn Close continues to captivate audiences—from her earliest roles to iconic performances like Dangerous Liaisons—and we are proud to honor her enduring legacy at this year's festival.”

Glenn Close with her daughter, Annie Starke, and granddaughter Rory Westaway AlbuCredit: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Among Close's upcoming screen projects are The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (in theaters Nov. 20) and British TV drama Up to No Good. Her 2025 Hulu legal drama All's Fair has been renewed for a second season.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”