Patricia Clarkson Reflects on Career, "Lilly," and Hollywood’s Evolution
Patricia Clarkson, a veteran actress with a career spanning several decades, recently shared her insights on her latest film, "Lilly," her personal journey in Hollywood, and the changing landscape for women in the entertainment industry. In an interview with Fox News Digital, the 65-year-old actress delved into the emotional resonance of "Lilly," a movie inspired by the true story of Lilly Ledbetter, an Alabama tire factory supervisor who fought for equal pay.
Clarkson explained how the role stirred deep emotions and memories of her own life, marked by struggles and triumphs. "I’m not a 25-year-old woman. I’ve lived through a lot in my life. I’ve survived Hollywood, okay. I’m a New Orleanian who now lives in New York," she stated, highlighting her resilience and the diverse experiences that have shaped her.
The actress further elaborated on the personal connection she felt to Lilly Ledbetter’s story. "For me, Lilly’s journey was a deeply emotional journey, a journey filled with strife and struggle and ultimately triumph, but how I’ve toiled, how I have labored to have a career and still have a career at 65, is a loss of love. Loss of leaving my family behind in New Orleans."
Clarkson emphasized the sacrifices she has made to pursue her acting career, including the emotional toll of being away from her family. Despite these challenges, she expressed pride in her longevity and continued presence in the entertainment industry.
Taking on the role of Lilly Ledbetter held special significance for Clarkson, as Ledbetter was a personal hero of her late mother. "Sadly, my mother passed and was not able to see this film, which is heartbreaking to me because my mother was a powerhouse. She ran this city [New Orleans] and Lily Ledbetter was one of her heroes. Of course, she raised five daughters. My mother raised five daughters, and we’re all working women and my sisters are very accomplished people. I’m just a lowly actress. They all have real careers and real lives," Clarkson said with a touch of humor.
She spoke highly of her sisters’ achievements, contrasting them with her own career as an actress. This self-deprecating remark underscores her humility and appreciation for the accomplishments of the women in her family.
Reflecting on her early days in Hollywood, Clarkson acknowledged the significant progress made in the treatment of women in the industry. "Oh, it’s exponentially grown. When I first started out, my very first movie I did was ‘The Untouchables.’ Even my make-up artist was a man. I was the only woman for miles. Miles. And I was paid scale."
She contrasted this experience with the current landscape, noting that women have gained more recognition and influence. "The industry, it’s grown by leaps and bounds and women finally really now, we don’t have a full seat at the table, but we’re very, very close. I think people are starting to realize that women, we can make you money. We can win you awards. We can make your life better if you employ us, and you pay us," Clarkson asserted, emphasizing the growing recognition of women’s contributions to the industry.
Clarkson, who has described herself as a "single, straight, Southern woman" who has never married or had children, also discussed her decision to remain single. "It’s interesting, and you know, it’s quite shocking, but not really. I was a fiercely independent child. I knew very early on I wasn’t the marrying kind. I love to work, I’m a workhorse."
She acknowledged the influence of the men she has dated, stating, "I’ve had remarkable men in my life. Not all of them, but quite a few that have just made me a better person, and I’m very thankful to some of the remarkable men I’ve dated in my life. A lot of them needed a wife and I knew I wasn’t that."
Clarkson emphasized her commitment to her career as the primary reason for her choice to remain single. She also expressed her joy in being an aunt to her many nieces and nephews and their children. "One of my greatest joys in my whole life is being their aunt. And now they all have these gorgeous children that you can eat on a spoon. And that’s enough for me. I do love other people’s children. But I think I’m best single," she shared.
While she admitted that one man did make her consider marriage, she ultimately concluded that the relationship would not have been successful, given their current circumstances.
"Lilly," starring Patricia Clarkson, debuts in theaters on May 9. The film promises to be a powerful portrayal of Lilly Ledbetter’s fight for equal pay and a testament to the resilience and determination of women in the workplace. Clarkson’s personal connection to the story and her reflections on her own career make "Lilly" a particularly meaningful project for the acclaimed actress.
