ℹ Key Takeaways
- Earned two Oscar nominations after age 63 for Animal Kingdom and Silver Linings
- Built 50+ year career from Australian theatre to Hollywood stardom
- Married four times, currently wed to actor Sean Taylor since 2003
- Appeared in Yellowstone as ruthless CEO Caroline Warner
- Honored with Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2021
Most actors consider their peak years over by 60. Jacki Weaver proved otherwise when her chilling portrayal of gang matriarch Janine “Smurf” Cody in “Animal Kingdom” (2010) earned her an Academy Award nomination at age 63. This breakthrough made her an international sensation.
Jacki Weaver is an Australian actress famous for her two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actress in “Animal Kingdom” (2010) and “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012). Born Jacqueline Ruth Weaver on May 25, 1947, she has built a remarkable career spanning over five decades in Australian theatre, television, and film before achieving global recognition.
Early Life and Formative Years: Building an Australian Cinema Legend
Birth and Family Foundation
Jacki Weaver was born Jacqueline Ruth Weaver on May 25, 1947, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, making her 77 years old in 2024. Her father Arthur Weaver worked as a Sydney solicitor. Her mother Edith Simpson immigrated from England to Australia.
The post-war Sydney suburbs shaped Weaver’s early perspective. She attended Hornsby Girls’ High School and earned the title of Dux of her school. This academic excellence secured her a university scholarship to study sociology. However, her passion for the stage outweighed her academic pursuits.
Educational Path and Performance Discovery
Weaver discovered acting through elocution lessons as a child and formal training at the Independent Theatre, a renowned institution, with instructors Doreen Warburton and Doris Fitton. At 15, she played Cinderella at Sydney’s Phillip Street Theatre in 1962.
Her television debut occurred in 1963 at age 16. She mimed Gretel in an ABC production of “Hansel and Gretel” conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras. She also appeared on “Bandstand,” performing the novelty song “I Love Onions” in 1920s style.
Early Challenge: Despite her talent, Weaver’s petite frame, youthful appearance, and blonde hair initially limited her to lightweight roles. This frustration would later drive her versatility as a character actress.
Rise Through Australian Theatre: Breaking Traditional Boundaries
Professional Theatre Debut
Jacki Weaver launched her professional career in 1965 when cast in the Australian TV series “Wandjina!” just before starting university. Robin Lovejoy provided her first straight theatre opportunity at the Old Tote in Pinero’s “The Schoolmistress” (1967).
The 1966 ABC variety show “Be Our Guest” featured Weaver and Lorraine Bayly as co-hosts. Though poorly received, having two young women host marked a television milestone. Weaver was 19, Bayly was 29.
Australian New Wave Breakthrough
Weaver’s career-defining moment came with her 1971 film debut in “Stork,” directed by Tim Burstall, earning her first Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. This comedy launched her into the Australian New Wave cinema movement.
She was prominent in Ozploitation films—a genre of Australian exploitation films—through “Alvin Purple” (1973) and “Petersen” (1974). Her supporting role in Peter Weir’s “Picnic at Hanging Rock” (1975) and starring turn in “Caddie” (1976) earned her the AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Career Evolution: From Local Star to Global Recognition
Television and Theatre Dominance
Before achieving international fame, Weaver built an extensive Australian filmography. This included “Water Under the Bridge” (1980), “The Challenge” (1986), and “Squizzy Taylor” (1982). She earned a Logie Award for Best Individual Performance for TV movies “Polly Me Love” and “Do I Have to Kill My Child?” (both 1976).
Contrary to popular belief, Weaver never appeared in soap operas. She starred in the 1988 ABC drama “House Rules” about a Melbourne housewife entering parliament.
Stage Work During Career Transition
With fewer screen roles available in the 1990s and early 2000s, Weaver focused on Australian theatre, performing in over 80 stage productions. Notable shows included “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Death of a Salesman,” and “Uncle Vanya” alongside Cate Blanchett and Richard Roxburgh (2010-11).
Her stage excellence earned multiple “Mo” awards—prestigious Australian theatrical awards—for theatrical achievement.
Hollywood Recognition: Animal Kingdom Success
Weaver’s international breakthrough occurred with “Animal Kingdom” (2010), where her portrayal of crime matriarch Smurf Cody earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress plus wins from the Australian Film Institute, National Board of Review, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and Satellite Awards.
Her Hollywood debut followed with “The Five-Year Engagement” (2012) alongside Emily Blunt and Jason Segel. She also starred in Park Chan-wook’s “Stoker” with Nicole Kidman.
Second Oscar Nomination
In 2012, Weaver received her second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for “Silver Linings Playbook,” playing Dolores opposite Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper. This comedy-drama solidified her status as a respected Oscar nominated actress.
Recent film credits include “Parkland” (2013), “The Disaster Artist” (2017), “Bird Box” (2018), “Widows” (2018), and “Father Stu” (2022).
