Dylan Penn Thinks It's "Crazy" That Her Mom Doesn't Get Paid as Much as Kevin Spacey in 'House of Cards'
Plus, her thoughts on being a good role model in the public eye.
If Dylan Penn's name is familiar, it's because a) her parents are Robin Wright and Sean Penn, and b) it's synonymous with a new generation of models best defined by #SquadGoals. Like Kendall Jenner and Ireland Baldwin, Penn grew up (somewhat) skirting the spotlight of her famous family—but now she's making the move from modeling to film (and moving straight into the public eye) with her first feature, Condemned. We spoke to 24-year-old Penn about entering the industry, maintaining privacy in a world where sharing is caring, and how the Hollywood wage gap has affected her personally.
Marie Claire: The wage gap in Hollywood has been super buzzy thanks to Jennifer Lawrence writing that killer essay for Lenny Letter. As a young woman entering the industry, how does an essay like that influence your business decisions?
Dylan Penn: It's really interesting because I make my money through modeling, and I think that's the one business where mostly women get paid more and have more possibilities for jobs. It's very different from the film business, and I think it's ridiculous. It doesn't make any sense. Even my mom's show, House of Cards, it's so crazy that she's not getting paid as much as Kevin Spacey and they are both frontrunners. They both equally grab the attention of the audience. I mean, it's crazy. Once I'm in this for a bit longer, I'll definitely fight against that—I think Jennifer Lawrence's letter was very potent and much needed for girls in general.
MC: There are so many women in Hollywood right now who aren't afraid to raise their concerns and speak their minds. Who do you look up to?
DP: I guess I'd have to say my mom. And I definitely respect people like Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer—people who kind of make light of the situation. Besides that, anybody who takes roles that empower women, I tend to admire.
A post shared by Dylan Penn (@iamdylanpenn)
A photo posted by on
MC: Your parents' love lives have been covered in the media a lot lately, and you had to deal with the attention that came along with being linked to Robert Pattinson after he split with Kristen Stewart. As you enter the industry, is invasion of privacy something you worry about?
DP: No, I guess I haven't been so affected by it yet. That'll change eventually if my life is interesting to the public. But, I tend to lead a pretty private life and I have a lot of friends who are not in the business, so I don't tend to attract a lot of attention. It's something that you have to be aware of and I'm not an idiot—it comes with the territory. There's a point where it's too far, but if you're going into this business, you have to expect it.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
MC: Do you feel pressure to portray yourself as a "role model," or do you not worry about it?
DP: I definitely take that into consideration. If you're out there in the public eye, you should always look to empower girls and be a good role model. There are a lot of things I do for myself—I'm not going to base all my decisions on being a good role model. But I think being in my position, just working hard, taking good roles, and doing a good job is in itself a good way to start.
MC: When Instagram star Essena O'Neill quit social media a few weeks ago, she revealed the "truth" about her photos. Basically, that they're false representations of her seemingly perfect life. Do you worry about portraying a certain lifestyle in your own Instagram?
DP: I don't own my social media. I have my private Instagram which is just shared with my friends, and then my agent runs my public Instagram, which I see once in a while. I don't care what people think about me to be perfectly honest. I think mainly the reason I have the public Instagram is for jobs. That's part of what gets you jobs nowadays in modeling or acting.
MC: Finally, a super important question: you have a great natural beauty look. Can you tell us some of your favorite skin care products?
DP: To be honest, I buy most of my stuff from the drugstore. I love Neutrogena. I don't really spend too much money on skin care—one thing that I do use is coconut oil constantly. I think that just saves your skin and makes everyone look like they're glow-y even if they're not.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Bella Hadid Brings Her Own Cowboy Boots to Set for Her 'Yellowstone' Cameo
The supermodel put a personal touch on her character's wardrobe.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
22 Last-Minute Holiday Finds From J.Crew
Sweaters, party dresses, winter coats, and more at a whopping 60 percent off.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Queen Camilla's Son Says He "Learned" to Stay Out of William and Harry's "World"
Tom Parker Bowles said "it was appalling what they went through."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling Introduce the "Newest Member" of Their Family
"I'm crazy about her and excited to share life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Garner Is Reportedly Ready to Cut Ties With Jennifer Lopez, Unless Their Kids Are Involved
"Her friends feel she shouldn't have allowed herself to get so involved."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Hailey Bieber Shares Her First Photo of Baby Son Jack Blues Since Giving Birth—See the Sweet Shot
So freaking cute.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?
It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?
Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Thought Ben Affleck Was a "Changed Man" But Being Married to Him Was "Impossible"
"Friends think he is selfish, sullen, impossible to please most of the time and negative."
By Amy Mackelden 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