Tuesday Weld
Actor
About Tuesday Weld
Tuesday Weld, born Susan Ker Weld, began her career as a child model at age three and transitioned to acting in her early teens. She made her film debut in 'Rock, Rock, Rock!' (1956) and quickly became a teen idol in the late 1950s with roles in films like 'The Five Pennies' and 'Because They're Young.' As she matured, Weld successfully transitioned to more serious dramatic roles, establishing herself as a respected character actress. Her breakthrough adult performance came in 'Pretty Poison' (1968), followed by critically acclaimed work in 'Play It as It Lays' (1972) and 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar' (1977), for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she continued to deliver compelling performances in both film and television, including her Emmy-winning role in 'The Winter of Our Discontent' (1983). Weld's career spanned nearly five decades, during which she worked with many of Hollywood's most respected directors and actors. She gradually reduced her acting work in the 1990s, with her final film appearance coming in 2001.
The Craft
On Screen
Tuesday Weld was known for her naturalistic and emotionally authentic acting style, often bringing a sense of vulnerability and complexity to her characters. She possessed a unique ability to convey deep emotion through subtle facial expressions and body language, making her particularly effective in dramatic roles. Her early performances as a teen star displayed a precocious maturity, while her adult work showcased remarkable range from psychological thrillers to character-driven dramas. Weld had a distinctive screen presence that combined both fragility and strength, allowing her to portray troubled characters with remarkable depth and authenticity.
Milestones
- Film debut in 'Rock, Rock, Rock!' (1956) at age 13
- Teen idol status in the late 1950s with multiple leading roles
- Breakthrough dramatic performance in 'Pretty Poison' (1968)
- Academy Award nomination for 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar' (1977)
- Emmy Award for 'The Winter of Our Discontent' (1983)
- Golden Globe win for 'The Winter of Our Discontent'
- Successful transition from teen star to respected character actress
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special for 'The Winter of Our Discontent' (1983)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film for 'The Winter of Our Discontent' (1983)
- National Board of Review Award for Best Actress for 'Play It as It Lays' (1972)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar' (1977)
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama for 'Play It as It Lays' (1973)
- BAFTA nomination for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles for 'The Five Pennies' (1960)
- Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year – Actress (1960)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star at 6953 Hollywood Boulevard
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Tuesday Weld represented a significant bridge between Hollywood's studio system era and the New Hollywood movement of the 1970s. As one of the few teen stars to successfully transition to respected dramatic acting, she paved the way for future generations of young performers seeking serious roles. Her willingness to take on complex, often controversial characters in films like 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar' helped push boundaries in American cinema regarding female sexuality and psychological complexity. Weld's career trajectory challenged industry stereotypes about the limitations faced by actors who begin as teen idols, demonstrating that with talent and careful role selection, it was possible to build a lasting career beyond typecasting.
Lasting Legacy
Tuesday Weld's legacy lies in her remarkable ability to reinvent herself throughout her career, evolving from a teen sensation to one of Hollywood's most respected character actresses. Her performances in the 1970s, particularly in 'Play It as It Lays' and 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar,' are now considered landmarks of American cinema's golden era of psychological drama. Critics and fellow actors often cite her naturalistic style and emotional authenticity as influential, with many noting her ability to convey complex inner lives through minimal dialogue. Despite her reclusive nature and limited public appearances, Weld's body of work continues to be studied by film scholars and admired by audiences who appreciate nuanced, psychologically rich performances. Her career serves as a model of artistic integrity in an industry often driven by commercial considerations.
Who They Inspired
Tuesday Weld influenced subsequent generations of actresses through her demonstrated ability to transcend typecasting and build a career based on artistic choices rather than commercial appeal. Her success in transitioning from teen star to serious dramatic actress inspired performers like Jodie Foster and Kirsten Dunst, who similarly sought to establish credibility beyond their early fame. Weld's naturalistic acting style and willingness to portray complex, often unlikable characters helped expand the range of possibilities for women in American cinema. Her collaborations with directors of the New Hollywood movement contributed to the era's artistic revolution, and her performances continue to be referenced by contemporary actors studying character development and emotional authenticity on screen.
