‘Blacklist’ Star Famke Janssen Only Wears Dresses: ‘I Never Wear Pants’

Donna Freydkin
Famke Janssen (Photo: Getty Images)
Famke Janssen (Photo: Getty Images)

She’s gone from playing telekinetic mutant Jean Grey in the first three X-Men films to a covert operative in The Blacklist: Redemption. Now 52, Famke Janssen remains outspoken about ageism in Hollywood and the need for women to take control of their careers. Here’s what else she had to share with Yahoo Style before the show’s April 13 finale.

When it comes to her style, Janssen keeps it simple. Very, very simple. “I only wear dresses. I never wear pants. I don’t know why. I love dresses. I wear them every season. In the winter I wear them with Oxfords. In the summer I wear ballet flats. That’s how I dress. It’s so easy to travel that way. I can fit so many dresses into a suitcase. My look hasn’t changed since I was 12. The last couple of seasons I’ve been obsessed with Self Portrait and RED Valentino. I’m sure I’m way too old to wear it. I love their dresses so much.”

She dresses for herself and wears what makes her feel good. “I wear what I like, and I hope it’s age-appropriate. It’s harder to define age today in terms of how people act and dress. To a certain extent that’s OK. Trying to be a girl when you’re a woman, there can be something unsettling about it.”

Famke Janssen in <em>The Blacklist: Redemption.</em> (Photo: Getty Images)
Famke Janssen in The Blacklist: Redemption. (Photo: Getty Images)

Her character on Redemption is also incredibly fashion-savvy, wearing sleek, tailored, and bold looks. “I work very closely with the costume designer. We really wanted Scottie to look in tiptop shape. We work with seamstresses who make everything pinned to my body, so it’s completely form-fitting. I don’t have one specific look. I love the look overall. It’s very strong and fitting to her character.”

In the past, Janssen has spoken out about the reality of aging in Hollywood, and how the work disappears. “It’s really important for every woman in this business to keep believing that we’re making progress. Are we seen in a different manner than men and do we have the same opportunity? I would say no. Ageism is real and it’s happening. We’re not seen or paid in the same manner as men, but changes are happening. Television has become the new go-to place.”

She’s honest that, yes, she thinks about wrinkles and getting older. It’s a fact of life. “I would be lying if I didn’t worry about it to some extent. I do operate in a world and in a profession where youth is something people strive for and pay for. It’s societal too. It’s about youth and women trying to remain young and dress younger. It’s real. It’s my life. I have to worry about it. At the same time, I don’t want to be that kind of person. I have fought so hard to be taken seriously as an actress and not depend on my looks.”

There’s no secret to why Janssen looks so great. At least she can’t figure it out. “I don’t look 20. I can only thank my parents, I suppose. I try to be healthy, but come on, I live a fairly unhealthy lifestyle. I travel on planes. I sleep very little. I work crazy hours. I’m obsessed with chocolate and coffee. I can’t really tell you why I look the way I look unless it’s good genes. I do use products. Who knows how much they do?”

Her current favorite is accessible to anyone. “At the moment, I’m obsessed with something very cheap — it’s a grapeseed oil mixed with vitamin E. I put it on my face and I love it.”

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