From retro roller skates to glamorous red carpet heels, Heather Graham has made bold style choices throughout her decades-spanning career.
Whether she’s dazzling in a cobalt gown at the Saturn Awards or embracing ’70s cool as Rollergirl in Boogie Nights, her footwear and fashion consistently turn heads. Below, we take a closer look at her standout looks—from iconic film roles to high-profile premieres.
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Glamorous in Cobalt: Heather Graham at the 2024 Saturn Awards
In February 2024, Heather Graham turned heads at the Saturn Awards in a bold cobalt blue halter gown by Yousef Akbar from the designer’s Spring 2023 collection.
Standing tall at 5 feet 7 inches (170.2 cm), Graham appeared even more statuesque beside Re-Animator actress Barbara Crampton, who stands at 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm).
Heather Graham looked statuesque in a cobalt Yousef Akbar halter gown with a thigh-high slit and metallic pointed-toe pumps that emphasized her height next to the more petite Barbara Crampton (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)
Barbara Crampton embraced a retro-futuristic vibe at the Saturn Awards in a shimmering navy wrap dress by One33 Social, styled with statement-making silver slouch boots from Sam Edelman. She completed the look with voluminous waves by hairstylist Matilde Campos and bold glam by makeup artist Ashley Donovan, tying together a look that was equal parts disco and sci-fi chic.
While the gold chain accents on Heather Graham’s dress added a bold, edgy touch, some fashion critics felt the overall styling fell short, citing her closed-toe heels and softly styled hair as missed opportunities to elevate the striking Yousef Akbar look.
Heather Graham paired her cobalt gown with textured metallic pointed-toe pumps, while Barbara Crampton stole the spotlight in futuristic silver slouch boots that added a bold, space-age edge to her look
Over three decades after her breakout role in Gus Van Sant’s Drugstore Cowboy, Heather Graham has continued to embrace bold and boundary-pushing projects, starring in several R-rated films such as “Boogie Nights,” “Austin Powers,” and “The Hangover.”
Breakthrough Role: Heather Graham as Rollergirl in Boogie Nights
Heather Graham and Mark Wahlberg embody their iconic roles as Rollergirl and Dirk Diggler in a provocative scene from Boogie Nights (1997), a critically acclaimed film that vividly reimagines the rise of the adult film industry in 1970s California—with era-specific styling, set design, and bold performances that cemented the film’s cult status (Credit: New Line Cinema)
While Drew Barrymore and Tatum O’Neal were also up for the part, Heather Graham got the role of Brandy/”Rollergirl” in the 1997 American period drama film Boogie Nights.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson had not considered Heather Graham for the part, as it required nudity. However, her agent called him and asked if she could audition. The rest is history; she has received critical praise for her performance.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson giving direction to Heather Graham on the set of ‘Boogie Nights’, capturing a behind-the-scenes moment from the making of this critically acclaimed 1997 drama (Credit: New Line Cinema)
Born on January 29, 1970, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Heather Joan Graham was 27 years old when Boogie Nights premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 1997.
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170.2 cm), she elongated her frame in a strapless gray midi dress with a thigh-high slit and pointed black pumps, creating a sleek, statuesque silhouette that captured red carpet attention.
Heather Graham exudes understated glamour in a strapless gray dress with a thigh-high slit and classic black patent pumps at the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Boogie Nights, celebrating a defining moment in her breakthrough role as Rollergirl (Credit: WENN / Hubert Bosl)
Heather Graham Reflects on Filming Her First Nude Scene
In an April 2023 “Role Recall” interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Heather Graham discussed various key roles in her career. She emphasized her experience filming a nude scene for the first time in the 1997 film Boogie Nights.
She described the experience as nerve-wracking but ultimately rewarding, noting the high quality of the script and director Paul Thomas Anderson’s talent. Despite her initial fears, she embraced the role—and the bold fashion that came with it. The “Rollergirl” look became instantly iconic, reflecting the flashy, hedonistic spirit of the late 1970s disco and adult film scene.
