Julia Stiles Reveals How Julia Roberts’ Kindness Shaped Her Career
Julia Stiles has been reflecting on some pivotal moments and people from her career. On Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Jan. 13, the actress-turned-director shared insights about her experiences with incredible women in Hollywood and her upcoming directorial debut.
When asked about working alongside Julia Roberts in Mona Lisa Smile (2003), Julia had nothing but admiration. “Her maternal instincts…She took care of all the girls on that set, in a way she didn’t really [have to],” Julia said about the Oscar winner.
“The movie hinged on [Roberts] — she’s a huge star; everything was riding on her performance in this movie. And yet she took the time to be really kind and generous to all the young women that were in it,” she added, sharing how Julia Roberts’ kindness stood out, especially considering the pressure she was under as the film’s lead star.
Set in the 1950s, Mona Lisa Smile follows Julia Roberts’ character, Katherine Ann Watson, as she teaches art history at Wellesley College and challenges her students, played by Julia Stiles, Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Ginnifer Goodwin, to break free from societal expectations.
Julia also reflected on other influential women she’s worked with, including Angela Bassett, her co-star in the 2008 film Gospel Hill. “Oh my God, she’s so regal, dignified, and strong,” Julia gushed.
Speaking of Jennifer Lopez, her co-star in Hustlers (2019), Julia praised J.Lo’s dedication. “She’s incredibly hardworking and so focused,” she shared. “She came on set and had transformed into a completely different person. I didn’t recognize her as Jennifer Lopez the pop star and major actress — I recognized her as the character she was playing,” she added.
Julia is now stepping behind the camera for her feature directorial debut with Wish You Were Here, based on Renée Carlino’s bestselling 2017 novel. The film stars Isabelle Fuhrman, Mena Massoud, Jennifer Grey, and Kelsey Grammer.
The story, described as a poignant exploration of love and self-discovery, follows Charlotte, whose one perfect night with a stranger changes everything. When the encounter ends abruptly, Charlotte is left searching for answers, which leads her to uncover a life-altering secret.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Julia revealed why she felt compelled to adapt the story. “When I read Wish You Were Here, it broke my heart,” she said, “but that good cry where you are laughing through tears, and you’re reminded how amazing life can be.”
With her directorial debut on the horizon, Julia is stepping into a new role, one that shows her ability to create stories that resonate deeply.
