Maybe you know her from Cruel Intentions, maybe you know her from Legally Blonde, but soon everyone is about to know Selma Blair for playing Kris Jenner on American Crime Story: The People v. OJ Simpson. The true life drama series debuts later this year, and also stars David Schwimmer as Robert Kardashian and Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J. Simpson. According to Entertainment Weekly, Blair was offered the role of Kardashian's wife, Kris Jenner, and it's no surprise she leapt at the opportunity. An actress since 1995, the 42-year-old has faded a little bit from the public eye. Although she hasn't stopped working, she hasn't had a major hit in several years. This project could relaunch her career and remind everyone why Blair is so great.
I especially loved her in the 2001 feminist classic Legally Blonde , where she played Elle Woods' pearl-wearing enemy-turned-friend Vivian Kensington. So, I know she has the acting chops to pull this role off. But playing Kris Jenner is more than your average role. The reality star mom is everywhere these days, and everyone knows her. If Blair can pull off an accurate and compelling portrayal of the Momager circa the 1990s, she'll be remembered for a long time.
I'm not talking about just a Saturday Night Live-esque parody of the woman, either. American Crime Story tackles the serious subject of Nicole Brown Simpson's murder, and Jenner's role in everything (she was O.J.'s lawyer's ex-wife, and a close friend of Nicole). That period of time was a trying one in Jenner's life, and playing her will take skill and conviction to show another side of the reality show star.
Not only is the story engaging, but Blair will be surrounded by other excellent actors in the series. It's the best scenario for her to relaunch her career and remind people of her talent. Because, really, we all need more of Selma Blair's glares in our lives, and American Crime Story can't some soon enough.
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