Julie Taymor on Gloria Steinem: A Legacy of Joy, Modesty, and Grassroots Change
Director Julie Taymor recalls Gloria Steinem's joyful, modest, and grassroots-driven feminism, noting her profound impact on individual lives.
At the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, director Julie Taymor offered a heartfelt tribute to feminist icon Gloria Steinem, describing a woman whose joy came from empowering others. Taymor, known for her work in film and theater, highlighted how Steinem's personal interactions left a lasting mark on those she met.
Taymor recalled that Steinem found "tremendous joy" in being with people, especially women, and in improving their lives. She noted that even flight attendants would call Steinem to tell her how she had made a significant difference in their lives—a testament to her wide-reaching personal influence.
Reflecting on Steinem's methods, Taymor emphasized that Steinem understood the importance of working "from the bottom up" and never sought personal credit. Steinem often said that the women's movement would have happened even without her, a statement Taymor believes underestimates her true power. Taymor described Steinem as "very modest," devoid of narcissism, and singularly focused on making change.
Despite the challenges of activism, Taymor noted that Steinem was not perpetually frustrated; she witnessed remarkable progress during her extraordinary lifetime. The reflections offer a personal glimpse into the character of a woman who helped shape modern feminism through humility, connection, and persistent grassroots effort.