Florence Pugh’s summer break: A much-needed pause in a relentless career
A break from the spotlight
Florence Pugh, the talented actress known for her roles in films like “Oppenheimer” and “Dune,” recently revealed in an interview that she took a significant step this past summer: she asked for a break from acting. This decision came after years of non-stop work, including her roles in Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” and the upcoming A24 romance drama “We Live in Time.” For the first time in her career, Pugh recognized the need to hit the pause button.
“It’s the first time ever in my career when I’ve actually asked for a summer break,” Pugh shared. “I’m an absolute work maniac, [but] I can see I’m exhausted. I suddenly woke up last year and I was like, ‘I hate how much of my life I’ve missed.’ Yes, I want to have a career forever, but that’s not going to happen if I work myself into the ground.”
Recharging and returning to the red carpet
After her well-deserved break, Pugh returned to the spotlight, attending the Toronto International Film Festival to premiere “We Live in Time” alongside co-star Andrew Garfield. Directed by John Crowley, known for “Brooklyn,” this romance film is set to open in U.S. theaters on October 11, courtesy of A24. In the movie, Pugh plays a chef who falls in love with a man (Garfield) she accidentally hits with her car. The narrative unfolds in a non-chronological order, beginning with a cancer diagnosis for Pugh’s character, a role that required her to shave her head on camera.
“For any actor taking a role like this, it is completely important that you see her head and we see her shaving it – it was just always a no-brainer,” Pugh explained. “You have the honor of doing something to yourself that is totally in support of the character.”
The emotional and physical toll of transformation
Pugh’s commitment to her roles is evident in her willingness to undergo significant physical transformations. She described the experience of shaving her head as both bizarre and traumatic.
“In many religions, hair is the most precious thing on the body – it’s where you store your memories and your dreams and your history,” she said. “[Shaving] it was really bizarre. My head was so sensitive and so many people were trying to touch it and it was so alive. My body went into a bit of trauma from it. I was cold all the time.”
Immersing in character: The “Midsommar” experience
Pugh’s dedication to her craft extends beyond physical transformations. In a previous interview on the “Off Menu” podcast, she discussed the intense emotional preparation she underwent for her role in “Midsommar.” Directed by Ari Aster, this horror film features Pugh as Dani, a grieving psychology student who experiences a breakdown during a trip to Sweden’s midsummer festival.
“When I did it, I was so wrapped up in her and I’ve never had this ever before with any of my characters,” Pugh recalled. “I’d never played someone that was in that much pain before, and I would put myself in really shitty situations that maybe other actors don’t need to do but I would just be imagining the worst things.”
A career marked by dedication and passion
Florence Pugh’s career is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for her craft. Her willingness to take a break and recharge highlights the importance of self-care, even for those at the top of their game. As she continues to take on challenging roles and deliver powerful performances, fans can look forward to seeing more of her incredible talent on screen.
For more insights into Florence Pugh’s journey and her latest projects, you can read her full cover story on British Vogue’s website.
Explore more
By taking a step back and prioritizing her well-being, Florence Pugh sets an example for all professionals, reminding us that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a moment to pause.