Renee Zellweger has opened up about the reasons behind her six-year hiatus from Hollywood, explaining that the break was necessary for her mental health and personal growth. In an interview with British Vogue, the 55-year-old actress reflected on her decision to step away from the industry from 2010 to 2016.
“Because I needed to… I was sick of the sound of my own voice,” Zellweger admitted, explaining her decision to take a break from acting. She further reflected on her feelings during her time in the spotlight, saying, “When I was working, I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, listen to you.'”
Zellweger explained that the repetitive nature of her emotional experiences during that period made her realize she needed a change. “Are you sad again, Renée? Oh, is this your mad voice?’ … It was a regurgitation of the same emotional experiences,” she added.
During her break, Zellweger explored other passions and activities outside of acting. “I wrote music and studied international law,” she revealed. “I built a house, rescued a pair of older doggies, created a partnership that led to a production company, advocated for and fund-raised with a sick friend.”
She also spent quality time with family and her godchildren, traveling across the country with her dogs, all of which helped her regain her health and mental well-being. “And spent a lot of time with family and godchildren and driving across the country with the dogs. I got healthy,” she shared.
Now, Zellweger is returning to the big screen, starring in the fourth installment of Bridget Jones alongside Hugh Grant, Leo Woodall, and Colin Firth. The movie, titled Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, is scheduled to be released in cinemas on February 12, 2025.
Zellweger, who was previously married to country singer Kenny Chesney for a brief period in 2005, has no children of her own. However, her break allowed her to prioritize her personal life and well-being, something she views as essential in her ongoing journey.