Humanitarian of the Week: Anjelica Huston

The daughter of director-actor John Huston and Italian–American prima ballerina Enrica “Ricki”(née Soma), Anjelica Huston has long held a spot in the pantheon of great actresses. Huston was raised primarily in England and Ireland and as early as 1969 was given a chance to act in small roles in some of her father’s films. When Huston’s mother, at the young age of 39, was killed in an automobile accident, Anjelica relocated to the Unites States where she quickly found work as a model.

By 1980, Anjelica Huston was once again called to film work and began studying acting with an eye toward serious parts. She found acclaim with her role in Prizzi’s Honor and was further celebrated for work in films such as The Dead, The Grifters and the franchise of Addams Family films based on Charles Addams’ comic drawings and the 1960’s television program of the same name. Huston has followed in her father’s footsteps and added directing to her resume as well.

However, Huston’s most valuable work has been her tireless efforts to protect wildlife. Joining PETA, Anjelica Huston issued a statement urging her colleagues in the entertainment industry to refrain from using young chimpanzees and orangutans in films. Huston has employed her powerful voice to speak for those who cannot, stating that while some trainers are quite humane, many young apes are torn away from their mothers and mistreated by human trainers for the profit of the film industry. Through her work, Huston has raised considerable awareness about the need to treat primates with respect and to ensure that the entertainment industry works in the best interest of all animals.

For her skills as an actor, a director and a spokesperson for animals, Miss Huston is our “Humanitarian of the Week.”