Anne Celeste Heche was a versatile American actress celebrated for her work in film, television, and theater. Her talent garnered numerous awards including a Daytime Emmy and nominations for both Tony and Primetime Emmy Awards. Her diverse roles earned her accolades from institutions such as the National Board of Review and GLAAD Media Awards.
1957: Birth of Susan Bergman
Anne Heche's oldest sibling, Susan Bergman, was born in 1957.
1965: Birth of Nathan Heche
Anne Heche's brother, Nathan Heche, was born in 1965.
May 25, 1969: Anne Heche is born
Anne Celeste Heche was born on May 25, 1969.
1977: Move to Atlantic City and Early Jobs
Due to financial struggles, the Heche family relocated to the Atlantic City, New Jersey, area in 1977. To help support her family, Anne took on various jobs, including working at a boardwalk hamburger stand.
March 3, 1983: Don Heche's Death
Don Heche, Anne's father, died from AIDS-related complications on March 3, 1983, at the age of 45. His sexuality and illness were kept hidden from the family, who only learned about his diagnosis shortly before his death.
1983: Death of Nathan Heche
Anne Heche's brother, Nathan, died in a car crash in 1983 at the age of 18.
1987: Heche's acting debut and early career
Anne Heche began her professional acting career in 1987 with the NBC soap opera 'Another World'.
1987: Start of 'Another World' Role
Anne Heche began her role as twins Vicky Hudson and Marley Love in the soap opera 'Another World' in 1987.
1987: Landing the Role on 'Another World'
While still in her senior year of high school in 1987, Heche landed an audition for the soap opera 'Another World.' After two auditions, she was offered the role and accepted, despite her mother's disapproval, marking the start of her professional acting career.
November 1991: Primetime Television Debut on 'Murphy Brown'
Heche made her primetime television debut in November 1991 with a guest appearance on an episode of 'Murphy Brown'. Although filmed after 'O Pioneers!', this marked her first on-screen appearance outside of 'Another World'.
1991: Theater Performances in Los Angeles
Heche took on several roles in Los Angeles theater productions in 1991 and 1992, including 'Us & Them' and 'Getting Away With Murder', showcasing her versatility as an actress.
1991: Daytime Emmy Award Win and Departure from 'Another World'
Heche's performance in 'Another World' earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series in 1991. After a successful four-year run, she left the show.
1991: Departure from 'Another World' and Transition to Film
Heche left 'Another World' in 1991 after a successful run. She subsequently transitioned to film, making her debut in a minor role in 'The Adventures of Huck Finn' in 1993.
February 1992: Premiere of 'O Pioneers!'
Heche's first TV movie, 'O Pioneers!', premiered in February 1992. The film, shot in Nebraska, garnered positive critical attention for her performance.
1992: Los Angeles Theater Productions
Anne Heche starred in theater productions in Los Angeles in 1991 and 1992.
1993: Film Debut with 'The Adventures of Huck Finn'
Anne Heche made her film debut with a small role in 'The Adventures of Huck Finn' in 1993.
1993: Theatrical Film Debut with 'An Ambush of Ghosts'
Heche made her theatrical film debut in the independent film 'An Ambush of Ghosts', directed by Everett Lewis, in early 1993.
1994: Roles in 'A Simple Twist of Fate' and 'Girls in Prison'
Heche had a minor role in the film 'A Simple Twist of Fate' and a larger supporting role in the television movie 'Girls in Prison' in 1994.
1994: Publication of "Anonymity"
Susan Bergman, a university lecturer, and Christian writer published her memoir "Anonymity" in 1994. The book explored their closeted gay father and the impact his hidden sexuality had on the family.
1995: Supporting Role in 'Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long'
Anne Heche had a supporting role in the cable television movie 'Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long' in 1995.
1995: Heche's Early Career and Breakthrough Role in "Wild Side"
In 1995, Anne Heche landed her first lead role in the erotic thriller "Wild Side", starring alongside Christopher Walken and Joan Chen. The film gained attention for a controversial lesbian sex scene.
1996: Breakthrough Roles and Critical Acclaim
The year 1996 marked a turning point for Heche with notable roles in HBO's "If These Walls Could Talk" and the indie film "Walking and Talking", the latter earning critical praise and a spot on Entertainment Weekly's "Top 50 Cult Films". Her performances garnered positive attention, with critics like Alison Macor predicting a bright future for her.
