Jane Seymour Recalls Critic Comparing Her Frizzy 1981 Oscars Hairstyle to ’50 Lbs. of Mildewed Mattress Stuffing'

Seymour took the Oscars stage alongside comedian Richard Pryor in 1981 to present the award for Best Film Editing

NEED TO KNOW

• Jane Seymour recently reflected on her memorable frizzy hairstyle from the 1981 Oscars
• The East of Eden actress shared how the look unexpectedly sparked a trend despite mixed reactions at the time
• Today, the 75-year-old says she continues to draw inspiration from her past wardrobe and enjoys shopping in her own closet as styles return

Jane Seymour has long been admired for her elegance on and off screen, from her breakout as a Bond girl in Live and Let Die to her enduring role on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. 

Known for her classic beauty and versatility, she became just as memorable for her fashion choices as for her performances. In the 1980s especially, her style leaned into the decade’s love of drama — bold silhouettes, statement shoulders and, most notably, big hair. During a recent interview with Woman’s World, Seymour reflected on one unforgettable beauty moment that took on a life of its own.

“I’ve always had long hair, and it used to be so long I could sit on it, but I can’t believe that I ever frizzed my hair out!” she told the outlet. “I accidentally popularized that look when I presented at the Oscars in 1981.”

That moment, however, didn’t come without criticism, and Seymour still remembers the sharp commentary that came as a result of the exaggerated hairstyle.

“My hairdresser decided to do the big hair, and a critic said that I looked like ‘50 lbs. of mildewed mattress stuffing,’” the 75-year-old actress recalled. “I’ve never forgotten that.” 

Yet, despite the harsh jab, the look proved more influential than anyone expected. In fact, what seemed like a misstep quickly turned into inspiration within the fashion world, and shortly after the Oscars, Ralph Lauren contacted Seymour’s team to ask who did her hair. 

“I didn’t want to throw my hairdresser under the bus, so at first I said I did it myself, but they were actually hoping they could copy the look for their new fashion show,” she revealed. “I gave them my hairdresser’s contact and that started a trend, sadly.”

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Nevertheless, over the decades, Seymour’s style evolution has remained part of her appeal, and today, she admits she still finds herself drawn to the fashion of her past.

“I like to shop in my own closet,” she shared. “I was going to toss all my clothes with big shoulder pads, but I ended up keeping them, because everything comes back. I always say not to throw anything away.”

That instinct to hold onto her wardrobe has paid off as trends resurface, allowing the actress to revisit and reinterpret earlier looks.

“I’ve recently been on the red carpet wearing things that I first wore 20 or 30 years ago, and they’re all back in style now,” Seymour told Woman’s World. “I look at what’s in style and see how I can put a look together with clothes I already have. It’s like my sport.”

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