Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role 1998
Kim Basinger L.A. Confidential 1998
SEX WORKER ROLE
Wins Oscar For Playing A Prostitute
Kim Basinger in L.A. Confidential 1998
OTHER SEX WORKER ROLES
Lorene Rogers in From Here to Eternity 1979
Characters Is A Prostitute
Kim Basinger in From Here to Eternity 1979
In 1979 Kim Basinger starred in the television remake of “From Here to Eternity.” She plays Lorene Burke, the role made famous by Donna Reed in 1954. As a prostitute working at the Gentlemen’s Club, Lorene yearns to escape her dreary existence. More than anything, she wants a husband and a family, complete with the white picket fence. She is so close to her dream as she falls in love with one of the soldiers. Tragically, he dies while performing his duty. Devastated, Lorene decides to leave the profession and begin a new life.
Watch clip from “From Here to Eternity”
In the 1990s, Kim Basinger’s career seemed to slump. Nothing substantial was coming her way. Then came the role of Lynn Bracken in “L.A. Confidential.” That changed everything. Kim plays a Veronica Lake look-alike who turns tricks for a living. The character of Lynn had initially come to Hollywood seeking stardom. But she ends up turning to prostitution to make a living. Lynn gets tangled up with the lead detective investigating a murder.
Watch clip of the film “L.A. Confidential”
Honorable Mention: Kim Basinger also played a prostitute in an episode of “Charlie’s Angels” (1976) and a nude centerfold model in the TV movie “Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold” (1978).
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