1997: Heche's Breakthrough Year with "Donnie Brasco"
Heche starred in the acclaimed crime drama "Donnie Brasco" in 1997, playing the wife of Johnny Depp's undercover FBI agent. Her performance was well-received by critics, including Janet Maslin from The New York Times.
1997: Commercial Success and Critical Recognition
Heche's career flourished in 1997 with supporting roles in three high-profile films: "Volcano," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," and "Wag the Dog." Her performances, even in smaller roles, were noted by critics. She received the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in "Donnie Brasco" and "Wag the Dog."
1997: Blacklisted by DeGeneres' Talk Show
In her memoir, Heche claimed she faced professional consequences for her relationship with DeGeneres, including being warned against attending the premiere of 'Volcano' with her. After they attended together and were escorted out, Heche alleged that DeGeneres' influence led to her being blacklisted from DeGeneres' talk show. This negatively impacted her career, as studios were hesitant to hire her for films that couldn't be promoted on the popular program.
1997: Nancy Heche Becomes a Christian Therapist
Anne Heche's mother, Nancy Heche, became a Christian therapist in 1997.
1997: Breakthrough in Hollywood
Anne Heche experienced a surge in popularity in 1997 with appearances in notable films like 'Donnie Brasco', 'Volcano', 'I Know What You Did Last Summer', and 'Wag the Dog'.
1997: Begins Dating Ellen DeGeneres
Anne Heche and Ellen DeGeneres began dating in 1997. They were considered a high-profile couple and even considered a civil union if it became legal in Vermont.
1998: Starring in "Psycho" Remake
Heche portrayed Marion Crane in Gus Van Sant's remake of "Psycho" (1998), a role originally played by Janet Leigh. Despite the film receiving mixed reviews, her performance earned some positive notice.
1998: Lead Roles in 'Six Days, Seven Nights' and 'Return to Paradise'
Heche secured leading roles in the romantic adventure 'Six Days, Seven Nights' and the drama-thriller 'Return to Paradise' in 1998.
1998: Lead Roles and Personal Life Impact
Heche starred opposite Harrison Ford in "Six Days, Seven Nights", marking her first major film lead. Her public same-sex relationship with Ellen DeGeneres coincided with this period, leading to what Heche perceived as a negative impact on her career trajectory, despite the film's commercial success.
1998: Venturing into Writing and Directing
Heche stepped behind the camera in 1998, writing and directing the short film "Stripping for Jesus." The film, a metaphorical exploration of her life, starred Heche alongside Suzanne Krull and Karen Black.
1998: Anne Reflects on Father's Passing
In 1998, Anne Heche reflected on her father's death, stating that his decision to keep his sexuality hidden negatively impacted his happiness and their family. She emphasized the importance of honesty.
1999: Narration of Stephen King's "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon"
Anne Heche narrated the audiobook version of Stephen King's novel "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" in 1999.
1999: Shift to Directing
Anne Heche shifted her focus to directing from 1999 to 2001, notably with a segment in the HBO television film 'If These Walls Could Talk 2'.
1999: Exploring Independent Films and Collaborating with Ed Harris
In 1999, Heche starred alongside Ed Harris in "The Third Miracle," directed by Agnieszka Holland. This marked a shift towards independent film projects.
August 2000: Breakup with Ellen DeGeneres
Anne Heche and Ellen DeGeneres ended their relationship in August 2000.
August 19, 2000: Heche's Incident in Cantua Creek
On August 19, 2000, shortly after her split from Ellen DeGeneres, Anne Heche was involved in an incident in Cantua Creek, California. After driving from Los Angeles to the San Joaquin Valley, she left her vehicle and walked for miles in extreme heat before appearing at a ranch house, seemingly disoriented.
2000: Directing and Collaborating with Ellen DeGeneres
In 2000, Heche directed a segment of HBO's "If These Walls Could Talk 2," an anthology exploring lesbian life. Her segment featured DeGeneres and Sharon Stone as a couple trying for a baby. DeGeneres also served as an executive producer.
2000: End of Relationship with Ellen DeGeneres
Anne Heche's high-profile relationship with comedian Ellen DeGeneres ended in 2000.
2000: Directing 'If These Walls Could Talk 2' Segment
Anne Heche directed a segment of the HBO television film 'If These Walls Could Talk 2' in 2000.
