Jane Kincaid Millet

Jane Kincaid Millet – A Life in the Arts

• Born: September 12, 1935 – New York City, NY
• Professions: Actress, Musician, Playwright, Educator
• Awards: Academy Award (1972, 1981), Tony Award (1958, 1975, 1992), Grammy Award (1967), Emmy Award (1978, 1996), Golden Raspberry (1997)

Early Life & Background

Born to a middle-class family in Manhattan, New York, Jane Kincaid was raised in a household full of music, literature, and volatile emotional intensity due to a family history of bipolar disorder. Both of her parents were artists—her mother a jazz singer and her father a playwright—though neither found lasting success. From an early age, Jane exhibited an eidetic memory, able to recall entire scripts after a single reading. By age seven (1942), she was performing in small USO musical productions for troops preparing to deploy during WWII. She debuted on Broadway at 15 (1950) in a minor role but quickly became a rising star in theater due to her powerful stage presence, vocal prowess, and ability to memorize entire plays within days.

Education & Academic Career

Despite her unconventional life, Jane had a lifelong love for academia, often enrolling in classes during periods of sobriety. Her education was erratic but distinguished:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theater Arts) – Columbia University (1953-1957, completed in night school)
• Master of Fine Arts (Performance & Directing) – Yale School of Drama (1968-1971, attended after a stint in rehab)
• Master of Arts (Folklore & Mythology in Theater) – Harvard University (1992-1997, completed in phases)

She also guest-lectured on theatrical history, stagecraft, and folklore at various institutions throughout her career.

Stage & Musical Career

• Theater Debut (1950-1960s):

Jane rose quickly through the ranks of Broadway and off-Broadway productions, known for her emotional intensity and striking stage presence. Her big break came in 1955 when she replaced an ailing lead actress and delivered a performance that won her the 1958 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

• Grammy-Winning Musical Career (1960s-1980s):

Though she primarily focused on acting, Jane recorded a critically acclaimed folk-jazz album (1967) that won her a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Album. She dabbled in music throughout her career but never became a full-time recording artist.

• Later Theater Career (1980s-2010):

Despite substance abuse struggles, Jane had numerous Broadway revivals and original productions, winning additional Tony Awards (1975, 1992). She performed her last major stage role in 2008 before retiring from the stage in 2010.

Film & Television Career

Though Jane was reluctant to transition to film, she eventually did in 1960, starring in an Oscar-winning period drama in a supporting role. Over the decades, she took on roles that highlighted her intensity, emotional depth, and dark humor. Notable Awards:

• Academy Award (1972) – Best Actress (Replacing the original winner who was expected to be favored but had controversy surrounding them)
• Academy Award (1981) – Best Supporting Actress (Overcoming competition from younger Hollywood newcomers)
• Emmy Award (1978) – Best Actress in a Miniseries
• Emmy Award (1996) – Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

By the late 1990s, Jane Kincaid Millet became a familiar face on television, frequently appearing in guest roles that showcased her signature charisma. She was often cast as eccentric matriarchs, enigmatic mystics, or sharp-witted mentors, bringing a blend of gravitas and theatricality to the small screen.

• Golden Raspberry Award (1997) - Worst Supporting Actress,

However, not every role was a triumph. In 1997, she took on the part of Madame Griselda, a mystic-assassin, in a widely criticized project that became a rare misstep in her otherwise distinguished career. The performance earned her a Golden Raspberry Award (Razzie) for Worst Supporting Actress, which she accepted in person with her trademark wit and humor, turning the moment into a self-deprecating spectacle that endeared her even further to fans.

Personal Life & Struggles

Marriage & Family

Jane married Benoît Millet in 1955, a French stage actor, magician, and alleged but never convicted jewel thief. Their marriage was tumultuous, marked by intense love, betrayals, and reconciliations. They had three children together and one daughter out of wedlock:

• Jordan Rhéaume Millet (b. 1955) – Stage director, playwright, estranged from family
• Arianna Forrest Millet (b. 1956) – Physicist, mathematician, linguist, and musician. Part-time recluse. Bipolar
• Sabrina Robert Alexander-Millet(b. 1965) – Actress, director, family historian
• Christina Stanley Millet (b. 1976) – Daughter with actor Teddy Alexander, later acknowledged publicly in 1980

Jane’s mental health struggles and history of substance abuse caused significant rifts within the family. Several stints in rehab (1971, 1983, 1991, 2005) shaped her on-again, off-again relationships with her children.

Hobbies & Interests

Despite her chaotic life, Jane found solace in:

• Knitting, Crochet & Weaving – She was known to gift intricate shawls to fellow actors.
• Tarot & Mysticism – A lifelong interest in occult traditions, particularly theater folklore and magical rituals.
• Freemasonry for Women – Became a member of Co-Freemasonry in the 1970s, advancing to high-ranking positions within esoteric lodges.

Legacy & Later Years

In 2015, Jane Kincaid Millet retired from public life and settled at Blackthorne Estate in Crested Butte, Colorado, seeking a quieter existence away from the spotlight. Though no longer an active performer, she made occasional guest appearances and remained engaged with the artistic community. A lifelong supporter of independent cinema, she attended the Sundance Film Festival annually, often serving as a panelist or mentor to emerging filmmakers. As of 2025, Jane is still alive, regarded as one of the last great stage legends of her era. Her influence on theater, film, and music remains profound, with her work continuously studied and celebrated. While she has largely stepped away from the public eye, retrospectives on her career, interviews, and tributes keep her legacy alive.

Final Thoughts

Jane Kincaid Millet was a force of nature, known for her genius, self-destruction, resurrection, and artistic contributions. She was equally adored and feared, leaving behind a complicated yet powerful legacy.