Brittany Snow Says She Turned Down ‘Several Roles’ in Her 20s Because ‘My Health Had to Come First’

Brittany Snow, the well-known actress from the “Pitch Perfect” series, has openly shared her journey regarding mental health, highlighting the significance of prioritising well-being over career pursuits. In a recent interview with Modern Luxury, published on 25 February, the 39-year-old star reflected on the pivotal decisions she made in her early twenties to consciously turn down “several” acting roles to safeguard her mental health.

Snow candidly disclosed that despite warnings about potential negative impacts on her career, she felt it was absolutely essential to prioritise her health. “I was warned that those choices might damage my career … but I knew I had no choice,” she stated, emphasising the importance of her mental well-being in her life and career.

Throughout her career, Brittany has appeared in various notable roles, starting with her acting debut in the 1990s series “SeaQuest 2032.” She has been featured in an array of films such as “The Pacifier,” “John Tucker Must Die,” and “Hairspray,” among others. However, during her twenties, she made conscious decisions to forgo certain opportunities that might have adversely affected her mental state.

Reflecting on her past, Snow admitted that in her early twenties, she sensed that some projects could be detrimental to her health. “In my early 20s, I declined several roles that I believed would have been detrimental to my well-being,” she recounted. This awareness of her mental health has not only guided her career choices but has also contributed to her growth as an actress.

The actress has faced her share of struggles, specifically with mental health issues and eating disorders. At the age of 21, she wrote an essay for PEOPLE, shedding light on her experiences. In a follow-up interview in 2025, she described the reaction to her confession as “awful,” revealing her inherent nervousness and the toll that auditioning could take on her. Reflecting on a two-year break she took from acting prior to her role in “Pitch Perfect,” Snow noted the importance of that time away as instrumental in rediscovering herself. “I didn’t think I was ever going to work again because I felt like I had to restart my career,” she shared, adding that this hiatus ultimately provided her with greater clarity regarding her professional path.

Furthermore, Snow has spoken about the challenges she faced as a teenager, such as her struggles with body image and self-acceptance. In a conversation with SELF, she revealed that she used to collect women’s fitness magazines as a child, and by her teenage years, she couldn’t bear to be naked in front of herself. Her journey has included treatment for various mental health issues, including anorexia, exercise bulimia, depression, and self-harm.

Snow attributes much of her recovery to an outpatient programme she participated in for a year. “I think rewiring my brain where I could count on myself and I could trust myself… was the best thing that ever could have happened to my recovery,” she explained. This focus on self-trust has allowed her to engage more positively with her work. “Prioritising my mental health has been essential. It’s truly the only reason I’m able to work,” she asserted.

As she continues to work on projects like “The Hunting Wives” and “The Beast in Me,” Brittany Snow remains committed to prioritising her mental health, understanding it is a crucial component of her professional success and personal fulfilment.

For anyone struggling with mental health issues, assistance is available. The Crisis Text Line offers support; simply text “STRENGTH” to 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counsellor. Snow’s openness about her journey serves as a reminder that prioritising mental well-being can be a profoundly empowering choice, not just in the realm of acting but in all aspects of life.