Pop sensation Britney Spears, who has made an indelible mark on the music industry, is gearing up for the highly-anticipated release of her memoir, “The Woman in Me.” In an exclusive sneak peek shared with People, Britney delves into her brief foray into acting and why she ultimately bid adieu to the silver screen.
In the year 2002, Britney embarked on her cinematic journey with her first feature film, “Crossroads,” starring alongside Zoe Saldaña and Taryn Manning. However, Britney confesses that this venture wasn’t a stroll in the park for her.
The challenge, it turns out, was not the cast or the production team, but rather the profound impact that acting had on her psyche. In her book, Britney shares, “My problem wasn’t with anyone involved in the production but with what acting did to my mind. I think I started Method acting—only I didn’t know how to break out of my character.”
Britney’s candid revelation continued, “I really became this other person. Some people do Method acting, but they’re usually aware of the fact that they’re doing it. But I didn’t have any separation at all.”
She found herself carrying herself differently, speaking in a different manner, and even walking differently, long after the cameras had stopped rolling. Yet, these transformations didn’t deter her from seeking further opportunities in the acting realm.
Britney Spears, renowned for chart-topping hits like “Stronger,” also disclosed a near-miss with one of the most beloved romantic films, “The Notebook.” It was a casting crossroads where she nearly starred alongside her former Mickey Mouse Club comrade, Ryan Gosling, in the lead role. Ultimately, the part went to Rachel McAdams.
Reflecting on this turning point, Britney shared, “That was pretty much the beginning and end of my acting career, and I was relieved. The Notebook casting came down to me and Rachel McAdams, and even though it would have been fun to reconnect with Ryan Gosling after our time on The Mickey Mouse Club, I’m glad I didn’t do it.”
Britney emphasized the trials of acting, dubbing it an “occupational hazard” she hopes to avoid in the future. It had forced her into a perplexing duality, living both as herself and as a fictional character. Over time, she lost the ability to distinguish reality from the roles she played.
The decision to steer clear of acting allowed Britney to redirect her focus to her music career. She channeled her creative energy into her fourth studio album, “In the Zone,” which was released in the fall of 2003. The album boasted numerous chart-topping singles, including “Toxic,” “Everytime,” “Outrageous,” and “Me Against the Music.”
For those seeking further insight into Britney’s life, her memoir, “The Woman in Me,” promises to be a captivating read when it hits stores on October 24. To read more about her journey, visit People’s exclusive excerpts from the book.