Diane Kruger Reflects on How Motherhood Has Influenced Her Career Choices
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German actress Diane Kruger recently opened up about how motherhood has impacted the types of roles she chooses in the entertainment industry. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kruger shared how her daughter, Nova, who is 7 years old and whom she shares with partner Norman Reedus, has influenced her decision-making process when it comes to selecting acting roles.
Kruger, 49, emphasised that her daughter’s inquisitive nature and heightened awareness have played a significant role in the roles she now gravitates towards. Speaking on the subject, Kruger stated, “She’s definitely my number one priority. But also, the types of roles I take on, I think, have changed. Everything changes, it’s not just work, it’s also how I live my life, how I talk to people, how I interact with people, the stories.”
The actress elaborated on a recent project she completed, a film centred around a World War II female work camp. Kruger noted that Nova’s exposure to this particular role prompted questions from her young daughter, highlighting the importance of addressing challenging topics in a child-friendly manner. Kruger explained, “So I have this responsibility very early on in her life, having to explain to her certain really important things [and also] how to make that child-friendly.”
Kruger expressed the belief that it is crucial for her to choose roles that align with her values and allow her to convey the significance of the narrative to her daughter. She emphasised, “I feel sometimes I have a responsibility obviously to tell her and answer her questions, but [also to] take on roles that she can understand why I took them on and why we make these movies, not to necessarily give lessons, but why do we want to revisit something that happened in the past?”
Acknowledging her daughter’s heightened awareness and curiosity, Kruger shared that Nova’s exposure to thought-provoking storylines has led to discussions surrounding empathy, understanding of historical events, and reflections on societal issues. Kruger expressed pride in her daughter’s ability to engage with such complex themes, stating, “But at the same time, I have found that kids, or my kid, the empathy that you create and the understanding of what’s bad, but how did we fix it, or what are we trying to do today and why are we looking back, it’s made her think quite a bit, so it’s also beautiful to see.”
Reflecting on Nova’s astute observations and emotional intelligence, Kruger remarked, “She’s much more aware than I was at 7.” The actress also shared a heartwarming anecdote from last December when Nova penned a heartfelt note to the Tooth Fairy, showcasing her innocence and tender nature.
Overall, Diane Kruger’s candid insights shed light on the transformative impact of motherhood on her career trajectory and the profound influence her daughter’s perspective has had on her professional choices. As she continues to navigate the entertainment landscape, Kruger’s commitment to storytelling that resonates with both herself and her daughter exemplifies the depth of her maternal bond and artistic integrity.