Jessica Alba Reflects on Accepting Roles for Survival in Her Acting Career – Hollywood Life
Jessica Alba is reflecting on her early days in the film industry. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, published on Thursday, June 13, the 43-year-old actress shared the challenges she faced at the beginning of her acting career. Jessica discussed the financial stress she experienced, which she described as putting her at a disadvantage.
“You’re not always taking the roles that are the best,” the Trigger Warning star explained. “You’re just taking roles to survive, which teaches grit and perseverance, but I do wish I would’ve had the skill set and the wherewithal to write and to know about writing and directing and producing earlier in my career.”
As an executive producer on her upcoming Special Forces-themed movie, premiering on Netflix on Friday, June 21, Jessica reflected on her early career where she initially felt grateful for booking roles but also experienced financial desperation.
“You’re just so happy to be there and it’s like, ‘Did the check clear?’” she said. “And there’s a desperation like, ‘Please God, I need this job. … If they do want to be a performer, then being able to be a producer and a writer, or a director. I think having that leadership role is really important to the art and be part of the art in a way where they feel like they can have more autonomy and there’s more dignity.”
As a mother to Honor, Haven, and Hayes, Jessica shared her thoughts on her children pursuing showbiz careers.
“The thing is, I think if you tell your kid anything, they’re going to do the opposite, right?” Jessica noted. “So, I try not to have too strong opinions one way or another.”
Jessica started auditioning at 11 years old, landing commercial gigs and independent film roles. She later gained recognition through the series Dark Angel created by James Cameron. Jessica went on to work in various film genres and marry her husband Cash Warren in 2008.