Heather Graham Reflects on Hollywood, Family, and Her New Film

Los Angeles, CA – Heather Graham, now 55, has opened up about her experiences in Hollywood, her difficult childhood, and her upcoming film, Chosen Family. The actress, known for her roles in films like Boogie Nights, discussed her journey of self-discovery in a recent Zoom interview.

For much of her life, Graham felt she was a ‘people pleaser,’ a trait rooted in her upbringing. After gaining fame in 1997, she cut ties with her ‘judgmental, authoritarian’ parents but still struggled with self-sabotage until her 40s. “I wish I could have had this when I was 20 or 15. If I wasn’t trying to please other people, what would I have done?” she pondered.

This realization inspired her new film, Chosen Family, which she wrote and directed. “It’s essentially about what happens when a people pleaser says no,” she explained, noting that it also explores personal and family dynamics similar to her own.

In Chosen Family, Graham portrays Ann, a child-free yoga teacher who deals with her dysfunctional family and complicated relationships. “I wanted to take some painful experiences and turn them into comedy,” she said. Graham also reflects on her own feelings about remaining child-free, admitting, “80% of the time I feel glad I don’t have kids. You just have to appreciate the life you have.”

The actress shared that she hasn’t spoken to her family in three decades due to their disapproving nature. “I wanted to explore that in the movie,” she said, adding that humor helps her cope with the complexities of her past.

Despite her struggles with familial relationships, Graham has found success in Hollywood, with various roles showcasing her talents. However, she faced inappropriate behavior from industry figures, including Harvey Weinstein. “I think it was important for my career to set boundaries,” she noted, adding that the #MeToo movement has brought necessary awareness to these issues.

Despite the challenges, Graham remains optimistic about the future of women in film. “Women’s stories weren’t being told with the same excitement. I think it’s crucial that there are more female filmmakers now,” she emphasized.

As she prepares for the release of Chosen Family, Graham continues to embrace her own identity, stating, “If you feel that you’re hot, you feel hot. And I do feel hot.”