Molly Ringwald Opens Up About Being Taken Advantage Of in Early Career Days

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ICARO Media Group
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28/05/2024 20h57

Molly Ringwald, the iconic actress known for her roles in 80s films such as "Pretty in Pink" and "The Breakfast Club," recently spoke out about being "taken advantage of" during her early career days in Hollywood. In a revealing interview on the WTF with Marc Maron podcast, Ringwald, now 56, shed light on the challenges she faced as a young starlet in the industry.

During the podcast interview, Ringwald expressed that she always felt disconnected from the Hollywood community due to her youth. She disclosed that she was "too young" to handle the fame and attention that came with her success, leading to vulnerable situations. Maron acknowledged her fortune in not experiencing something more traumatic, to which Ringwald responded with a laugh, admitting that she had indeed been taken advantage of.

The former teen idol, who began her career as a child actress on sitcoms, emphasized that the presence of "predators" is an unfortunate reality for young actresses in Hollywood. Reflecting on her own journey, Ringwald revealed that she had found herself in questionable situations while navigating the heights of her fame.

Ringwald, now a mother of three, shared that she diligently tried to steer her own daughter away from show business, after personally experiencing the harrowing aspects of growing up in the spotlight. Despite her efforts, her 20-year-old daughter Mathilda has followed in her footsteps and has chosen a career in acting.

Earlier this year, Ringwald also made headlines for bringing attention to aspects of her films, such as "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles," that she felt hadn't aged well. She highlighted instances of sexual harassment and the portrayal of toxic attitudes towards women, stating that the art we consume plays a role in reinforcing societal attitudes.

The actress acknowledged her admiration for the work of late filmmaker John Hughes, with whom she collaborated on three movies. However, she expressed hesitations about watching them again, given today's cultural climate and her own evolving perspective. The memory of scenes, such as an adult woman being hired for a shot of her character's underwear, troubled her when a daughter suggested watching "The Breakfast Club" together.

Molly Ringwald's candid interview provides a valuable insight into the challenges faced by young actors and actresses in the industry, shedding light on the importance of addressing and evolving from problematic portrayals in art. Her story serves as a reminder of the need for change and progress in Hollywood and beyond.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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