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Jamie Lee Curtis has taken to Instagram to honor her nearly five-decade legacy as Laurie Strode, a character that cemented her role as horror’s “first Final Girl” in the classic 1978 film Halloween. Curtis, now 65, shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the role’s impact on her life and career, while also celebrating the community of fans who have followed her journey in the iconic franchise. Known for her role as the resilient Laurie Strode, Curtis embodies the ultimate survivor—a trope that has influenced countless horror films since.
Curtis began her tribute by reminiscing about her first night on the Halloween set, describing how the experience forever changed her. “I walked down a tree-lined street singing… by the end of that night I became the first FINAL GIRL!” she wrote. This term, “Final Girl,” denotes the last woman standing in horror films, a character who confronts and survives the killer—a role that Curtis helped define for future generations of horror heroines.
Since her first appearance, Curtis has reprised her role as Strode across seven sequels, including David Gordon Green’s recent trilogy that revisited the Laurie-Michael Myers story arc with Halloween Ends in 2022. Curtis emphasized the profound connection she’s developed with fans through the years. “I’ve met millions and millions of people whose lives were affected by that film,” she said, noting how these shared experiences in theaters have “bonded” everyone involved.
Reflecting on her gratitude, Curtis thanked director John Carpenter for casting her as Laurie Strode, allowing her to embody an “every girl” whose resilience against evil has inspired audiences for generations. As Curtis acknowledged, the role granted her a unique and lasting influence in Hollywood, while also teaching her the importance of unity in the face of challenges. “Coming together as a group of people, with a common purpose, fighting for our lives together, brings out the best in us,” she noted, highlighting the communal strength shared by fans of the franchise.
Curtis’ tribute underscores the cultural significance of Halloween, not just as a film, but as a phenomenon that has connected millions in shared suspense, fear, and hope. As her fans celebrate her remarkable legacy, Curtis remains grateful for her place in horror history as one of cinema’s original survivors, a role that has spanned generations and transformed horror films forever.
