Julia Louis-Dreyfus reveals emotional connection to Alzheimer’s in new animated film
The actress revealed her grandmother died from the disease and her mother-in-law is affected
Julia Louis-Dreyfus opened up about the deeply personal reason she joined the cast of the upcoming animated film Tangles, revealing that Alzheimer’s disease has affected multiple members of her own family.
The Emmy-winning actress, 65, discussed the project during a Cannes Film Festival conversation with The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, May 14, where she is promoting the film alongside its star-studded voice cast.
Tangles follows a woman navigating her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and is based on Sarah Leavitt’s graphic memoir Tangles: A Story about Alzheimer’s, My Mother and Me.
The adult-focused animated feature also features the voices of Seth Rogen, Bryan Cranston, Sarah Silverman, Beanie Feldstein, Abbi Jacobson, Wanda Sykes, Bowen Yang, and others.
Louis-Dreyfus said the story immediately resonated with her because of her own family history with the disease.
“There’s Alzheimer’s in my family,” she said, explaining that her grandmother died from it and her mother-in-law is currently living with the condition.
“I understand the disease well and the toll that the disease can take on a family. I’m living that as we speak.”
She added that the project felt meaningful not only because of its subject matter, but also because of its unique storytelling approach.
The film blends emotional themes with animation aimed at adult audiences, something she found particularly compelling when she first received the script from producer Lauren Rogen.
“I was immediately intrigued by this project too because it was based on this extraordinary graphic novel,” she said.
“The idea of tackling this subject through animation geared towards adults was so intriguing to me.”
Louis-Dreyfus emphasized that Tangles is ultimately about communication, empathy, and family bonds during difficult times, themes she believes are especially relevant today.
“It’s about communication and being in community and the value of family,” she said.
“All of that is sorely needed right now… I’m hopeful that this film, when people see it, they might take away a new way of approaching those they love during difficult moments.”
The film, which is set to premiere following its Cannes debut, marks another voice role for Louis-Dreyfus, who also appears as a sheep in The Sheep Detectives, currently in theaters.
