Claire Forlani: What Happened to the ‘Meet Joe Black’ Star?

The 1990s delivered a golden age of romantic comedies, films that resonated with audiences and captured hearts thanks to compelling performances. Among those standouts was “Meet Joe Black,” featuring a memorable turn by Brad Pitt as Death himself, alongside Claire Forlani as Susan Parrish. More than 25 years after its release, let’s revisit Forlani’s career and the enduring legacy of that iconic film, directed by Martin Brest.

Born in London to an English artist mother, Barbara, and an Italian musical manager father, Pierre Luigi Forlani, Claire Forlani’s artistic journey began early. At age 11, she enrolled at the ArtsEd school in London, studying acting alongside ballet – leading to performances in productions like “The Nutcracker” and “Orpheus in the Underworld.” A move to San Francisco with her family at 23 proved pivotal, opening doors in the burgeoning Hollywood scene.

Hollywood welcomed Forlani warmly, offering a range of opportunities. She gained early recognition in the early 90s with roles in the television series “JFK: Reckless Youth,” and films like “Police Academy: Mission to Moscow” and “Mallrats.” A breakthrough came in 1996 with a role as Sean Connery’s daughter in “The Rock,” followed by a part in Julian Schnabel’s “Basquiat.”

Then came the role that would define a generation: Susan Parrish in “Meet Joe Black,” opposite Pitt and Anthony Hopkins. The film, loosely based on the Italian play “La Morte in Vacanza” and the 1934 film “Death Takes a Holiday,” captivated audiences. As Forlani herself noted in an interview with The Sun, “It’s nice when people stop me. When they talk about films from decades ago, there’s something highly cool about that, it’s nice that they’re still watching them.”

Forlani fondly remembers the collaborative spirit on set, telling the Daily Telegraph, “They were such a brilliant group of people, so funny, so lovely to watch and all so talented.”

And what of the now-legendary kiss with Brad Pitt? Forlani recalls it with a laugh, recounting to The Sun how she and Pitt “literally ate our way through every brand of mints whereas filming that love scene, which took days and days. There wasn’t a brand we didn’t try. Oh, I remember that. I couldn’t seem at mints for about a year after we filmed.” A Getty Images photo captures the era’s glamour.

While “Meet Joe Black” remains her most widely recognized role, Forlani continued to work steadily in film and television following its success. However, no subsequent project quite reached the same level of cultural impact. The Movie Database details the film’s plot: a successful businessman (Hopkins) is visited by Death (Pitt) in human form, offering a poignant exploration of life and mortality.

Since 2005, the spotlight on Forlani has shifted, though she has maintained a consistent presence in the industry. While her projects may have had a smaller footprint, she’s continued to hone her craft in both film and television. Recent credits include “Fatal Betrayal” (2019) and “Black Beauty” (2020). Television appearances include roles in “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2011-2012), “Hawaii Five-0” (2016-17), “Departure” (2019), “Domina” (2021-23), and “Cruel Intentions” (2024).

Forlani married Scottish actor Dougray Scott in 2007, in a ceremony held in Italy. The couple has one son, Milo, according to The Sun. Scott is known for roles in films like “Mission: Impossible 2” and television series like “Quantico.”

Active on Instagram, with nearly 300,000 followers, Forlani shares glimpses of her professional and personal life. Her posts reveal that her charm and elegance remain undiminished with time. Another Getty Images photo showcases her enduring style.

While “Meet Joe Black” may have been a defining moment, Claire Forlani’s career demonstrates a sustained dedication to her craft. From her early days at ArtsEd to her continued work in film and television, she has navigated the industry with grace and talent, leaving an indelible mark on audiences who still fondly remember her as Susan Parrish.

Looking ahead, Forlani continues to take on diverse roles, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. While specific future projects haven’t been widely announced, her consistent presence in the industry suggests a continued commitment to her passion. Her Instagram feed offers the most immediate updates on her current endeavors, providing fans with a direct line to her evolving career.