2000: Begins Relationship with Coleman Laffoon
Anne Heche began a relationship with Coleman "Coley" Laffoon, a cameraman she met while he was working on the documentary "Ellen DeGeneres: American Summer," which Heche was directing.
September 1, 2001: Marriage to Coleman Laffoon
On September 1, 2001, Anne Heche married cameraman Coleman "Coley" Laffoon, whom she met while he was working on the documentary "Ellen DeGeneres: American Summer."
September 2001: Heche Discusses Mental Health Struggles
In September 2001, while promoting her book "Call Me Crazy", Anne Heche publicly discussed her experiences with mental illness. She attributed her struggles to childhood trauma and described creating a fantasy world as a coping mechanism.
2001: Publication of Memoir 'Call Me Crazy'
Anne Heche published her memoir 'Call Me Crazy' in 2001, detailing her experiences, including alleged sexual abuse by her father.
2001: Focus on Directing and Television Film
From 1999 to 2001, Heche primarily focused on directing, including work on the HBO television film 'If These Walls Could Talk 2'.
2001: Exploring Science Fiction with "Reaching Normal"
Heche directed "Reaching Normal," a segment in Showtime's science fiction anthology "On the Edge." The story, adapted from Walter M. Miller Jr.'s short story, starred Andie MacDowell and Paul Rudd, with a cameo by DeGeneres.
2001: Unreleased Documentary Project
Heche directed a documentary about DeGeneres' stand-up comedy tour in 2000, but it was never released. DeGeneres, who financed the project, reportedly destroyed the film due to the painful memories it evoked after their separation.
2001: Independent Films and Television Roles
Heche focused on independent films and television in the early 2000s. She appeared in "Prozac Nation" (released in 2005) and the thriller "John Q." She also landed a recurring role on the fourth season of "Ally McBeal."
2001: Publication of Memoir "Call Me Crazy"
In 2001, Anne Heche published her memoir titled "Call Me Crazy." The book detailed her family and career, as well as her struggles with mental illness and allegations of childhood sexual abuse by her father.
2001: Anne Heche Alleges Sexual Abuse by Father
In her 2001 memoir, Anne Heche alleged that her mother was in denial about the sexual abuse she endured as a child from her father. Heche revealed she had contracted genital herpes as an infant, but her mother dismissed it as a diaper rash and refused to take her to the doctor. Heche also wrote that her father, a closeted gay man, repeatedly raped her from infancy until she was 12 years old.
March 2002: Birth of Son, Homer
Anne Heche and Coleman Laffoon welcomed their son, Homer Heche Laffoon, in March 2002.
2002: Appearance in 'John Q.'
Heche appeared in the film 'John Q.' in 2002.
2002: Broadway Debut in "Proof"
In 2002, Anne Heche made her Broadway debut in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Proof," playing a young woman grappling with her father's legacy of mathematical genius and mental illness.
2004: Independent Film and Television Roles
In 2004, Heche appeared in the well-regarded independent drama "Birth" alongside Nicole Kidman and Cameron Bright. She also took on recurring roles in the TV series "Everwood" and "Nip/Tuck."
2004: Tony Award Nomination and Primetime Emmy Award Nomination
Heche received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the Broadway revival of 'Twentieth Century' in 2004. The same year, she was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the television film 'Gracie's Choice'.
2004: Award Nominations and Broadway Performance
Heche received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her role in "Gracie's Choice" and a Saturn Award nomination for "The Dead Will Tell" in 2004. The same year, she starred opposite Alec Baldwin in the Broadway revival of "Twentieth Century," earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress.
2005: Narration of Tess Gerritsen's "Vanish"
Anne Heche, alongside Ilyana Kadushin, co-narrated the audiobook version of Tess Gerritsen's novel "Vanish" in 2005.
2005: Film Festival Appearance and Television Movie
Heche starred in "Sexual Life," a film exploring modern romance, which premiered on the film festival circuit and later aired on television. She also appeared in the Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas movie "Silver Bells" in 2005.
2005: End of 'Everwood' Role
Heche's role on The WB's 'Everwood' ended in 2005.
2005: Nancy Heche Focuses on "Overcoming Homosexuality"
Since 2005, Nancy Heche has focused her Christian therapy practice on "overcoming homosexuality." She has been a frequent speaker at events hosted by evangelical Christian and Christian right groups.
