Los Angeles, California – Heather Graham, known for her role in “Austin Powers,” has revealed that she has not spoken to her parents in nearly three decades. Leaving her family home at 18 to pursue her dreams in West Hollywood, Graham faced initial opposition from her father, who warned her about the dangers of the entertainment industry. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, she shared how her parents, who belonged to a generation that avoided discussing personal matters, were not open to therapy or emotional conversations, leading to a lack of communication in their relationship.
Growing up in Virginia before moving to California, Graham experienced a challenging transition, feeling isolated and insecure after the relocation. Despite these difficulties, she excelled academically, graduating high school with an impressive 5.0 GPA and later attending UCLA to study English. However, after her junior year, she decided to drop out to focus on her acting career, which led to major roles in films like “Austin Powers” and “Swingers.”
As her career flourished, Graham began to reassess her relationship with her parents and ultimately chose to cut ties with them at the age of 25, becoming estranged from them. Despite the rift with her family, she found solace and support in her friendships, stating that she is proud of her accomplishments and the life she has built for herself. Living in Los Angeles and owning properties in both LA and New York, Graham highlighted her love for nature and the ocean, emphasizing how it inspires her creative pursuits.
Recently, the 54-year-old actress took on a new project, “Chosen Family,” where she not only starred but also wrote and directed the film, set to premiere in October. Additionally, she is set to collaborate with Nicolas Cage in her upcoming project, “The Gunslingers,” scheduled for release in 2025. Graham’s journey from a challenging childhood to a successful career in Hollywood reflects her resilience and determination to pursue her dreams despite the obstacles she faced along the way.