Jennifer Lawrence Says She Was ‘Annoying’ in Old Interviews and Gets Why the Public ‘Rejected’ Her Personality: ‘I Lose Control Over My Craft When I Have to Do Press for a Movie’

Jennifer Lawrence, one of Hollywood’s most prominent figures, has recently offered candid reflections on her past public persona, admitting that she was “annoying” in old interviews. This introspection comes as she navigates a new phase of her career, notably with the upcoming psychological drama “Die My Love.” Her remarks shed light on the pressures of fame, the crafting of a public image, and the struggle to maintain artistic control amidst relentless media scrutiny.

The Evolution of a Public Persona

Lawrence, who rose to prominence in the early 2010s with roles in films like “Winter’s Bone,” “The Hunger Games” franchise, and “Silver Linings Playbook,” quickly became known for her seemingly relatable and self-deprecating demeanor in interviews. However, in a recent interview with The New Yorker, she winced at the memory, describing her past self as “so hyper” and “so embarrassing.”

She acknowledged that while her candidness was a genuine part of her personality, it also served as a “defense mechanism.” This approach, she explained, was a way to disarm the public, saying things like, “I’m not like that! I poop my pants every day!” Looking back, Lawrence understands why this persona might have become irritating to audiences, stating, “I look at those interviews, and that person is annoying. I get why seeing that person everywhere would be annoying.”

A notable instance of this public perception was Ariana Grande’s spot-on impression of Lawrence during a 2016 “Saturday Night Live” sketch. In the “Celebrity Family Feud” parody, Grande mimicked Lawrence’s “snackaholic” and “regular person” comments, a portrayal Lawrence herself deemed “spot-f—ing-on.”

Navigating Public Rejection and Hollywood Hiatus

The constant media attention and eventual shift in public sentiment took a significant toll on Lawrence. She revealed feeling “rejected not for my movies, not for my politics, but for me, for my personality.” This sense of rejection contributed to what she described as an “uninhabitable” period, marked by intense paparazzi scrutiny and a demanding schedule of sixteen films in six years.

Following a string of mixed-reviewed films and what she perceived as public fatigue, Lawrence took a two-year hiatus from Hollywood after 2019. During this break, she found peace and re-evaluated her relationship with her career. She candidly admitted to Vanity Fair in 2021, “I just think everybody had gotten sick of me. I’d gotten sick of me.” The actress also reflected on a long-standing pattern of “people-pleasing,” where working made her feel like “nobody could be mad at me.” However, she realized that this approach eventually failed, leading her to understand that “work or your career can’t bring any kind of peace to your soul.”

Her time away allowed her to gain a fresh perspective and prioritize her well-being. She expressed being “at peace” with the possibility of not returning to the industry, recognizing “Hollywood is a lot.”

A Return to Craft: “Die My Love”

Jennifer Lawrence is now making a significant return to the screen with “Die My Love,” a psychological black comedy-drama co-starring Robert Pattinson and directed by Lynne Ramsay. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025 and is set for a theatrical release on November 7, 2025, sees Lawrence in a challenging role as Grace, a young mother grappling with postpartum depression and a descent into psychosis.

The project came to Lawrence’s attention through an unexpected source: Martin Scorsese’s book club. Scorsese, who serves as a producer on the film, sent the novel to Lawrence’s production company, Excellent Cadaver, believing she was uniquely suited for the role. He encouraged her to “take a chance” and “knock any sense of a comfortable character off the board and just go for it.”

This return marks a conscious effort for Lawrence to prioritize her craft and engage with projects that offer artistic challenge. The complex themes of “Die My Love,” exploring mental health, marital breakdown, and creative blocks, align with her desire for roles that push her boundaries. Her current approach to press for “Die My Love” reflects her newfound clarity, indicating a more measured and intentional engagement with her public image, allowing her talent to speak for itself.

FAQ Section

Q1: Why did Jennifer Lawrence describe her old interviews as “annoying”?

A1: Jennifer Lawrence stated that her past interview persona, characterized by a hyper and candid demeanor, was both genuine and a defense mechanism. She now views that version of herself as “annoying” and understands why the public might have found it tiresome due to its omnipresence.

Q2: What prompted Jennifer Lawrence’s break from acting?

A2: Lawrence took a two-year hiatus from acting due to feeling oversaturated and facing public rejection of her personality. She also cited a sense of “people-pleasing” in her career and a realization that work wasn’t bringing her inner peace.

Q3: What is “Die My Love” about, and what is Jennifer Lawrence’s role?

A3: “Die My Love” is a psychological black comedy-drama directed by Lynne Ramsay. Jennifer Lawrence stars as Grace, a young mother who experiences postpartum depression and a descent into psychosis as her life and marriage unravel in the countryside.

Q4: How was Martin Scorsese involved in “Die My Love”?

A4: Martin Scorsese, after reading the novel “Die, My Love” in his book club, personally sent it to Jennifer Lawrence’s production company, believing she was perfect for the lead role. He also serves as a producer on the film.

Conclusion

Jennifer Lawrence’s recent reflections offer a rare glimpse into the complex relationship between a celebrity and their public image. Her candid admission of finding her past self “annoying” and understanding the public’s “rejection” highlights a period of intense scrutiny and personal growth. By taking a hiatus and consciously choosing more challenging roles like in “Die My Love,” Lawrence demonstrates a renewed focus on her craft and a more authentic, perhaps calmer, approach to her career and public presence. This new chapter suggests a star who has not only survived the pressures of Hollywood but has emerged with a clearer sense of self and artistic purpose.