Selena Gomez, a celebrated actor and musician known for her Disney roots and starring role in Only Murders in the Building, shares her journey of relearning Spanish for the film Emilia Pérez. She discusses the transformative power of music, highlights her experiences working with comedy legends, and reflects on the complexities of childhood fame. Gomez opens up about her struggles with mental health and the importance of support in healing. With candor and insight, she navigates the balance of her various identities and the transformative moments in her career.
Selena Gomez emphasizes the importance of understanding one's mental health challenges, advocating for patience and self-discovery in healing journeys.
Gomez highlights the complex experience of growing up as a child actor, balancing the opportunities from Disney with the challenges of public scrutiny.
Deep dives
Selena Gomez's Role in 'Amelia Perez'
Selena Gomez plays Jesse Del Monte in the Spanish-language musical 'Amelia Perez,' where she portrays the wife of a cartel leader. The film's narrative centers on her husband's secret gender-affirming surgery and the complexities of their relationship amidst his transformative journey. Gomez, who had to reacquaint herself with Spanish for the role, highlights the beauty of the language and its emotional resonance. The film's exploration of themes like liberation and identity provides depth to her character's experience as she navigates a dangerous life tied to a brutal criminal.
Bipolar Disorder and Personal Growth
Gomez discusses her mental health journey, including her experience with lupus and her bipolar diagnosis. She describes the relief she felt upon understanding her mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of patience and seeking help. For her, understanding her diagnosis allowed her to find balance and navigate her emotions more effectively. She encourages others facing similar struggles to take their time in seeking help and self-understanding, acknowledging that such journeys can often be lengthy and complex.
Reflections on Fame and Privacy
Selena Gomez reflects on the challenges of growing up as a child actor in the public eye, labeling it a double-edged sword. While she appreciates the opportunities provided by Disney, she expresses frustration with being perceived solely through that lens, which often simplified her experiences and thoughts. She recounts moments of being scrutinized and feeling uncomfortable due to the invasive nature of fame. Gomez credits her family, particularly her mother, with keeping her grounded and protecting her from the darker aspects of the industry.
Collaborations and Evolving Artistic Identity
In addition to acting, Gomez shares her evolving relationship with music, emphasizing its significance in her life. She clarifies that while music has become a prominent aspect of her identity, acting remains her first love, offering a creative outlet that differs from her music career. Reflecting on her successful partnership with industry legends like Steve Martin and Martin Short in 'Only Murders in the Building,' Gomez highlights the respect and camaraderie present on set. This collaboration has not only been enjoyable for her but also a safe space for growth and learning in her acting journey.
The actor-singer-entrepreneur stars in Emilia Pérez, the new Spanish-language musical about a cartel boss who undergoes gender-affirming surgery. Gomez talks with Tonya Mosley about re-learning Spanish, her Disney years, and working alongside comedy legends Martin Short and Steve Martin in Only Murders in the Building.
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