Beverly D’Angelo Reflects on Motherhood and Career Choices

Beverly D’Angelo, known for her role in National Lampoon, embraced motherhood at 49, opting to raise her children away from Hollywood’s glaring lights. In 2001, she welcomed twins Anton and Olivia with her then-partner, Al Pacino, with whom she was in a relationship from 1997 to 2003.

As the new year begins, D’Angelo is set to co-star with Hayden Panettiere in a psychological thriller titled Sleepwalkers.

“When you become a parent, everything shifts,” D’Angelo shared, reflecting on her upbringing. “It makes you reconsider how you were raised and what values you want to pass on. Fame has never been what’s important to me.”

Born in the Midwest, she describes her younger self as a bit of a rebel, leaving home at 17, yet she values the solid foundation and education she received. “There were genuinely good people around me,” she noted.

“The important thing is to recognize what you’re good at and build a sense of community around it,” she added. “Those core values, they’re quintessentially American. Even though my life has been quite colorful, I pride myself on being well-educated.”

D’Angelo emphasized the importance of a normal upbringing for her children. “I wanted them to grow up with integrity and responsibility,” she stated firmly. “Their talents and values always came first for me.”

She never hesitated to prioritize family over career. “I had my twins just after turning 49,” she said. “It was essential for me to keep them as my center of focus. I chose projects that allowed me to stay close to home, whether it was TV or independent films.”

“I can’t say I’m driven by career ambitions. It’s always been about the stories and characters that resonate with me,” D’Angelo reflected. “The urge to express myself has been my true motivation.”

She started her journey in California after high school, working at Hanna-Barbera Studios, later training in Canada as a vocalist, eventually landing a Broadway role in Rockabye Hamlet. “The industry shifted focus, casting directors began to notice me. I worked hard and landed significant roles, like Sheila in Hair after numerous auditions,” she explained, acknowledging the guidance she received from directors like Miloš Forman.

About feeling the pressure to fit a glamorous Hollywood image, she candidly said, “Absolutely, it’s a real challenge.” Yet, D’Angelo decided to take a different path, moving to Italy when she felt overwhelmed by career pressures. “I wasn’t scheming; I was simply living my life,” she expressed.

Having been married to Italian duke Lorenzo Salviati from 1981 to 1995, D’Angelo now keeps herself busy with projects she finds meaningful. “It’s a privilege to perform, and I appreciate the journey,” she said, acknowledging the unique experiences that come with age. “With time, comes a deeper understanding of the world,” she concluded, reflecting on her evolving role, often portraying mothers in her recent work. “I like to think I originated the MILF archetype in the Vacation films.”