Personal Life: Marriages, Family, and Private Values
Marriage History and Current Relationship
Jacki Weaver has married four times, currently wed to South African actor Sean Taylor since 2003—her longest and most stable marriage. Previous marriages included David Price (1966-1970), Max Hensser (1975), and radio presenter Derryn Hinch (1983, renewed vows 1997, divorced 1998).
Weaver has one son, Dylan Walters, born in 1970 with partner John Walters. She rarely discusses her family publicly, stating: “My son and his family don’t like me talking about them in public.”
Personal Philosophy and Public Image
In her 2005 autobiography “Much Love, Jac,” Weaver openly discussed her relaxed approach to relationships and past infidelities. She expresses pride that Taylor is the only husband to whom she has remained faithful.
Despite Hollywood success, Weaver maintains her Australian identity and splits time between Los Angeles and Australia. She and Taylor enjoy gardening together, describing their relationship as content and grounded.
Professional Achievements and Industry Recognition
Awards and Honors
Jacki Weaver AO’s accolades include five AACTA Awards (including the prestigious Longford Lyell Award), a National Board of Review Award, two Academy Award nominations, and a Golden Globe nomination. She received the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2021 for distinguished service to performing arts.
Her television work earned Logie Awards, including Most Outstanding Supporting Actress for “Bloom” and Most Popular Australian Actor or Actress in an International Program for “Yellowstone.” Her extensive theatre work earned recognition through multiple “Mo” awards and various Australian theatre honors across her 80-plus stage productions.
Industry Legacy and Influence
Weaver represents the global recognition of Australian talent and demonstrates that compelling character actress performances transcend age barriers. Her late-career Hollywood success opened doors for other mature Australian actress performers seeking international recognition.
She exemplifies the Australian film industry’s ability to produce world-class talent capable of transitioning between local and global markets.
Television Success: Recent Roles and Recognition
Current Television Work
Yes, Jacki Weaver appeared in “Yellowstone” as Caroline Warner, the ruthless CEO of Market Equities, beginning in Season 4 (2021). About her character, Weaver told TV Insider: “She’s a city slicker walking through fields of cowpats in designer heels and classy tailored suits. She looks out of place, but she’s terrifying.”
Her recent television credits include “Blunt Talk” (2015-2016), “Secret City” (2016-2019), “Perpetual Grace, LTD” (2019), “Bloom” (2019-2020), and “Hello Tomorrow!” (2023).
Addressing Public Misconceptions
Sally Struthers Confusion Explained
No, Jacki Weaver and Sally Struthers are not the same person—they are completely different actresses from different countries. Weaver is Australian while Struthers is American. This widespread confusion peaked when Weaver joined “Yellowstone.”
Both actresses share blonde hair, petite stature (Weaver is 4’11”, Struthers is 5’1″), raspy voices, and were born in 1947. Their physical similarities and vocal qualities cause frequent mistaken identity, especially on social media during “Yellowstone” episodes.
Professional Distinction: Weaver built her career in Australian theatre and film before Hollywood success. Struthers gained fame through American television, particularly “All in the Family.”
Current Projects and Future Outlook
Recent Work and Ongoing Activities
As of 2024, Jacki Weaver remains active in both Australian and international productions. Recent projects include “Hello Tomorrow!” and continuing her “Yellowstone” role. She completed over 70 plays and 20 movies in Australia before her American career began.
Current Status: Weaver states she “wouldn’t mind if her career evaporated or kept going for another two decades.” This demonstrates her relaxed approach to career longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jacki Weaver is famous for her Oscar-nominated performances in “Animal Kingdom” (2010) and “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012), plus her 50+ year career in Australian theatre and international film.
Jacki Weaver’s net worth is estimated at $2 million, earned through her extensive acting career in theatre, television, and film.
Jacki Weaver is 77 years old, born May 25, 1947, in Sydney, Australia.
Jacki Weaver stands 4’11” (1.51 meters) tall.
Jacki Weaver is married to South African actor Sean Taylor since 2003, her fourth and longest marriage.
Is Dylan Walters Jacki Weaver’s son?
Yes, Dylan Walters is Jacki Weaver’s son, born in 1970 from her relationship with John Walters.
The Enduring Impact of Jacki Weaver
Jacki Weaver’s career shows that talent and persistence bring success regardless of age or geography. Her transformation from Sydney teenager playing Cinderella to Hollywood Academy Award nominee proves that compelling performances transcend traditional industry boundaries.
Bottom Line: Weaver’s late-career Hollywood breakthrough shifted perceptions for mature actresses while showcasing Australian cinema legend talent on the global stage. Her authentic portrayals of complex characters continue inspiring performers worldwide, proving that the most compelling stories often unfold in life’s later chapters.
Key Takeaway: As an Australian theatre actress who became an independent cinema veteran and Oscar nominated actress, Weaver exemplifies dedication to her craft and the courage to embrace new challenges at any stage of life. Her work in drama, comedy, theatre, film, and television demonstrates the versatility that defines true character actress performances.