2006: Beginning of 'Men in Trees' Role
Anne Heche began starring in ABC's 'Men in Trees' in 2006.
2006: Television Movie Role
Anne Heche starred in the Lifetime television film "Fatal Desire" in 2006.
2006: Death of Susan Bergman
Susan Bergman, Anne Heche's oldest sister, passed away in 2006 from a brain tumor.
February 2007: Coleman Laffoon Files for Divorce
After five and a half years of marriage, Coleman Laffoon filed for divorce from Anne Heche in February 2007. In court documents, he cited Heche's "bizarre and delusional behavior" and her refusal to seek professional help.
2007: Romantic Comedy Role
Heche starred in the romantic comedy "What Love Is" in 2007.
May 2008: "Men in Trees" Cancellation
Anne Heche's television series, "Men in Trees," was canceled in May 2008 after airing for two seasons, partially impacted by a writer's strike.
2008: End of 'Men in Trees' Role
Heche's role on ABC's 'Men in Trees' ended in 2008.
March 2009: Finalization of Divorce
Anne Heche's divorce from Coleman Laffoon was finalized in March 2009.
March 2009: Birth of Son, Atlas
Anne Heche and James Tupper's son, Atlas Heche Tupper, was born in March 2009.
2009: Roles in "Spread" and "Hung"
Anne Heche appeared in the comedy "Spread" and joined the cast of the HBO dramedy series "Hung" in 2009.
2009: Role in 'Spread'
Heche had a role in the film 'Spread' in 2009.
2010: Cameo Appearance in "The Other Guys"
Heche had a cameo appearance in the comedy film "The Other Guys," starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, in 2010.
2011: Critically Acclaimed Role in "Cedar Rapids"
Heche had a prominent role in the independent comedy "Cedar Rapids," which premiered at Sundance and received positive reviews. Her performance as a seductive insurance agent was particularly noted.
2011: Appearance in 'Cedar Rapids'
Heche made an appearance in the film 'Cedar Rapids' in 2011.
2011: Tupper Contests Estate Administration
In 2011, Anne Heche sent an email outlining her wishes for her estate in the event of her death. This email became a point of contention when James Tupper, Heche's former partner, contested Homer Laffoon's petition to be named administrator of her estate. Tupper argued that the email should be considered Heche's will.
2011: Reconciliation with Sister Abigail
In 2011, Anne Heche shared with The Daily Telegraph that she had reconciled with her sister, Abigail. She expressed doubt, however, that she would ever be able to repair her relationship with her mother.
2011: Film Appearances in "Rampart" and "Girl Fight"
In 2011, Heche appeared in the drama "Rampart" alongside Woody Harrelson and Cynthia Nixon and starred in the Lifetime film "Girl Fight."
2011: "Hung" Series Conclusion
The HBO dramedy series "Hung," in which Heche had a supporting role, concluded in 2011.
2012: Sundance Premiere and Role in "Arthur Newman"
Heche starred in the comedy "That's What She Said," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and appeared in the film "Arthur Newman," both released in 2012.
2013: Roles in Horror Film and Short-Lived Sitcom
Anne Heche starred in the horror film "Nothing Left to Fear" and headlined the short-lived NBC sitcom "Save Me" in 2013.
2014: Lead Role in "Dig"
Anne Heche played the lead role in the USA Network action-adventure series "Dig," which premiered in late 2014 and ran for one six-episode season.
2014: Appearance in "Wild Card" and Guest Role
Heche played a supporting role in the action thriller "Wild Card" and had a recurring guest role on "The Michael J. Fox Show" before its cancellation in 2014.
September 27, 2016: Premiere of "Aftermath"
Heche starred in the post-apocalyptic action drama series "Aftermath," which premiered on September 27, 2016. The series aired on Canada's Space network and the United States' Syfy channel but was not renewed for a second season.
2016: Role in 'Catfight'
Heche had a role in the film 'Catfight' in 2016.
2016: Film Festival Screenings and Critical Acclaim
Heche starred in "Opening Night" and "Catfight," both independent films that premiered on the film festival circuit in 2016 and received VOD and limited releases. "Catfight," in which she starred opposite Sandra Oh, earned particular praise for their performances.
September 25, 2017: Premiere of "The Brave"
On September 25, 2017, Anne Heche debuted as the lead character, DIA Deputy Director Patricia Campbell, in the NBC military/espionage thriller series "The Brave."
