Kyra Sedgwick Admits She Has Trouble Keeping Up With Her 91-Year-Old Mom And Shares Her ‘Excellent’ Career Advice

Jul 26, 2023

Renowned actress Kyra Sedgwick opened up about various aspects of her life, from her 91-year-old mother to aging and her new young adult series, "The Summer I Turned Pretty." While Sedgwick is widely known for her role in the popular TV show "The Closer" and her 35-year marriage to fellow actor Kevin Bacon, the actress believes that to truly understand her, one must hear her talk about her mom, Patricia. 

At 91 years old, Patricia still works as a psychotherapist and has an unstoppable spirit. Sedgwick recounts an anecdote on how she dashed into a New York City subway en route to a black-tie gala event while her mother effortlessly outpaced her in sequined shoes, leaving the actress in awe of her energy and strength.

Born in 1965 in New York City, Sedgwick has a close bond with her mother, especially after her parents' divorce when she was still a toddler. At 16, Sedgwick landed her first acting job on the soap opera "Another World" and then became the love interest of Tom Cruise in the 1989 flick "Born on the Fourth of July."

In the 1990s, Sedgwick mostly took on roles as a supporting actress in both her movies and TV projects. But by 2005, she was cast as the lead star in "The Closer," a crime drama series and was frequently nominated for her role as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson. However, under her own terms, Sedgwick decided that the series must end after season 7. She then moved on to directing, producing and guest-starring roles on other shows by the time she was in her late 40s.

This fierce and can-do attitude seems to be a part of the actress's character, as molded by her mom, as she has always been one to take on new challenges. After a long and successful career in Hollywood, Sedgwick embarked on yet another new turn in her career by joining the cast of the young adult series "The Summer I Turned Pretty," based on the romance trilogy by author Jenny Han. 

In the show’s second season, which premiered in July 2023, Sedgwick played Aunt Julia, who wants to sell the beloved estate that once belonged to her now-deceased sister, much to the dismay of her teenage nephews and their childhood friend. Sedgwick described the experience of working with her co-stars, who are a decade younger than her own children, as surprisingly positive, finding them professional, humble and not constantly glued to their phones.

“It didn’t freak me out at all,” Sedgwick said of working with young actors and actresses. “I don’t mind being the old-timer. I think that’s the reason to do something.”

Despite her successful career, Kyra remains down-to-earth, reflecting on her upbringing in New York City, where she spent her childhood playing handball on the stoops of the Upper West Side and embracing the late-'70s hippie culture. She also recalled her family's illustrious history, including notable ancestors like Major General Robert Sedgwick and model Edie Sedgwick, and her mom's influence in introducing her to the world of arts and culture.

Sedgwick also thanks her mom for inspiring her to make shifts in her career even in old age.

"She used to say, 'You can change your career at any time — don't let anybody tell you that you can't,' It's excellent advice, regardless of the industry you're in," the actress said.

Throughout her career, Kyra Sedgwick has demonstrated her versatility, tackling various roles, and she has learned to have such a positive attitude about work from her mother. What can you say about Sedgwick's relationship with her mom? Do you know a fan of the actress? Then tell them all about this story!