Jessica Chastain reveals shocked reactions to her blonde makeover

Jessica Chastain has revealed strangers treated her differently after she abandoned her trademark red hair for platinum blonde – with some apparently surprised to discover her personality has not changed with her appearance.

The Oscar-winning actress, 49, discussed her transformation during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, explaining how her new hairstyle has altered people’s expectations of her behaviour.

Jessica, famed for her red locks, but who debuted her new look at the US Open in September, decided to dye her hair after wearing a blonde wig for her forthcoming Apple TV+ thriller The Off Weeks.

Her comments come ahead of the release of her new horror film The Other Mommy on Friday 9 October.

Speaking to host Jimmy Kimmel, 58, Jessica said: “When I’m a little bit sassier than normal, people look at me like, shocked. Like they expect me to be soft and demure.”

The actress, who appeared on the programme wearing a black high-neck dress by Silvia Tcherassi and bright red lipstick, suggested people associated her previous red hair with a more outspoken personality.

Asked about life as a blonde, Jessica joked: “I will say, we do have a lot of fun.”

Jessica also explained the change was inspired by her appearance in The Off Weeks, an eight-part drama thriller in which she stars and serves as an executive producer alongside Ben Stiller, 60.

She said: “I just played a part where I had a very similar hair color in a wig, and so I guess I got to test drive the hair for a few months.”

The Apple TV+ production completed filming in the middle of 2026 and is undergoing post-production, although a release date has yet to be announced.

The series marks another television project for Jessica, who previously starred in the HBO drama Scenes from a Marriage opposite Oscar Isaac, 47.

She also appeared in the television adaptation of George and Tammy, portraying country music singer Tammy Wynette alongside Michael Shannon, 52, as George Jones.

Jessica won a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance in the series, adding to the recognition she has received for portraying prominent and complicated women throughout her career.

Her latest film, The Other Mommy, is another departure from the historical dramas and character studies for which she has become known.