Heather Graham channels 1970s cool as Rollergirl in Boogie Nights, wearing vintage roller skates, knee-high athletic socks, and a denim jacket in one of the film’s most iconic classroom scenes
With skimpy halter tops, metallic hot pants, and vintage roller skates, Heather Graham’s styling fused sexy, retro, and kitschy elements into one unforgettable character silhouette.
“That was my first time [doing a nude scene], and I was so nervous about it. But at that point in my career I was also like, ‘Beggars can’t be choosers.’ It was a great script and Paul [Thomas Anderson] was an amazing talent. I had a great time making that movie even though it was terrifying doing a nude scene,” Graham said.
Heather Graham delivers a haunting performance as Rollergirl in Boogie Nights (1997), captured here stepping out of a car with wild curls and a distressed expression that reflect the darker undercurrents of her character’s journey (Credit: New Line Cinema)
Following her critically acclaimed performance in Boogie Nights and a string of bold roles in R-rated films, Heather Graham shifted gears to explore lighter fare.
In 2016, she surprised fans by lending her voice to a family-friendly animated movie, marking a new chapter in her career.
Venturing into Voice Acting with ‘Norm of the North’
In January 2016, the actress had a new animated children’s film, and she was excited to take a quick break from making more mature flicks.
Heather Graham sporting a relaxed hairstyle during her arrival at an AOL studio in Manhattan to promote her latest film, ‘Norm of the North’, on January 12, 2016 (Credit: TNYF / WENN)
Heather took to the AOL studio to promote her latest project, “Norm of the North.” She portrays Vera Brightly, Olympia Brightly’s mother (Maya Kay), an investor working under Mr. Greene (Ken Jeong).
“I’ve always watched them and thought it would be so fun to do,” Graham told People about her first-ever voice-acting gig for Norm of the North. The computer-animated comedy adventure film was theatrically released on January 15, 2016.
“So it was really fun to work with great actors and comedians. I got to actually work with Rob Schneider and Ken Jeong, who I already knew. I like doing comedy with comedians, it’s really fun.”
Heather Graham stuns in a color-blocked black and blue Martin Grant dress, elevated by strappy black stilettos that add edge and elegance to her sleek, modern silhouette (Credit: TNYF / WENN)
To promote “Norm of the North,” the blonde beauty wore a dress from Paris designer Martin Grant’s 2016 under-the-radar collection.
Heather Graham steps out in striking black caged stiletto sandals, showcasing her pedicure and adding an edgy, architectural flair to her sleek ensemble
Heather’s midi-length dress featured a black top and side panels, with a cobalt blue panel on the front of the skirt. She paired her dress with black suede cage heels.
Heather Graham’s Standout Shoe Moments
Heather Graham has consistently impressed with her fashion choices, particularly her footwear selections. Here are some of her most memorable shoe moments:
Heather Graham Shines in Teal at ‘The Hangover Part III’ Premiere
- Event: ‘The Hangover Part III’ Premiere
- Outfit: Heather Graham dazzled in a teal gown with a flattering top and a floor-length skirt.
- Footwear: She completed her look with elegant heels that complemented her ensemble.
- Read more: Heather Graham Dazzles in Teal at ‘The Hangover Part III’ Premiere
Heather Graham Embraces Orange at the Tribeca Film Festival
- Event: ‘Goodbye to All That’ Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival
- Outfit: Heather Graham surprised attendees by wearing a striking orange geometric dress.
- Footwear: She paired the bold dress with stylish heels that accentuated her look.
- Read more: Celebrities Embrace Orange: Stylish Outfits You Can Copy
Heather Graham radiates old-Hollywood glamour in a strapless red gown paired with gold platform peep-toe heels and a layered pearl necklace at the 2nd Annual Governors Awards on November 13, 2010, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
Heather Graham’s Chic Jumpsuit Look on ‘Extra’
- Event: Appearance on ‘Extra’
- Outfit: Heather Graham channeled 70s vibes in a loose-bottom jumpsuit, adding volume and curves for a sexy silhouette.
- Footwear: She completed the look with fashionable heels that enhanced her retro-inspired outfit.
- Read more: Top Jumpsuit Styles to Flatter Every Figure
These moments highlight Heather Graham’s impeccable taste in footwear, showcasing her ability to pair the perfect shoes with each outfit.