Naomi Watts Talks Menopause – ‘I Was Crying in the Bathroom, Trying to Scratch Off My Estrogen Patch’ – Recalls Being Told She ‘Freaked People Out’ Early in Her Career: ‘Yeah, No Shit. I Was Desperate, Behind on My Rent and Getting Evicted’
Naomi Watts described the insecurity and financial hardship she faced before becoming a recognised actor, including being behind on rent and told she was “too intense”. She said David Lynch helped her shed the persona she had developed to meet industry expectations, with Mulholland Drive ultimately transforming her career.
Watts received Zurich Film Festival’s Golden Eye Award and discussed how Mulholland Drive, The Ring and 21 Grams shaped her work. She said her performances often explore grief and identity, while her latest film, The Housewife, presented an especially disturbing and challenging character; she also reflected on learning to value vulnerability and care less about pleasing others.
- Naomi Watts recalled hardship and self-doubt before her breakthrough.
- David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive changed her career.
- She now views vulnerability as a professional strength.