2017: Appearance in 'My Friend Dahmer' and Role in 'The Brave'
Anne Heche appeared in the film 'My Friend Dahmer' in 2017. She also starred in the NBC series 'The Brave' from 2017 to 2018.
2017: Supporting Role in "My Friend Dahmer"
Heche played Joyce, the mother of Jeffrey Dahmer, in the 2017 film "My Friend Dahmer." Her performance received positive reviews, with critics highlighting her unsettling portrayal.
2017: Support for Wild Belle
In 2017, Anne Heche expressed her support for the band Wild Belle, which features her nephew Elliot Bergman, and niece Natalie Bergman. She praised their album "Dreamland" as her favorite and described herself as a "proud aunt."
2017: Co-hosts SiriusXM Show "Love and Heche"
In 2017, Anne Heche, along with Jason Ellis, began hosting a weekly radio show on SiriusXM titled "Love and Heche."
January 2018: Separation from James Tupper
Anne Heche and James Tupper separated in January 2018 after beginning their relationship during their time working on the television series "Men in Trees."
January 2018: Heche Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Sexual Harassment
During a January 2018 podcast appearance, Anne Heche accused film producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment. She alleged that he made unwanted advances towards her and claimed that she lost a film role after refusing him.
2018: End of 'The Brave' Role
Anne Heche's role in NBC's 'The Brave' concluded in 2018.
2018: Joins "Chicago P.D." Cast
In 2018, Anne Heche joined the cast of the television series "Chicago P.D." in a supporting role.
2019: Begins Relationship with Thomas Jane
Anne Heche and Thomas Jane began dating in 2019. The two had previously co-starred in the HBO series "Hung."
2020: Competes on "Dancing with the Stars"
In late 2020, Anne Heche participated as a celebrity contestant on the 29th season of "Dancing with the Stars." She was eliminated after the fourth week.
2020: Launches "Better Together" Podcast
In late 2020, Anne Heche and Heather Duffy Boylston launched their podcast, "Better Together."
2020: Appearance on 'Dancing with the Stars'
Anne Heche appeared as a contestant on the 29th season of 'Dancing with the Stars' in 2020, finishing in 13th place.
2020: Separation from Thomas Jane
Anne Heche and Thomas Jane ended their relationship in 2020.
2021: Working on Second Memoir
In 2021, during an episode of her "Better Together" podcast, Anne Heche mentioned that she was working on a second memoir. The working title at the time was "Call Me Sane."
August 5, 2022: Car Crash
Anne Heche was seriously injured in a high-speed car crash on August 5, 2022.
August 11, 2022: Anne Heche passes away
Anne Heche passed away on August 11, 2022, at the age of 53.
August 2022: Death of Anne Heche
Anne Heche passed away in August 2022. At the time of her death, she had completed filming on several movies that were released posthumously.
August 31, 2022: Probate Case Filed
On August 31, 2022, a petition was filed in the Los Angeles County probate court regarding Anne Heche's estate. Heche's elder son, Homer Heche Laffoon, requested to be named administrator of her estate.
September 2022: Submission of Second Memoir
Anne Heche completed her second memoir, "Call Me Anne," and submitted the manuscript shortly before her death in September 2022.
November 2022: Homer Heche Laffoon Appointed Estate Administrator
In November 2022, the court appointed Homer Heche Laffoon as the general administrator of his mother, Anne Heche's, estate.
December 6, 2022: Autopsy Report Released
On December 6, 2022, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner released the findings of Anne Heche's autopsy. The report concluded that she was not impaired by illegal substances at the time of her fatal car crash.
2022: Financial Hardship and Family Separation
The Heche family continued to face financial difficulties in 2022, leading to eviction from their home. Anne's mother separated from her father, requiring the children to find jobs to support the family. Anne's first professional acting job was at a dinner theater, where she earned $100 a week.
January 2023: Publication of "Call Me Anne"
Anne Heche's second memoir, "Call Me Anne," was published posthumously in January 2023.
March 17, 2023: Posthumous Release of "Supercell"
Anne Heche appeared posthumously alongside Alec Baldwin in the disaster action film "Supercell," which was released on March 17, 2023.
May 14, 2023: Heche's Remains Interred
Anne Heche's cremated remains were laid to rest in a mausoleum at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on May 14, 2023.