In the mid-2000s, Rachel McAdams rose to fame with blockbuster movies like Mean Girls, Wedding Crashers, and The Notebook. However, she made the bold decision to step away from acting at the height of her success. In a recent interview with Bustle, McAdams explained why she has no regrets about her choice and how it made her feel empowered.
McAdams became overwhelmed by the sudden leap to popularity that came with her breakout roles in 2004’s The Notebook and Mean Girls. Reflecting on her rise to stardom, she shared with Bustle, “You don’t go to drama school to learn how to deal with that. There is no manual on how to do that.” The expectations placed on her as a celebrity, including uncomfortable photo shoot requests, led her to reevaluate her path.
Feeling the need to prioritize her well-being and personal growth, McAdams decided to leave Hollywood and return to her native Canada. While she recognized that she was in a fortunate position and may have missed out on unique opportunities, she truly believed it was necessary for her identity and sanity. During her hiatus, she turned down high-profile blockbuster movies like The Devil Wears Prada, Iron Man, Casino Royale, and Mission Impossible III.
McAdams admits to occasionally having regrets about declining those big-budget films. However, she firmly believes that everything unfolded for the best. “There are certainly instances where one wishes they had done something,” she told Bustle. “But I step back and think, ‘That was the right person for that.’”
Despite moments of doubt during her break from acting, McAdams now reflects on it as a period that empowered her. She regained a sense of control over her life and career, entering through a different doorway. This newfound empowerment allowed her to return to Hollywood stronger than ever.
Since her return, McAdams has experienced incredible success. She has starred in hit films such as Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Strange, About Time, Game Night, The Family Stone, and Midnight in Paris, directed by Woody Allen. Her outstanding performance in Spotlight earned her an Oscar nomination, and the film won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Most recently, McAdams took on the beloved young adult novel Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume, for her latest movie. The film is set to be released this month.
We should celebrate Rachel McAdams for having the courage to take the break she needed. Being a Hollywood celebrity can be immensely demanding, and her decision to prioritize her well-being serves as an inspiration. Now, she’s back and better than ever!
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