Jennifer Aniston is going to turn 40 in February and with all the press she’s doing for Marley & Me it seems like just about everyone is asking her about it. She recently told Hello Magazine that she’s happy to put that decade behind her and that she went through a lot in her 40s that she’s glad is over. She also talked about her boyfriend, John Mayer, and being impressed by his musical talent. Babies are in her future, she repeats, but says she’s aware how much work children are and what a trade off it is.
On John Mayer’s talent
“I don’t know many musicians. But he’s an extraordinary one. When I see him with his guitar, it’s like that instrument becomes a channel for his whole being. It’s just beautiful to be around, because when he plays, I can really see his brain working. He’s quite wonderful – I really think he’s a rare one.”
On turning 40
“I’m going to be 40 next year, and I’m ready for it. Quite frankly, I felt my 30s were a challenge. You know how some people spend their 20s figuring out who they are? They learn about themselves and clear out a lot of crap from their lives. Well, I’m a late bloomer in some areas, and maybe this was one of them. I was only 25 when Friends started, and I think being famous can stunt your growth in many ways. I was much more panicked about leaving my 20s than I am about leaving my 30s, but there was such a lot going on, from Friends to, well, everything else. So now, when I look back on my 30s, I bow to that time in respect and look forward to moving on.”
On going through tough times
“My endurance level is actually pretty great. Listen, there’s an interesting mix of people in the world. Some are wonderful, but others can disappoint you, and not everybody’s going to be looking out for you. I’ve also learned not to take stuff as personally as I used to. If you can be truthful with who you are and what you’re about, then you have a much easier time walking through the world. I’ve learned to be stronger and also to have more fun.”
On her future plans
“There’s so much I want to do. Travel, for instance, because I’ve never really got to spend much time in any of the places I’ve been to….
“I don’t make goals… You do that, and then you get bummed out if it doesn’t happen.”
On learning about motherhood from friends
“I’ve always wanted this, and it’s still my plan. I know it’s a challenge to raise a child when you have a career. I have a girlfriend who was very successful in her career, and three kids later she had to stop working because something had to give. Now she’s at home looking after those babies while her husband’s out working, and yes, it’s difficult, and she sometimes things she’s losing her mind, but it’s what I want to do.”
[From Hello! Magazine, print edition, December 23, 2008]
It’s kind of refreshing to read an interview with Aniston where she doesn’t mention the unholy Trinity or bring up Angelina in even a veiled way. She talked about going through a hard time in her 30s, but didn’t say much more about it. I have mixed feelings about her because while I ascribed to the “pity party” version of her months ago, she started to grow on me the more she talked to the press. Then she blew it by bringing up the past more than once and sounding like she wasn’t over it at all. She’s a smart woman, and a charming one when she wants to be, and I hope her movie is a success.
Jennifer Aniston is shown at the Marley & Me premiere on 12/11/08. Credit: WENN
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