Alicia Silverstone has grown accustomed to pushing boundaries and shattering norms. Reflecting on her pivotal role in the beloved 1995 film "Clueless," the iconic star mused on how this transformative project redirected her career trajectory and compelled her to realign her perspective on acting. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, published on August 14th, Alicia shared, "Prior to 'Clueless,' I was an intuitive, playful soul brimming with confidence in my endeavors. Post-'Clueless,' however, I momentarily found myself grappling with stress, perhaps overthinking my craft or transforming it into something more cerebral. This odd sensation lingered for roughly three to four years."
The 48-year-old actress further elaborated, "While acting holds a special place in my heart, I've taken intermittent breaks from it, only to return fueled by my unwavering passion. I've come to realize that one can indeed pursue myriad passions concurrently."
Alicia, who is set to executive produce and reprise her legendary role as Cher Horowitz in a "Clueless" prequel series, has consistently dedicated her career to nurturing her diverse interests. This resolve was particularly tested amidst criticism for some of her lesser-acclaimed films, such as her Razzie Award nomination for Worst Supporting Actress in the 1997 movie "Batman & Robin," where she co-starred alongside George Clooney and Chris O'Donnell. "As human beings, we're all susceptible to hurtful remarks now and then," she continued. "However, I channeled my energies into activism, driven by my earnest desire to make this world a better place." She added thoughtfully, "Perhaps if acting were my sole pursuit, I might have been more deeply devastated by such setbacks."
Moreover, the "Crush" actress, who shares a 14-year-old son, Bear, with her ex-husband Christopher Jarecki, once admitted to having "lost her love for acting for an extended period." Nevertheless, she is profoundly grateful for how her acting career has empowered her advocacy for animal rights and environmental conservation.
In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, Alicia revealed, "My heart told me that this was my calling, something I adored deeply. I needed to find a way to harmonize my passion for acting with my commitment to activism. And so, I did just that – embracing my dual identity as both an actress and an activist."