After finding global success from her timeless sitcom FRIENDS, Jennifer Aniston admitted to being interested in building up her film resume. Therefore, venturing from television to Hollywood, Aniston appeared in a number of projects and established herself as a versatile actress while creating a coveted empire.
Jennifer Aniston and Clive Owen in Derailed | Miramax
However, during her initial years in Hollywood, being a newcomer in the film industry, Jennifer Aniston admitted to making a couple of mistakes. Thus, reflecting on her long-standing career, Aniston mentioned being ashamed of a few roles, while also confessing to learning a great deal of valuable lessons.
Jennifer Aniston was Once Ashamed of Accepting too Many Projects
Known for her iconic portrayal of Rachel Green on the hit TV show FRIENDS, Jennifer Aniston has since built a diverse filmography that spans romantic comedies, dramas, and even darker roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress. However, while Aniston was exploring the film industry as a newbie, she admitted accepting too many projects, without bothering about the quality.
In an attempt to avoid getting typecast in Hollywood for her sitcom role, Jennifer Aniston admitted to being in a hurry and accepting whatever project that came her way. Speaking with Harper’s Bazaar in 2016, the actress noted that despite her success and enduring popularity, she is ashamed of her initial career choices that ended up getting etched in her filmography.
Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green in FRIENDS | Warner Bros.
There was a time when I worked and worked and worked. I loved it. I’m trying to be better at that. I’m a bit of a people pleaser. I’ve got to stop. Some of the movies I’ve made, I bow my head in slight shame over.
However, looking on the bright side of it, although Jennifer Aniston claimed to be guilty of being a people pleaser and feeling a sense of shame about certain films she has made throughout her career, Aniston noted learning a lesson. Without specifying which movies she regrets, Aniston went on to share how she eventually steered her career toward betterment.
Jennifer Aniston Wished to Explore More and Add Variety to Her Filmography
After appearing in a bunch of projects that she later wished undone, Jennifer Aniston opened up being almost typecast for her role as Rachel Green. Although the actress wished to explore better opportunities and wanted to add variety to her career, Aniston remarked on being pigeonholed to roles that she wasn’t always looking for.
Shedding light on the pressures and decisions faced by stars in the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, Jennifer Aniston spoke candidly about how the industry is unwilling to take chances on actors. But eventually, Aniston found her breakthrough role in the movie Cake, which completely shifted her from the spotlight of her beloved FRIENDS character and launched her into the film industry.
I can do other things. I feel a sense of freedom that I hadn’t necessarily felt before. Also, you have to start taking chances in an industry that’s very insecure about taking chances on people. People forget who actors are. They say, ‘You’re too known to play that part. You can’t disappear.’ And we’re like, ‘Give us a chance. We’ll disappear.’
Jennifer Aniston in The Morning Show | Apple TV
Finding her chance to disappear from her sitcom role, with the help of the independent drama Cake, Jennifer Aniston thereafter turned into a cultural icon. The film saw Aniston playing a troubled woman, experiencing strange visions of an acquaintance’s future. This particular role offered her a significant platform to showcase her versatility and prove herself in the industry.
Now, as she continues to explore new roles and projects, Jennifer Aniston not only remains admired for her talent but also her resilience in the competitive industry.
