Chloë Sevigny Reflects on Her ‘Very Complicated Relationship with Fame’: ‘I Didn’t Want to Be Famous’ (Exclusive)

Chloë Sevigny Reflects on Fame and Transformation in Latest Role

Chloë Sevigny, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in films like *Boys Don’t Cry* and *American Psycho*, has had a profound change in her perception of fame over her extensive career. In a recent conversation with *PEOPLE*, the 51-year-old discussed her experiences in the spotlight and how they have shaped her identity as both a performer and a person.

As she prepares for the release of her latest project, *The Five Star Weekend*, Sevigny reflected on her journey through Hollywood. The actress revealed that her initial relationship with fame was quite complex. “I wanted to be an artist and an actor, but I didn’t want to be famous,” she admitted, highlighting the internal struggle she faced as she rose to prominence in her early twenties.

Sevigny gained widespread recognition for her powerful performances in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, she explains that her desire for artistic expression didn’t align with the expectations that accompany fame. “At that time, I think people didn’t understand that,” she noted, which led to her constructing a protective “shell” around herself as she navigated the challenges of being in the public eye.

This theme of a tough exterior resonates strongly with her character Tatum in *The Five Star Weekend*, the new Peacock series based on Elin Hilderbrand’s novel. Sevigny observed that both she and Tatum share similar traits. “I think a lot of people think of me that way,” she said, although she is quick to disclose her “dorky and goofy” nature beneath the surface.

Sevigny’s upbringing in New England has also influenced her personality, where she noted a tendency among her peers to adopt a “staunch kind of hard shell.” She explained that this mentality can create an insular perspective, with individuals often being very fixed in their interests and opinions. “The rest of the world doesn’t really know what’s going on,” she added.

In *The Five Star Weekend*, Sevigny portrays Tatum, a character who embarks on a transformative journey during a girls’ trip organised by her childhood friend Hollis Shaw, played by Jennifer Garner. The premise follows Hollis as she grapples with grief over her husband’s tragic passing and seeks solace from her close friends at her Nantucket beach house.

As the storyline unfolds, Tatum experiences significant personal growth. Sevigny described her character’s evolution, saying, “By the end of the show, Tatum really has a turnaround. She sees maybe what she missed out on for being so narrow-minded. It was a great journey to take with her.” This development in Tatum mirrors Sevigny’s own reflections on fame and self-discovery.

Jennifer Garner, Sevigny’s co-star, praised her talent and presence, revealing her initial nervousness when they first met. “I’m very suburban emotionally and the opposite of urban cool, and Chloë is the face of urban cool,” Garner said, alluding to Sevigny’s distinctive style and aura. “Anyone in a room, you’re right there and totally present,” Garner added, highlighting Sevigny’s ability to connect deeply with others.

As viewers await the release of *The Five Star Weekend*, which is now streaming on Peacock, Sevigny’s insights into her career and character offer a glimpse of her growth as an actress and an individual. Her candid reflections on fame and identity underscore the often complicated relationship between personal authenticity and public perception.

Through her art, Sevigny continues to explore the multifaceted nature of human emotions, providing audiences with characters that reflect their own struggles and triumphs. Whether on screen or in her personal life, it is clear that Chloë Sevigny is not only an artist but a relatable figure navigating the complexities of fame and self-discovery.