Off Screen
Tuesday Weld's personal life was often as dramatic as her film roles. She married three times: first to screenwriter Claude Harz (1965-1971), then to British musician and comedian Dudley Moore (1975-1980), and finally to violinist Pinchas Zukerman (1985-1998). She had two children: a daughter, Natasha, with Harz, and a son, Patrick, with Zukerman. Weld was known for being intensely private and often reclusive, rarely giving interviews or making public appearances. Her mother, Loretta, was a significant figure in her early career, managing her affairs and sometimes making decisions that Weld later regretted. Despite her fame, Weld maintained a relatively low profile throughout her career, preferring to let her work speak for itself.
Education
Attended professional schools while working as a child actress, later studied acting with renowned coach Stella Adler
Family
- Claude Harz (1965-1971)
- Dudley Moore (1975-1980)
- Pinchas Zukerman (1985-1998)
Did You Know?
- Her stage name 'Tuesday' came from the day of the week she was born
- She began modeling at age three after her father's death to help support her family
- Her first acting job was in a 1955 episode of 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet'
- She was paid $10,000 for 'Rock, Rock, Rock!' when she was only 13 years old
- She turned down the role of Mrs. Robinson in 'The Graduate' (1967)
- She was considered for the role of Bonnie in 'Bonnie and Clyde' (1967)
- Her mother managed her career until she was 21, when she successfully sued to gain control
- She was briefly engaged to Elvis Presley in the early 1960s
- She turned down the lead role in 'Rosemary's Baby' (1968)
- She has lived in relative seclusion since retiring from acting, rarely giving interviews
In Their Own Words
I don't like being famous. It's like being in prison.
I never wanted to be a star. I wanted to be an actress.
The trouble with being a child star is that you're a celebrity before you're a person.
I've always been attracted to the darker side of life. It's more interesting.
I don't think about the past. I'm not nostalgic. I think about what I'm going to have for dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tuesday Weld?
Tuesday Weld was an American actress who began her career as a child star in the 1950s and successfully transitioned to become a respected dramatic actress. She was known for her roles in films like 'Pretty Poison,' 'Play It as It Lays,' and 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar,' earning an Academy Award nomination for the latter.
What films is Tuesday Weld best known for?
Tuesday Weld is best known for her early teen films like 'Rock, Rock, Rock!' (1956), her breakthrough dramatic role in 'Pretty Poison' (1968), her acclaimed performance in 'Play It as It Lays' (1972), and her Oscar-nominated role in 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar' (1977). She also won an Emmy for 'The Winter of Our Discontent' (1983).
When was Tuesday Weld born and when did she die?
Tuesday Weld was born on August 27, 1943, in New York City. She is still alive as of current records, having retired from acting in the early 2000s after a career spanning nearly five decades.
What awards did Tuesday Weld win?
Tuesday Weld won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for her performance in 'The Winter of Our Discontent' (1983), and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar' (1977). She also won a National Board of Review Award for 'Play It as It Lays' (1972).
What was Tuesday Weld's acting style?
Tuesday Weld was known for her naturalistic and emotionally authentic acting style, often portraying complex, psychologically troubled characters. She brought vulnerability and depth to her roles through subtle expressions and body language, making her particularly effective in dramatic films that explored darker aspects of human nature.
How did Tuesday Weld transition from teen star to serious actress?
Tuesday Weld successfully transitioned from teen idol to serious dramatic actress through careful role selection and dedication to her craft. Her breakthrough came with 'Pretty Poison' (1968), followed by critically acclaimed performances in 'Play It as It Lays' and 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar,' establishing her as a respected character actress in the New Hollywood era.
Was Tuesday Weld married to Dudley Moore?
Yes, Tuesday Weld was married to British comedian and musician Dudley Moore from 1975 to 1980. Their marriage was highly publicized and was one of three marriages for Weld, who also had relationships with other famous figures including Elvis Presley.
Why did Tuesday Weld retire from acting?
Tuesday Weld gradually reduced her acting work in the 1990s and made her final film appearance in 2001. She was known for being intensely private and preferred to live away from the public eye. While she never gave extensive interviews about her retirement, it appears to have been a personal choice to focus on her private life rather than continued work in the entertainment industry.
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Films
1 film
