Mara Wilson, the former child star recognised for her roles in beloved films such as *Mrs. Doubtfire*, *Miracle on 34th Street*, and *Matilda*, has chosen a path away from Hollywood in favour of storytelling through audiobooks. In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Wilson shared insights into her current work and the reasons behind her departure from the world of mainstream cinema.
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Now 38, Wilson revealed that narrating audiobooks has become a fulfilling venture that enables her to explore diverse characters and narratives. “I love that you can be anything,” Wilson remarked, highlighting her enjoyment of playing multiple roles throughout a single project. With an impressive portfolio of around 70 audiobooks under her belt, she finds satisfaction in immersing herself in a variety of genres, from horror to romance.
Her recent project, *Wombat Waiting*, written by Katherine Applegate, tells the touching tale of a dog named Wombat who survives devastating wildfires. For Wilson, this project resonates deeply; it echoes her long-standing passion for storytelling, a passion she identifies as her “first love”. She stated, “All I ever wanted to do was tell stories, write stories and perform stories,” which aligns perfectly with her current role as an audiobook narrator.
Reflecting on her past experiences in Hollywood, Wilson candidly discussed the pressures of conforming to industry standards. She commented on the limited opportunities available for women of her age and demographic, expressing reluctance to “change herself a lot” in order to fit into “Hollywood’s mold”. While she has participated in projects created by friends, she prefers the freedom that audiobook narration and voiceover work afford her, allowing her to embody a wide range of characters, such as criminals and even Tinkerbell.
The actress believes that her work contributes to a theatrical experience, where the audience’s belief can be suspended through evocative storytelling. She elaborated on her ability to alter her voice to portray male characters in romance novels, likening the experience to a theatrical performance. This versatility in her current roles not only fuels her creative spirit but also reinforces her connection to the literary world.
Wilson’s enthusiasm for her craft extends to her collaborations with accomplished authors. Having admired Katherine Applegate’s *Everworld* series during her younger years, she felt fortunate to work on *Wombat Waiting*, stating that the story was reminiscent of her own childhood fears and growth. “It was very much for a younger version of myself,” Wilson noted, recounting how the narrative resonated with her personal experiences.
When she first began recording *Wombat Waiting*, Wilson described feeling an immediate emotional connection to the story. “I remember I was having a hard day when I first started recording, and then I started recording and I felt so much better,” she shared, highlighting the therapeutic nature of engaging with meaningful literature, even when it reflects challenging themes.
Mara Wilson’s journey underscores a broader trend where artists are seeking authentic forms of expression outside the conventional constraints of Hollywood. By embracing audiobook narration, she has managed to stay true to her passion for storytelling while avoiding the pressures often associated with mainstream film roles.
The audiobook of *Wombat Waiting* is currently available alongside the print version, providing listeners with an opportunity to engage with the heartfelt narrative. Through her work, Wilson continues to inspire others to discover the transformative power of storytelling in all its forms.