At 64, Julie Hagerty remains every bit as funny and lovable as she was when she burst onto the scene nearly 40 years ago in the classic disaster movie spoof Airplane!. Today, she’s stealing hearts with her portrayal of Mrs. Claus in the Disney+ movie Noelle and giving a standout performance as a supportive mother-in-law in Netflix’s acclaimed drama Marriage Story.
“It’s been beyond my wildest dreams,” Julie shares about her latest projects. And when it comes to her own life, the same holds true for her 20-year marriage to her second husband, insurance executive Richard Kagan, 73. What’s the secret to their enduring relationship? “It’s all about keeping the lines of communication open, being kind, and loving each other unconditionally,” Julie exclusively tells Closer Weekly. “Laughter is also key—my husband has this way of making me laugh so hard. And who says you can’t have dessert first if you want to? Life’s more fun when you don’t take it too seriously!”
Closer sat down with Julie to talk about her early modeling days, navigating the whirlwind of sudden fame, the truth behind the infamous Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss feud on the set of What About Bob?, and why she feels like she’s living her childhood in reverse.
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Keep reading for our exclusive Q&A with Julie!
Marriage Story: A Masterpiece That Brought Out Julie’s Best
How did Julie Hagerty land such a pivotal role in Marriage Story, one of the most talked-about films of the year? As she explains, it was a serendipitous call from director Noah Baumbach that set everything in motion. “Noah reached out to my agent, we met, and I was thrilled to be part of this incredible project,” Julie says with genuine excitement. “To work alongside actors like Scarlett Johansson, Merritt Wever, Adam Driver, Ray Liotta, Alan Alda, Wallace Shawn, and Laura Dern—it’s a dream come true. These people are not only supremely talented but also incredibly kind and down-to-earth.”
Playing Mrs. Claus in Noelle: A Holiday Highlight
When it came to playing Mrs. Claus in Disney+’s Noelle, Julie felt an immense sense of responsibility. “This character is iconic, and I didn’t want to let anyone down,” she admits. “I was thrilled when director Marc Lawrence asked me to join the cast. The wardrobe alone was breathtaking—everything was handmade, and the entire experience was magical. Working with a talented ensemble cast, including Bill Hader, Billy Eichner, Anna Kendrick, and Shirley MacLaine, made it even more special.”
