UPFRONT/THE A LIST
6 Surprising Things About Naomi Watts
1. Her father died of an apparent heroin overdose when she was 7.
I’m drawn to stories about grief because I experienced it very early. I had this idea that one must suffer to be interesting and dynamic and strong and prove themselves in some way—which is absurd.
2. Watts struggled with infertility (though she had two children with partner Liev Schreiber).
In my mid-30s, I learned I was in perimenopause. I was hanging my head in shame, and if I ever dared to speak about it or try to open the conversation with friends, I was met with nervous laughter. I went on hormone replacement therapy very early.
3. That experience turned her into an author—and a Hollywood agony aunt.
I imagined my new book as a long, cozy chat on the couch with my girlfriend. That’s what I wanted. In my early 40s, I wished there was a funny, sexy fact-filled book that would make me feel calmer.
“Look at how many women in their 50s are doing remarkable things, sometimes the most brilliant things of their entire life.”
4. She immediately knew actor Billy Crudup was the one, and she married last year for the first time, at 54.
We met at exactly the right time. With getting older comes a certain level of calm and wisdom, and a willingness to sort of let go and throw yourself into things.
5. Her nip and tuck philosophy is: Whatever! ...
I have no judgment. Will I do surgery one day? Maybe. I’m not there yet, but I will never say never.
6. Her 50s are surprising her by being, well, great.
We’re living longer and we’re not invisible. As a teen, I would never have dreamed of a life of this magnitude. —As told to Judith Newman
The British actress Naomi Watts, 56, will publish her book on menopause, Dare I Say It, in January. She stars in the movie The Friend—with Bill Murray and a Great Dane.
To see our exclusive Watts video, go to aarp.org/naomiwatts