Famke Janssen Embraces Change and Challenges Hollywood Norms

Dutch-born actress Famke Janssen is making waves once again in Hollywood, taking on multiple roles in her latest project, Amsterdam Empire, where she serves as an executive producer and co-costume designer. Known for her iconic roles in films like GoldenEye and the X-Men series, Janssen is now tackling the complexities of aging and the unrealistic beauty standards often imposed on women.

Recently, in an interview with Yahoo’s Unapologetically series, Janssen opened up about her evolving self-acceptance and the pressures of maintaining youthfulness in the public eye. Having just returned to New York City from filming the post-apocalyptic thriller One Second After in Bulgaria, she made time to discuss her fashion choices, her character in the upcoming series, and her personal journey toward self-love and acceptance.

Janssen’s fashion statement during the interview was a customized herringbone jumper adorned with red butterflies, a tribute to her grandmother who inspired her love for fashion. “We gotta make sure we see the butterflies,” she noted, emphasizing their significance beyond mere decoration.

In Amsterdam Empire, Janssen plays a complex character, Betty, a pop star grappling with her husband’s infidelity. “She’s not driven by revenge, but she’s been incredibly and deeply and publicly hurt,” Janssen explained. Her portrayal aims to move beyond the typical narrative of a scorned woman seeking vengeance, focusing instead on the emotional depth of betrayal.

Taking on the roles of executive producer and costume designer brought its own challenges. In the Netherlands, where the series was filmed, actors typically do not hold executive producer credits. Janssen fought for her role, stating, “If I go back to the country where I was born… I want to come back with more control.” Her determination reflects a desire for greater representation and influence in a male-dominated industry.

The conversation shifted to the pressures of aging in Hollywood. Janssen, who first gained fame as a Bond girl in 1995, expressed discomfort with the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media. “The pressures are so incredibly high, and the standards are unrealistic,” she stated, highlighting the disparity in how aging is discussed in relation to women compared to men.

Janssen also touched on her absence from social media, citing mental health as a primary reason. “It’s a harsh reality out there,” she said. Despite acknowledging that her choice may limit her fame and opportunities, she values her privacy and seeks to maintain her independence as a thinker. “I’m so sensitive by nature,” she confessed, revealing that negative comments affect her more than positive ones.

Reflecting on her career, Janssen noted that watching her early films often leads to a conflict between assessing her performance and recalling personal experiences from that time. “It takes that long — that many decades — to have some perspective on your performance,” she remarked, indicating the challenges of self-evaluation.

As she looks back on her journey, Janssen expressed pride in her achievements. If her 13-year-old self could see her now, she believes that younger version would be proud. “I’m grateful for it,” she affirmed, underscoring a sense of fulfillment that comes with self-acceptance and personal growth.

This latest chapter in Famke Janssen’s career not only showcases her talent but also her commitment to challenging industry norms. As she continues to redefine her role in Hollywood, her journey serves as an inspiration to many navigating the complexities of self-identity and societal expectations.