Demi Moore Reflects on Nearly Walking Away from Acting Due to Self-Doubt

Demi Moore is delighted by the warm reception to her new movie, The Substance, especially since she had been thinking about taking a break from acting.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly on May 23, the 61-year-old actress admitted, "I never officially said I was taking a break, but I get where people are coming from and I'm grateful for the support." Moore added, "I haven't come across a project or a character that excites me as much as this one, where I can really immerse myself and give it my all."

The Substance is about an aging actress who uses a black-market drug to become younger. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, this horror thriller premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and received a 13-minute standing ovation for Moore.

This was an unexpected and significant moment for Moore, who had been considering leaving acting altogether.

She shared with the publication that she went through a phase where she questioned if this was still the right path for her. Over the last four years, she felt the need to explore this personal question. It was a time for her to evaluate where she should focus her energy. Just like planting seeds, she needed to wait and see what would grow.

Demi Moore The Substance

Demi Moore in ‘The Substance’. CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

After the release of her films G.I. Jane and Deconstructing Harry in 1997, Moore decided to take a break to spend more time with her children. She has three daughters, Rumer (35), Scott (32), and Tallulah (30), with her ex-husband Bruce Willis. Moore later made a comeback to the big screen with a fresh perspective.

"I took some time off, but then I got back into it with Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle and a few other projects," she said. "Things had changed, and I felt a bit unsure about where I belonged. Despite that, I worked on some projects that I'm really proud of, like Margin Call."

She was still doubting her own abilities, worth, and place at the same time.

After agreeing to The Substance, Moore is thankful for the opportunity to act and reveal a different aspect of herself. She takes part in a "full-frontal" nudity scene for the first time. The actress is also thrilled to embody a character she thinks many viewers will connect with.

"Like the movie, it's not about what's happening around you, but what's happening within you," Moore explained. "It's about coping with getting older, facing rejection, and seeking validation from outside sources. These are all experiences that we can relate to."

The release date for The Substance has not been confirmed yet, but the film has already been sold for distribution globally.

Editor's P/S:

Demi Moore's journey through doubt and self-discovery is an inspiring tale of resilience and perseverance. Despite contemplating a break from acting, she found new purpose and excitement in "The Substance," a film that explores the complexities of aging and validation. Moore's raw performance and willingness to embrace vulnerability showcase her growth as an artist and her unwavering commitment to her craft.

The film's focus on internal struggles and the human experience resonates deeply with audiences. Moore's character grapples with insecurities, rejection, and the search for external validation, emotions that many can relate to. "The Substance" serves as a reminder that age and societal expectations should not define our worth or limit our pursuits. Moore's triumphant return to the big screen is a testament to the power of self-belief and the transformative nature of art.