Renee Zellweger opens up on emotional experiences during her transformative 6-year acting hiatus

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Renee Zellweger shared new insights about her much-needed six-year break from acting.

Speaking with her 'Bridget Jones' co-star Hugh Grant in an interview published by British Vogue on January 15, the 55-year-old actress explained how stepping away from the spotlight gave her an opportunity to reevaluate her career and life.

Renee Zellweger says she 'needed the break'

Zellweger’s hiatus began in 2010 after a string of high-profile roles. She did not return to acting until 2016.

Reflecting on the decision, she admitted that her work had begun to feel repetitive and emotionally draining.

“I was sick of the sound of my own voice. When I was working, I’d catch myself thinking, ‘Oh, is this your sad voice again, Renee? Or is this your mad voice?’" she said.

"It felt like a regurgitation of the same emotional experiences,” Zellweger added.

Renee Zellweger opens up on exploring life beyond acting

Far from spending her hiatus idle, Renee Zellweger embraced a wide variety of personal and professional pursuits.

“I wrote music and studied international law,” she revealed.

“I built a house, rescued a pair of older dogs, created a production company, advocated for a sick friend, and spent time with family and my godchildren,” Zellweger shared.

She also prioritized her health and well-being, using the time to recharge physically and emotionally.

“I got healthy,” she said.

Zellweger’s six-year sabbatical also became a time for reflection and reconnection as she shared long road trips with her rescued dogs became a cherished ritual, according to Us Weekly.

Renee Zellweger's refreshing perspective on Hollywood

Renee Zellweger's hiatus came after the release of 'Case 39' (2010), a supernatural thriller that received a lukewarm response from critics and audiences alike.

But Zellweger’s return to acting was triumphant, culminating in her Oscar-winning performance as Judy Garland in the 2019 biopic 'Judy.'

Despite her career success, Zellweger maintains a healthy detachment from the trappings of Hollywood. She avoids reading reviews, tracking box office numbers, or engaging with social media.

“I’ve never looked at Rotten Tomatoes or googled myself. Why care? It’s none of my business," she said.

The return of 'Bridget Jones'

Renee Zellweger is set to reprise her role as the endearingly flawed Bridget Jones in the upcoming 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.'

The fourth installment in the series is slated for release on Peacock on February 13, 2025.

In her conversation with Grant, Zellweger reflected on why the 'Bridget Jones' films continue to resonate with audiences.

“I think people see themselves in Bridget. She’s authentically herself and doesn’t always get it right, but she remains joyful, optimistic, and triumphant in her own way,” she said.

“Bridget makes her individuality and imperfections charming, and in doing so, she helps us feel that our quirks are lovable too,” the actress added.