«I was sick of the sound of my own voice»: Renée Zellweger on her 6-year break from acting
A rare interview for British Vogue
55-year-old actress Renée Zellweger appeared on the cover of a glossy magazine for the first time in years and gave an interview. The star graced the latest issue of the British edition of Vogue.
The interview was conducted by Hugh Grant, Renée’s co-star from the Bridget Jones films, with the fourth installment of the series set to be released soon.
Renée posed for photographer Nikolai von Bismarck, Kate Moss’s ex-boyfriend, in various looks: a pink shirt with dark trousers, a coat, and a pantsuit.
In the interview, Renée revealed that from 2010 to 2016, she was dissatisfied with her Southern accent, which led her to take a break from acting and focus on other pursuits.
«I was sick of the sound of my own voice,» Zellweger said.
During her six-year hiatus, she dedicated her time to songwriting and studying international law.
«I built a house, rescued a couple of old dogs, created a partnership that led to the formation of a production company, advocated and fundraised with an ill friend, spent a lot of time with family and godchildren, and traveled the country with my dogs,» Renée shared. «I recovered.»
She also admitted that she avoids reading Rotten Tomatoes reviews, doesn’t track box office numbers, and refrains from Googling her name. She doesn’t have an X (formerly Twitter) account and prefers to stay offline.
«Why does it matter? It’s none of my business,» the actress added.
The duo also discussed returning to the beloved film adaptation. Renée reflected on why Bridget Jones remains so popular:
«In short, it’s like an antidote to Instagram. Instagram tells people, especially women: «Your life isn’t good enough.» It’s not as good as this woman’s or that one’s, and that makes you insecure. Whereas Bridget’s story is a series of failures, not «perfect success.»
Renée Zellweger stars in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy — the fourth installment of the franchise, which premieres on Peacock on February 19.
In the upcoming film, Bridget, played by Zellweger, meets two new love interests: a 29-year-old rock star, portrayed by Leo Woodall, and a schoolteacher, Mr. Wallaker, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Hugh Grant, who previously played Bridget’s love interest Daniel Cleaver, will also appear in the film.
The first movie about the single journalist Bridget Jones, torn between her affection for her boss Daniel and lawyer Mr. Darcy, premiered in 2001. The worldwide box office gross surpassed $280 million, and Renée Zellweger received an Oscar nomination for her role.
Photo: Nikolai von Bismarck
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