Scarlett Johansson reflects on early Hollywood struggles

Success did not always come easily for Scarlett Johansson.

In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the actress revealed that in the early 2000s, Hollywood was a difficult environment for young actresses, as it was “socially acceptable” at the time for them to be hypersexualized based on their physical appearance, CE Report quotes ANSA.

“It was tough,” she said. “There was a strong focus on how you looked, and women my age had fewer opportunities compared to today when it came to roles.”

“You were labeled,” she continued, “and the roles were always the same — the other woman, the mistress, the sex symbol. That was the dominant archetype when I was in my twenties.”

Johansson explained that she managed to break free from these stereotypes by turning to the New York theater scene.

“That break from Hollywood taught me to wait for the right role rather than give in to the pressure to work constantly,” she said. “It took me time to learn that, and it wasn’t easy. When you start working, you always feel like every job might be your last, so you take opportunities even if they don’t align with what you truly want. It’s a very competitive industry, and every actor wants to stay in the spotlight — I think that’s instinctive when you’re young.”

Johansson was just 17 when she starred in Lost in Translation directed by Sofia Coppola. Other notable films include A Love Song for Bobby Long, Match Point, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Her, Lucy, and Ghost in the Shell.

She has received multiple Oscar nominations and, in theater, won a Tony Award in 2011 for Best Featured Actress for her role in A View from the Bridge.