Zooey Deschanel: How To LET GO Of Others' Opinions & ALIGN With Your Most AUTHENTIC TRUTH!

Added: Mar 20, 2024

Career Challenges

Deschanel shares that there were moments in her career where she felt like it was coming to an end. She recalls a time when the film industry shifted towards producing more superhero movies, leaving little room for the type of projects she was known for. This led her to question her future in the industry and consider focusing solely on her music career.

Transition to TV

Despite the challenges she faced, Deschanel decided to take on a TV show called "New Girl" when the opportunity arose. At the time, it was uncommon for film actors to transition to television, but she saw the potential in the project and the team involved. This decision paid off, and the show became a success, leading to more film actors considering TV roles.

Dealing with Rejection

Deschanel reflects on her early experiences with rejection in auditions. She admits that she used to take rejection personally and would often feel emotional about not getting a part. However, over time, she learned to develop a thicker skin and understand that not getting a role does not reflect on her skills or worth as an actor.

One pivotal moment for Deschanel was when she was involved in the casting process for a project and had to read with potential co-stars. She realized that sometimes the best actor may not be the right fit for a particular role, emphasizing the importance of overall persona and chemistry in casting decisions. This experience helped her see rejection from a different perspective and understand that casting decisions are not a reflection of individual talent.

Navigating Personal Growth

Deschanel acknowledges that personal growth and self-improvement are essential aspects of her life and career. She values feedback and is always looking to enhance her skills and abilities in acting and other creative endeavors.

Choosing Projects

When it comes to selecting projects, Deschanel prioritizes the material and the team involved rather than the medium. She believes that as long as the material is compelling and the team is talented, the format of the project (TV, film, web series) is secondary. She emphasizes the importance of adding value to a project and ensuring that she can contribute effectively to the overall vision.

Handling Success and Attention

Deschanel reflects on the challenges of fame and the constant scrutiny that comes with being a public figure. She values moments of privacy and normalcy in her life, despite the demands of being in the spotlight. She appreciates breaks from the intense attention that can come with success and acknowledges the importance of balancing her personal and professional life.

Lessons Learned from "New Girl"

Deschanel discusses the three biggest lessons she learned during her time on "New Girl." Firstly, she highlights the importance of getting enough sleep and taking care of her health, especially during long and demanding work hours. She recalls the intense schedule of 16-hour days and how she prioritized her well-being to stay healthy and energized. Secondly, she shares the challenges of transitioning from being on a long-running show to finding new roles and identities in the industry. Deschanel explains how being associated with a specific character can make it difficult to be cast in different roles, leading to uncertainty and self-doubt. Lastly, she reflects on the emotional impact of leaving the show and the close-knit relationships she formed with her castmates, comparing it to graduating from high school and moving on to new chapters in life.

Family Support

Deschanel credits her family for providing invaluable support and guidance throughout her career. Growing up in a creative household with parents who were actors and filmmakers, she had access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. Her sister, also an actor, served as a role model and mentor, offering advice and encouragement. Deschanel emphasizes the importance of having a supportive community, whether it's family or friends, to navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry. She recalls how her family helped her develop her skills and confidence, shaping her approach to acting and career decisions.

Casting Process for "New Girl"

Deschanel shares insights into the casting process for "New Girl" and her experience working with co-stars Max Greenfield and Jake Johnson. She recalls reading with numerous actors during auditions and how Greenfield and Johnson stood out for their authenticity and chemistry. She praises Greenfield for embodying his character, Schmidt, with enthusiasm and humor, while Johnson brought a natural and relatable quality to his role. She emphasizes the importance of finding actors who can bring depth and realism to their characters, rather than just playing for laughs or stereotypes.

Struggles With ADHD and Dyslexia

Deschanel opens up about her struggles with ADHD and dyslexia, sharing how she learned to navigate the education system and excel academically. She recalls being a disruptive and outspoken child, which led to challenges in school and social interactions. However, she found ways to adapt and thrive by focusing on her strengths and seeking support from her family. Deschanel emphasizes the importance of being authentic and embracing one's uniqueness, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. She shares how her experiences with ADHD and dyslexia shaped her resilience and determination to succeed in both academics and acting.

Parenting and Work-Life Balance

Deschanel discusses the challenges of balancing a successful career with being a present and engaged parent. She shares that she often takes her children to work with her and prioritizes spending time with them when she is not working. She believes in setting boundaries and understanding what is important to her children, such as attending their school events and activities. She emphasizes the importance of being involved in her children's lives and being present whenever possible, even if her work requires her to be away for periods of time.

Lessons from Adversity

Deschanel reflects on her own experiences of facing challenges and adversity, particularly during her adolescence when she was bullied and made fun of by others. She shares that these experiences taught her the importance of being true to herself and embracing her uniqueness.

Self-Love and Identity

Deschanel expresses a strong sense of self-identity and self-love, which she believes has been a constant throughout her life. She acknowledges the importance of knowing oneself and staying true to one's values and beliefs, even in the face of criticism or external pressures. She credits her success as an actress to embracing her true self and being authentic in her performances.

Career and Personal Growth

Despite her long and successful career in acting and music, Deschanel remains passionate about her work and continues to find joy and fulfillment in her creative pursuits. She views acting as a form of storytelling and filmmaking, where she can contribute to the process of bringing stories to life.

Lessons for Life

In a hypothetical scenario where she could leave behind three lessons for others to remember her by, Deschanel emphasizes the importance of shifting perspectives, finding joy in one's work, and being true to oneself. She believes that being able to change one's perspective can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-improvement. Deschanel also highlights the significance of enjoying what you do and being fully yourself in all aspects of life.