Glenn Close Steps Out with a Cane on the Red Carpet at 79 Following Major Surgery: Why the Acting Legend Refuses to Slow Down

Hollywood icon Glenn Close walked the red carpet leaning on a cane following complete hip replacement surgery, joining her castmates in London for a special fan screening of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. At 79, the legendary actress proved that major orthopedic surgery will not keep her away from high-profile film premieres.

Arriving with an aide on her arm, Close commanded attention in a striking, oversized green gown designed by Simone Rocha. The ensemble featured dramatic gathered bow detailing below the waist, paired with contrasting black leather opera gloves and a sculpted updo that channeled the extravagant fashion world of Panem.

The appearance answered lingering fan questions about her mobility after she recently addressed concerns about using a walking aid.

Glenn Close attends the Hunger Games fan event in London.

Why Glenn Close Needed a Cane on the Red Carpet

Addressing fans directly on Instagram prior to the London premiere, Close was completely transparent about her physical recovery. She confirmed that a damaged joint required total surgical intervention.

“I have a cane because I had a complete hip replacement. Found out that my left hip was in really bad shape, and my whole thing right now is to keep myself in running order so that I can really leap into whatever challenges come my way,” Close explained in her video message.

A common public misconception about joint replacement surgery in older adults is that it requires prolonged immobility or signals the end of an active public career. In reality, modern orthopedic rehabilitation prioritizes early mobility to restore strength and long-term independence.

Transforming into the Wicked Capitol Escort Drusilla

Close’s physical resilience matches the intense physical demands of her latest on-screen transformation. In The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, she steps into the role of Drusilla, a ruthless Capitol escort whose look required a complete facial redesign.

Glenn Close stars in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Achieving Drusilla’s unsettling appearance required a dedicated production squad and specialized film techniques. The makeup department taped back the star’s eyes and nose while applying custom prosthetics to lift the tip of her nose into an exaggerated angle.

The Creative Team Behind the Panem Look

Close detailed the collaboration that brought the sinister character to life during an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

• Prosthetic Makeup: Designed facial prosthetics to reshape her facial structure.
• Facial Taping: Pulled back the eyes and nose to create Drusilla’s signature severe Capitol features.
• Wig & Wardrobe Specialists: Custom wig craft paired with high-concept futuristic costuming.

“I had a prosthetic makeup artist, I had a regular makeup artist, we had a wig maker, and then you had the costumer. That was my core team. And we sat down and just kind of figured out the looks. It was really, really fun.”

A Star-Studded Return to the Arena

The London fan event highlighted the ensemble cast assembled for the high-stakes prequel. The film chronicles a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy—originally portrayed on screen by Woody Harrelson—as he navigates the deadly 50th Hunger Games.

Francis Lawrence, Kieran Culkin, Glenn Close, Whitney Peak, Joseph Zada, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, and Nina Jacobson.

Close was surrounded by a generation-spanning cast, including Elle Fanning, who takes on a younger Effie Trinket 24 years before the events of the original trilogy. Fanning wore a ballet-inspired Robert Wun look featuring a miniature ballerina headpiece.

Co-star Mckenna Grace wore an Almée couture gown embroidered with 3D florals that mimicked the rugged arena terrain. Grace portrays District 12 tribute Maysilee Donner as well as her twin, Merrilee.

With director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson also walking the carpet, the UK gathering underscored the immense anticipation surrounding the upcoming franchise expansion.

✨ Close’s unapologetic red carpet appearance proves that healing and high fashion can walk hand in hand.

💬 Leaning into her recovery while promoting a major studio release shows the legendary performer is as committed as ever to her craft.

👇 What do you think of Glenn Close’s bold red carpet style and role as Drusilla? Share your reactions in the comments below!