Former Hollywood It girl Mia Wasikowska recently broke her silence and explained her abrupt exit from the entertainment industry. Famous for her roles in blockbusters such as Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” and HBO’s acclaimed series “In Treatment,” Wasikowska said goodbye to Hollywood in 2018 at the peak of her fame.
In a recent interview with Australian radio station ABC, Wasikowska opened up about the reasons behind her departure, which include a desire for privacy, a shift towards more meaningful projects, and burnout.
The 31-year-old actress explained, “It just felt like the right time for me to step away, and I think it’s really easy to collect stories and things because you’re in the public eye, and in a way, you’re commodifying your own life, and you’re selling your own life to some extent.”
Wasikowska elaborated on the need for privacy stating that, “It’s interesting having that experience of spending my twenties in the public eye and then kind of stepping away from that. One thing that’s interesting is being able to have more privacy in my daily life, which kind of disappeared a lot when I was doing a lot of those films. Just the ability to keep things quieter in my daily life has been really nice.”
The actress went on to discuss the career shift that led her to focus on smaller, more meaningful projects, saying that, “I think it’s really nice to focus on smaller things and more important things and spend a bit more time on them, and not have so much time promoting them or talking about them.”
Wasikowska has since been working on indie films such as “Piercing,” “Damsel,” and “Judy & Punch” after stepping away from the mainstream Hollywood industry. These works are more personal and introspective and have allowed her the space to dig deep into her characters’ emotions.
Wasikowska revealed that another contributing factor to her exit was burnout. “I think it’s really easy to get burnt out a little bit from the work aspect of it and the lack of privacy,” she said. “You’re always getting asked things about yourself and constantly having to share things about yourself. There’s a kind of tiredness that sets in which is maybe kind of beyond just the hours that you’re working.”
For many actors and actresses, the constant scrutiny and lack of privacy can take a significant toll on their mental health. The pressure to maintain a certain image, the intense focus on physical appearance, and the non-stop promotion can leave individuals feeling exhausted and trapped.
Wasikowska’s decision to step away from Hollywood is an example of taking control of one’s own life and pursuing what truly matters. She has made it clear that she is not retired but instead focusing on the projects that speak to her, and that they may not necessarily be the blockbuster films she was once known for.
Wasikowska’s story serves as a reminder that it is essential to prioritize self-care and mental health, even if that means taking a step back from a fast-paced career. It is okay to take a break and focus on things that bring joy and fulfillment.
In conclusion, Mia Wasikowska’s journey from Hollywood It girl to indie darling is an interesting one. Her decision to step away from the industry was not one made lightly. Instead, it was a deliberate and necessary move that allowed her the space to focus on what truly matters. Her message to put one’s mental health first is a powerful one and should serve as a reminder to anyone in a demanding career. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.