Jennifer Lopez Admits She Struggled with ‘Panic Attacks’ After She Skyrocketed to Fame Following 1997’s “Selena”

Jennifer Lopez has candidly discussed the overwhelming challenges she faced following her rise to fame after starring in the 1997 film “Selena.” During a recent conversation with her co-star from “Office Romance,” Brett Goldstein, the actress shared insights into the panic attacks and anxiety that accompanied her newfound celebrity status.

Lopez, now 56, recounted her experience on the June 10 episode of the podcast “Films to Be Buried With.” Prior to her role in “Selena,” she began her career as a Fly Girl dancer on the television show “In Living Color” but achieved significant recognition when she portrayed the legendary Tejano music sensation Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. The film captured the life of a vibrant artist who had achieved worldwide fame before her tragic murder in 1995.

Reflecting on her swift transition into the limelight, Lopez expressed to Goldstein her initial struggle with being thrust into the public eye. “It was really bad at first,” she recalled, describing her life-changing experience when she found herself being recognised for the first time. An encounter while walking to a nearby shop left her feeling engulfed by fear as a stranger called out to her. “Please don’t attack me,” she recounted, admitting that she was defensive and taken aback by the unexpected attention.

As she walked back to her apartment that day, the reality of her celebrity began to sink in. “I realised my life had changed. I was no longer anonymous,” she revealed, disclosing that the abrupt loss of privacy led to her experiencing panic attacks for the first time. She described feeling trapped by her situation, caught in a whirlwind of fame that she feared was irreversible.

In response to these challenges, Lopez gradually found solace by communicating with fellow actors and directors. She opened up about her struggles with anxiety, stating, “I was like, ‘I’m having panic attacks. It’s really bad.’” This dialogue helped her navigate the overwhelming feelings that accompanied her fame.

Over time, Lopez honed coping mechanisms, altering her perspective on the permanence of her circumstances. “I realised it wasn’t something that couldn’t be undone,” she explained, embracing the idea that change is an inherent part of life. This mindset allowed her to alleviate some of her anxieties.

A pivotal element of her journey was the decision to cultivate gratitude. Lopez described this shift in focus as a “game changer” that transformed her outlook. “I was lucky to be in the position I was in because I had always dreamed of doing this,” she reflected, appreciating the outpouring of love for her work, which became a source of strength.

Following her breakout role, Lopez continued to flourish in her career, appearing in blockbuster films such as “Anaconda,” “The Wedding Planner,” and “Maid in Manhattan,” among others. Alongside her acting career, she has released nine studio albums, achieving chart-topping success with songs like “If You Had My Love” and “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” Additionally, Lopez served as a judge on “American Idol” for five seasons, further solidifying her status in the entertainment industry.

In “Office Romance,” which is currently available for streaming on Netflix, she had the opportunity to reunite with Edward James Olmos, who played her father in “Selena.” Olmos, 79, expressed his eagerness to participate in the project, stating that he readily accepted the role without even reading the script, simply saying, “Of course. Anything she needs.”

Jennifer Lopez’s journey from a talented dancer to an international superstar involved navigating the complexities of fame while preserving her mental well-being. Her insights into coping with the pressures of celebrity life not only resonate with her personal experiences but also offer a glimpse into the realities faced by many artists in the public eye.