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Minnie Driver Embraces New Era in Acting Amid Diverse Roles
Minnie Driver is experiencing a significant resurgence in her career, showcasing her talents in the fifth season of Emily in Paris and the upcoming British Netflix thriller The Run Away, set to premiere on January 1. With these two contrasting roles just weeks apart, Driver’s confidence and vibrant spirit are more evident than ever.
Reflecting on her experience filming Emily in Paris, Driver recalls her excitement upon arriving on set in Rome. “I remember when I got off the plane in Rome, and it was already quite late when I got to the hotel. When I walked in, they said, ‘We’ve got the fitting set up in one of the conference rooms.’ I went to this room, and it was like you were on the Orient Express. There were all of these clothes, and all of these bags, and all this jewelry and all of these shoes. I took one look and thought, ‘I know I had that dream when I was a little girl.’”
The costume fittings became a transformative aspect of her creative process. “It was the culmination of this dream and also the kindest, most beautiful, generous costume designer—not a scary, terrifying French person. The minute we started trying clothes on, which all came from the Fendi archive, Giambattista Valli, Dolce & Gabbana, it was just epic and beautiful. I saw the character emerge. Sometimes, actors do it from the inside-out, and I do it that way sometimes. Princess Jane was definitely from the outside-in.”
Driver emphasizes that her character’s allure transcends fashion. “She’s this woman…she’s my age. She is beautiful in a way that is not just because of the clothes, but the way in which she feels about herself,” she states. She expresses a desire for women to embrace their voices and power. “As women, we’re not expected to be silent anymore. There’s an ebullience and a confidence.”
Despite the challenges that often accompany aging in Hollywood, Driver approaches the topic candidly. “I’m so over being asked about aging as a 55-year-old actor,” she shares, adding, “All of this beats the alternative! There are good days and bad days, obviously.”
This sense of acceptance encourages her to reassess her past. “You don’t know how good you’ve got it when you’re younger,” she reflects. Driver is now in a fulfilling stage of life with her partner and teenage son. “I feel really confident. I feel confident to talk about anything and anybody because there’s nothing off-limits.”
Her views on beauty reflect a playful and honest mindset. Driver gained attention last year for her humorous take on beauty standards on social media, quipping, “Guys, are we all getting new faces for Christmas? ‘Cause where are you getting them from?”
She clarifies her aesthetic surgery comments, noting, “Maybe it’s the Aquarius in me that just wants everybody to do whatever it is that makes them happy. If you want to get a new face, be 70 and look like you’re 35? Cool. Do it! I want women to feel good.” Driver aims to dismantle the societal shame surrounding beauty choices, advocating for judgment-free acceptance.
When it comes to the evolving pressures of beauty standards, she notes the complexity of the issue. “It depends. Usually, I resist the pressure of others. The times that I feel like someone’s putting pressure on me, I want to push back really hard.”
Her partner’s advice resonates with her: “To yourself first.” While recognizing the difficulty of prioritizing self-care, Driver strives to navigate these challenges openly.
As social media increasingly influences self-perception, Driver remains cautious. “Social media is introducing us all to so much ‘stuff’ in our everyday lives,” she explains, advocating for genuine interactions over the allure of perfection online.
For Driver, physical activity is vital to her well-being. “For me, personally, there is dopamine release when you move your body around. I surf, I dance, I run…but I’ve got to move every day to feel good.”
At the heart of her life is her son, whom she describes with warmth. “Being with my son is my favorite thing to do. He’s the funniest, loveliest person, and he has never given me a moment’s trouble.” Driver acknowledges the significance of their bond, having developed mutual respect over the years.
Looking to the future, Driver is enthusiastic about her upcoming role in The Run Away, describing it as a unique project unlike anything she’s done before. “I love that the two jobs I did this year for Netflix were so different,” she says, highlighting her versatility.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Minnie Driver is forging her own path, redefining what it means to thrive at 55, and inspiring others along the way.
