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Mara Wilson, 'Matilda' Star, Rules Out Return to Hollywood: 'I Don't Want to Fit the Mold'
🇲🇽 Mexico /Culture & Society

Mara Wilson, 'Matilda' Star, Rules Out Return to Hollywood: 'I Don't Want to Fit the Mold'

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Mara Wilson, the actress who played Matilda, has stated she has no interest in returning to Hollywood.
  • She explained that she doesn't fit the current industry standards for women her age and appearance and doesn't want to change to fit the mold.
  • Wilson has found artistic freedom in voice acting, podcasts, and audiobooks since pausing her acting career in 2000.

Mara Wilson, beloved by millions for her iconic role as Matilda, has firmly closed the door on a return to Hollywood, expressing contentment with her life away from the industry's pressures.

In an interview with "People" magazine, Wilson, who stepped away from acting after the 2000 film "Thomas and the Magic Railroad," explained that she doesn't see herself fitting into the current landscape of the film industry. "There aren't always roles for women my age, my looks, or my demographic profile. I would have to change a lot to fit the Hollywood mold, and the truth is, I don't want to do that," she stated.

There aren't always roles for women my age, my looks, or my demographic profile. I would have to change a lot to fit the Hollywood mold, and the truth is, I don't want to do that.

— Mara WilsonWilson explained her reasons for not wanting to return to acting in Hollywood.

Wilson's hiatus from acting has spanned over two decades, during which she has explored various creative avenues. Since 2012, she has focused on voice acting, podcasts, web series, and narrating audiobooks. She finds this work allows for a greater artistic freedom than she experienced in front of the camera.

I love being able to be anything. I love playing all the characters. The only thing I've always wanted to do is write stories, tell them, and perform them.

— Mara WilsonWilson described her artistic satisfaction with her current work in narration and performance.

"I love being able to be anything. I love playing all the characters. The only thing I've always wanted to do is write stories, tell them, and perform them," Wilson commented on her work as a narrator, highlighting her passion for storytelling.

Reflecting on her past in her 2016 memoir, "Where Am I Now?", Wilson acknowledged comparisons to other child stars. However, she has moved past dwelling on hypothetical "what ifs" regarding a Hollywood career. "I don't know who I would be if I had stayed. I would be completely different. Maybe I would be unhappy," she wrote, emphasizing her current happiness and fulfillment.

I don't know who I would be if I had stayed. I would be completely different. Maybe I would be unhappy.

— Mara WilsonWilson reflected on her past career choices and her current sense of contentment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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