Jane March, known for her captivating roles in “The Lover” and “Color of Night,” emerged as a striking figure in the early 90s film industry. Her rapid ascent to fame, however, was followed by an equally swift retreat from the limelight. This article delves into March’s enigmatic career, tracing her journey from a celebrated actress to a figure shrouded in mystery.
Background Info
Born as Jane March Horwood on March 20, 1973, in Edgware, London, England, Jane March grew up in a working-class family and was educated at a local secondary school. She comes from a diverse background, with her mother being of Vietnamese and Chinese descent and her father of English origin.
During her teenage years, March developed an interest in acting and modeling. She began her career as a model, appearing in various fashion magazines and campaigns. Her modeling work eventually led to opportunities in the film industry.
Having been noticed on the cover of Just Seventeen magazine, the French director Jean-Jacques Annaud selected her to portray the female protagonist in his 1992 film, The Lover.
Entering Erotic Drama
The Lover
Jane March’s career breakthrough came with her lead role in the 1992 film “The Lover,” directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and based on Marguerite Duras’s semi-autobiographical novel.
Set in 1929 French Indochina, March portrays a young French girl in a passionate, taboo affair with a wealthy Chinese man, played by Tony Leung Ka-fai. The film, known for its explicit content, received acclaim for its sensual atmosphere, beautiful cinematography, and March’s evocative performance,
Color of Night
Following her role in “The Lover,” Jane March appeared in the 1994 psychological thriller “Color of Night,” directed by Richard Rush and starring Bruce Willis as Dr. Bill Capa, a psychologist who relocates to Los Angeles after a traumatic event. March plays Rose, a mysterious woman who becomes entangled in Capa’s life.
The film, noted for its explicit sexual scenes and a rare full-frontal male nudity scene by Willis, stirred controversy and received mixed reviews for its complex plot and inconsistent tone. Despite this, “Color of Night” eventually garnered a cult following, appreciated for its psychological depth, neo-noir style, and twist-laden narrative. After this film, March transitioned to less memorable erotic dramas before venturing into supernatural and fantasy genres.
Later Career
Tarzan and the Lost City
In 1998, Jane March starred alongside Casper Van Dien, fresh from his “Starship Troopers” success, in “Tarzan and the Lost City,” which was met with generally negative reviews and holds a 19% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Following this, her roles in films like “Dark Prince: The True Story of Dracula,” “The Stone Merchant,” and “Stalker” failed to leave a significant mark, leading to a gradual decline in her acting career.
Exit From Hollywood
Jane March’s last screen appearance was in 2013’s “Jack The Giant Killer,” playing the character Serena. While she has not publicly stated her reasons for retiring from acting, there is speculation that she might have been ‘aged out’ of Hollywood. This term refers to the industry’s practice of sidelining actors as they age, especially when they no longer fit into the youth-centric roles and beauty standards that dominate the entertainment world.
Where is Jane March Now?
Over 11 years have passed since Jane March last graced the screen, and in that time, she has maintained a remarkably private life. There have been no recent updates, interviews, or news articles providing insight into her current activities. March’s decision to step away from the public eye extends to her absence from social media platforms, where she has no presence.
This discretion has kept her personal life and post-acting endeavors shrouded in mystery, leaving fans and the media with little information about her life after Hollywood. Her choice to live away from the limelight reflects a desire for privacy and a departure from her former career as a public figure.