Award-winning actress Penelope Ann Miller was almost unrecognisable during a rare public appearance in Los Angeles last week. The 61-year-old star, who first found fame in the early 1990s, opted for a low-key solo excursion in Beverly Hills as the festive season got underway.
A Storied Career Across Stage and Screen
Miller is celebrated for a versatile career spanning theatre, film, and television. She rose to prominence with her role in the 1990 drama Awakenings alongside the late Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. Her filmography showcases remarkable range, from the comedy Kindergarten Cop to the sci-fi horror The Relic and the Oscar-winning silent film The Artist in 2011.
On television, her performance in American Crime earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination. However, her first love remains the theatre, where she has earned Tony Award nominations for her work in productions of Our Town and All My Sons.
Candid Confessions and Lasting Love
One of the most intriguing aspects of Miller's personal life is her past relationship with co-star Al Pacino. She unapologetically admitted to having an affair with the actor while he was still in a relationship with journalist Lyndall Hobbs. "It’s not a secret and I’m not ashamed of it," she told People magazine in 1993, describing how Pacino brought out a "real fire" in her.
Following brief links to Woody Harrelson and a short-lived marriage to Will Arnett, Miller found lasting love. She married James Patrick Huggins in 2000, and the couple share two daughters: Eloisa May, 25, and Maria Adela, 16. Miller revealed she first met her husband when she was just 15 years old.
A Changed Look and New Projects
During her recent outing on Sunday, December 21, the actress's appearance marked a departure from her earlier signature style. Known for her chic blonde bob and famous ringlets, Miller instead wore her light hair in a messy updo. She kept cosy in a cashmere sweater, bell-bottom jeans, and accessorised with a red scarf, cat-eye sunglasses, and sparkling jewellery.
Miller continues to balance her passion for theatre with film work. Her latest projects include the indie dramedy Wake, where she will star alongside Cole Sprouse, slated for a 2026 release. She also leads the cast in the recently released drama After All, which became available on demand in November via Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
