“I Need to Wake the F* Up”: Florence Pugh Reflects on Career Sacrifices and Personal Growth
(Foto: Eamonn M. McCormack / Getty Images for Universal Pictu)
Florence Pugh recently opened up about the toll her non-stop Hollywood career has taken on her personal life, admitting she’s reached a point of reflection and the need for change.
In an interview with The Times, the We Live in Time actress shared how her relentless focus on building her acting career led her to neglect other aspects of her life, including her relationships. She candidly referenced her breakup with longtime partner Zach Braff in 2022 as part of this realization.
“I had this opportunity to look at my life away from my work, and I realized, OK, I need to wake the f*** up,” Pugh admitted. The actress explained that while her primary goal for years had been perfecting her craft and running for awards, she’s now re-evaluating her priorities.
“I had to look away from my career, from movies, from wanting to be this kind of actor, that kind of actor,” she said. “I want to make sure that the things I need to do—whether children, family, or change in relationships—are addressed now. I realized I need to make changes.”
After a decade of constant work, Pugh acknowledged the importance of achieving a healthier work-life balance. Her demanding schedule, she shared, had kept her so immersed in acting that other parts of her life took a backseat.
“It’s only ten years in that I can now go, ‘Oh, I need to do a bit of my life,’” she reflected. Pugh’s honesty about the sacrifices of pursuing success in Hollywood resonates with many in the industry, where relentless ambition often leaves little room for personal fulfillment.
Her comments come after completing the press tour for We Live in Time, a project that seemingly encouraged her to take stock of what matters beyond her career. Pugh’s introspection marks a significant shift as she seeks to prioritize family, relationships, and other life goals alongside her professional achievements.
Fans have long admired her talent and dedication, but her recent revelations highlight a more vulnerable side of the actress—one seeking balance and purpose beyond the spotlight. As Florence Pugh continues her meteoric rise, her commitment to embracing life outside of work adds another layer of relatability to one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
