For the latest issue of Interview magazine, Sandra Bullock interviewed her close friend and cover star Jennifer Aniston—and the result is an intimate insight into Aniston's personal life. The actor spoke about her difficult childhood (her father left when she was nine, while Aniston and her mother shared a lengthy estrangement, as Elle reports), and the impact of her formative years on the person she is today.
Bullock asked Aniston, "Anyone who has the honor of being in your home and in your life doesn’t want to leave because it’s safe, it’s emotional, it’s joyous. What is it that allows you to stay buoyant and keep from getting discouraged when things don’t go the right way?"
"First of all, that was the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me," Aniston responded. "I think that it comes from growing up in a household that was destabilized and felt unsafe, watching adults being unkind to each other, and witnessing certain things about human behavior that made me think: 'I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to be that. I don’t want to experience this feeling I’m having in my body right now. I don’t want anyone else that I ever come in contact with ever to feel that.'"
"So I guess I have my parents to thank," she continued. "You can either be angry or be a martyr, or you can say, 'You’ve got lemons? Let’s make lemonade.'"
A post shared by Jennifer Aniston (@jenniferaniston)
A photo posted by on
Speaking to Elle in 2018 about her Netflix movie Dumplin', in which she played a pushy pageant mom, Aniston discussed her "challenging upbringing," commenting on the similarities between her on-screen character and her own mother. "She was from this world of, 'Honey, take better care of yourself,' or 'Honey, put your face on,' or all of those odd sound bites that I can remember from my childhood."
"My mom said those things because she really loved me. It wasn’t her trying to be a bitch or knowing she would be making some deep wounds that I would then spend a lot of money to undo. She did it because that was what she grew up with," Aniston reflected. "I think she was just holding on and doing the best she could, struggling financially and dealing with a husband who was no longer there."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
RELATED STORIES
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
Dua Lipa's Coquette Chanel Gown Took 1,000 Hours to Make
And yes, there's a bow.
By India Roby Published
-
Sources Close to Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet Are Finally Addressing Those Baby Rumors
The gossip surrounding the famous couple has hit a fever pitch.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Emma Stone Says She Wants to Be Known By Her Birth Name from Now On—Not Emma, Her Stage Name
“That would be so nice.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner Published
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors Published
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez Published
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors Published