Geena Davis: Awards Winning Roles, Legacy & Jeff Goldblum Past

In the ever-shifting landscape of Hollywood, few stars possess the intellectual depth, athletic prowess, and activist spirit of Geena Davis. As of early 2026, the two-time Academy Award winner remains a towering figure, both literally and figuratively, celebrating a milestone year that bridges her legendary past with a future focused on systemic change in the industry.

Whether she is playing a groundbreaking first female President or fighting for gender parity behind the scenes, Geena Davis defines what it means to lead with “politeness” and power.

Geena Davis Biography

Geena Davis smiling

Born Virginia Elizabeth Davis on January 21, 1956, in Wareham, Massachusetts, Geena grew up in a home that valued education and curiosity. Standing at six feet tall, she was often self-conscious about her height as a child, but it eventually became one of her most striking assets. After earning a bachelor’s degree in drama from Boston University, she worked as a model and window mannequin before being discovered by director Sydney Pollack for a role in Tootsie (1982).

ALSO READ: Laura Dern: Actress, Jeff Goldblum & Billy Bob Thornton Romance

Career

Geena’s career is a masterclass in range and longevity:

  • The Breakout (1980s): From the whimsical Beetlejuice to her Oscar-winning role in The Accidental Tourist, she quickly became one of the most sought-after actors of her generation.
  • The Feminist Icons (1990s): With Thelma & Louise and A League of Their Own, Geena portrayed women who refused to be sidelined, cementing her status as a cultural icon.
  • The Advocate (2004–Present): Launching the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, she changed the way Hollywood views representation, using data to prove the lack of female presence in children’s entertainment.
  • 2026 Resurgence: This year, Geena is back on the screen in the highly anticipated Netflix series The Boroughs, produced by the Duffer Brothers.

Geena Davis Movies

Geena Davis playing the character Dr. Nicole Herman in the television series Grey's Anatomy
  • The Fly (1986): A sci-fi horror masterpiece alongside Jeff Goldblum.
  • Beetlejuice (1988): Playing the lovable ghost Barbara Maitland.
  • The Accidental Tourist (1988): The performance that won her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
  • Thelma & Louise (1991): An era-defining film that earned her a Best Actress nomination.
  • A League of Their Own (1992): As Dottie Hinson, the face of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
  • Stuart Little (1999–2005): Introducing her to a new generation as Mrs. Little.
  • Blink Twice (2024): A recent thriller directed by Zoë Kravitz where she played Stacy.

Geena Davis Net Worth

As of early 2026, Geena Davis’s net worth is estimated at $30 million. Her fortune grew through decades of leading roles, high-value television salaries (including her Golden Globe-winning turn in Commander in Chief), and her work as an author and producer.

Family

Geena is the daughter of Lucille, a teacher’s aide, and William, a civil engineer. She is a devoted mother to three children from her marriage to Reza Jarrahy: her daughter Alizeh (born 2002) and fraternal twin sons Kian and Kaiis (born 2004). In a 2026 birthday interview, Geena noted that her children are “her greatest legacy,” often joining her in her advocacy work.

ALSO READ: Billy Bob Thornton: Actor, Angelina Jolie Past & Connie Angland Love

Relationships & Life Partners

Geena Davis and Richard Emmolo

Early in her career, Geena was married to New York restaurateur Richard Emmolo. They wed in March 1981 but separated less than two years later, finalizing their divorce in 1984. It was a brief chapter that preceded her rise to global stardom.

Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum

Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum

One of the most intellectual pairings in Hollywood history, Geena and Jeff Goldblum met on the set of Transylvania 6-5000 in 1985. They married in 1987 and starred in three films together, including the cult hit Earth Girls Are Easy. Though they divorced in 1990, they have remained famously respectful of one another, with Geena describing their marriage as “joyful and adventurous.”

Geena Davis and Reza Jarrahy

Geena Davis and Reza Jarrahy at a movie Premiere

Geena married neurosurgeon Reza Jarrahy in 2001. Their 16-year partnership was her longest, during which she gave birth to her three children. Following a prolonged and sometimes public legal battle regarding whether they were ever “legally” married, their divorce was finalized in late 2021. Now, in 2026, Geena is reportedly enjoying her single life, focused on her family and her institute.

Controversies

While largely celebrated as a “polite” revolutionary, Geena has used her voice to highlight industry misconduct:

  • The Bill Murray Allegations: In her recent memoir Dying of Politeness, Geena detailed a “nightmare” experience working with Bill Murray on Quick Change, citing his use of a massage device on her against her will and verbal abuse on set.
  • The Gender Gap: Geena has remained a persistent thorn in the side of major studios, calling out the “17% rule” (the stagnant percentage of women in crowd scenes and lead roles) and pushing for legislative changes in media representation.

Geena Davis Age

As of today, February 15, 2026, Geena Davis is 70 years old. She celebrated this milestone birthday on January 21, 2026.

Geena Davis Now

Now, Geena is busier than ever. Outside of her role in The Boroughs, she is serving as a keynote speaker at major global forums, including a high-profile commencement speech in 2026 at Bates College. She remains an expert archer (having nearly qualified for the 2000 Olympics) and continues to live in Los Angeles, where she oversees the Bentonville Film Festival, which celebrates its 12th year in 2026.

Conclusion

Geena Davis holding her Academy Award

Geena Davis has spent her 70 years proving that “politeness” is not a weakness, but a tactical advantage. Whether she is analyzing data on screen time or fighting supernatural threats on Netflix, she remains a definitive voice for equality in the modern age.

ALSO READ: Cynthia Erivo: Wicked, Broadway, Awards & Rise to Fame

Aniekan Andikan
Aniekan Andikan

Aniekan Andikan is a senior entertainment writer and researcher at Tushstories, specializing in the intersection of pop culture history and global celebrity legacies and relationships. With over 5 years of experience in blogging, Aniekan focuses on uncovering the lesser-known narratives of movie, sports and music icons. He holds a degree in Education and is dedicated to providing readers with deeply researched, human-centered biographies that go beyond basic facts. When not digging into film archives, Aniekan can be found exploring local art galleries in Ikot Ekpene

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