Amanda Seyfried
A heart-toheart with the Mean Girls superstar as she talks about parenthood, empowerment and her love for Jaegerlecoultre
You started acting when you were a teenager—who empowered your decision to start your career so young, and what advice do you have for women following unconventional career paths?
My mum made everything seem possible and she offered me the space to walk in the direction of my dreams without fear of rejection or abandonment. My parents believed in every aspect of walking that path. They still do. Words of advice? Keep going but be smart— you’re all you need.
Tell us about how having children has changed your approach to work?
I know I’ve instinctually made the choice to do less and choose one [movie] that’s fierce and totally fulfilling, so I can feel I’ve earnt time off with my kids. I want impact and commitment with work so I can be fully present at home. I used to work often and with intensity, without much personal time. Parenthood has changed perspectives.
Congratulations on your Emmy nomination for your performance in The Dropout! You play a controversial character: Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced founder of biotech company Theranos. How does it stand out from past roles?
Thanks! It stands so far out from my past roles because it was equal parts thrilling and challenging. I never felt like I got a sense of her and therefore had to trust my own version of her throughout, which was incredibly empowering. I also loved playing a person who is so misunderstood and very present in society.
How do you hope to empower others? If there’s one thing you hope people can take away from your words, what would it be?
Right now I’m working on how to empower my kids, so I guess I would say to them: “Feelings aren’t facts; the truth will set you free; be curious, be compassionate, be kind, be kind, be kind. Be you— you’re just right.” I’ve made a career out of trying to see many perspectives at one time. And kindness goes farther than anything.
At an interview for Jaegerlecoultre’s launch of the new Rendez-vous Dazzling Shooting Star watch, you spoke about the namesake meteor being a symbol of hope. What did you wish for the last time you saw one? Patience.
Of all the watch brands, why did you choose to work with Jaeger-lecoultre? What was it about the brand that spoke to you? Jaeger-lecoultre is impressively creative, reliable and luxurious. Wearing these watches feels chic and empowering for me. Jaeger-lecoultre and I share the same passion for the importance of handmade, artisanal creations. There is nothing more exquisite than a watch made with this kind of precision, thoughtfulness and effort by so many skilled artisans. It becomes art as it’s made—each one unique and timeless. I have so much respect and admiration for the process.