Elizabeth Perkins, 65, Reflects on the Roles That Shaped Her—and Her Friendship with Elizabeth Taylor (Exclusive)
In her 'Woman's World' cover story, the beloved actress talks the joys of slowing down, empty-nesting and more!
Key Takeaways
- Elizbeth Perkins reflects on her career and says acting, not fame, has always driven her work.
- She recalls working with Elizabeth Taylor on 'The Flintstones' as a formative experience.
- She highlights both the grief and beauty of 'empty nesting' and talks about finding joy.
From her charming breakout role opposite Tom Hanks in Big to her Emmy-nominated turn in Weeds, Elizabeth Perkins, 65, is revered for bringing unforgettable women to life on screen. But despite nearly 40 years in Hollywood, she says fame was never the goal.
“I’m an actor because I love acting,” Elizabeth tells Woman’s World as our new cover star this week (pick up your copy here). “Fame has never motivated me. I’m an actor because I love acting. I’m actually not a big fan of the rest of it—red carpets, award shows. I’m introverted that way. Recognition feels wonderful, but it’s not a good reason to become an actor.”
These days, Perkins balances her current role on Netflix’s Big Mistakes with an idyllic life on her New England farm. As a mom to daughter Hannah, 34, and a stepmom to three grown sons with her cinematographer husband Julio Macat, she says the empty-nest season is quieter. “I just wish we talked about this phase more,” she says. “There’s heartbreak and joy—that duality is very real.”
Here, Elizabeth reflects on the roles that shaped her, tips for uncovering more joy and the perspective that matters most to her now.
Look at the bluebirds
When asked what’s most powerful at this stage in her career, Elizabeth replies, “Self-acceptance.” She continues, “When you’re younger, you absorb opinions: You’re too pretty, not pretty enough, too this, too that. It’s a rough industry. But I was lucky. My mother was such a strong, independent woman, and she taught me to think for myself. At this age, I’m less dictated by outside forces. I’ve realized happiness is a choice. Sometimes you have to step outside and look at the bluebirds. That’s how I balance it all.”
Find a silver lining
“Women, especially in my generation, were raised to be agreeable. But that doesn’t leave room for truth. As I’ve gotten older, I’m more interested in being honest about the complicated emotions—sadness, grief, anger, joy, hope,” she says. “Empty nesting is a perfect example. We don’t talk about how profound that loss is. You spend decades raising your children and then your role changes. There’s grief in that, but there’s also beauty and possibility.”
Soak up every moment
Elizabeth is known for playing complex roles—a challenge she’s always up for. “If you can tap into the vulnerability in a character, that’s human,” she says. “Out of all my roles, I loved playing Celia [on Weeds]—she was off-the-wall. It was like a one-act play each week! I would’ve loved to do more The Flintstones movies, too. Playing Wilma was fun and working with Elizabeth Taylor was so surreal. Every day she worked, we had lunch together at the Universal commissary. It was lovely. She’d tell me so many stories about her life, her marriages, Richard, everything. I was in my early 30s, just absorbing each moment. It was fantastic.”
Advocate for yourself
“I left L.A. about five or six years ago. Being surrounded by nature has forced me to slow down. Stress really ages us—I do yoga and meditation now, though I didn’t always,” says Elizabeth, who battled symptoms like fatigue and blurry vision for three years before being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2005.
“I was told it was perimenopause, stress, even depression. Finally, during a routine gynecology visit, a nurse tested my glucose. It was 640. I should’ve been in a diabetic coma—it changed my life,” she says of the experience. “Women have to advocate for themselves. If you feel off, don’t let anyone say it’s in your head.”
Don’t miss her new show on Netflix!
Elizabeth stars as Annette, alongside Dan Levy and Taylor Ortega, on Netflix’s new series Big Mistakes. “Dan and Taylor play siblings who get mixed up in organized crime,” Elizabeth says. “The show explores the dynamics of family relationships. What fascinates me about Dan Levy’s writing is that everybody on the show is hiding something—from their loved ones or community—and it unfolds in ways that make you realize by the end, ‘Oh, I had no idea that was going on.’ “It’s a crime caper, but ultimately it’s about secrets.”
Quickfire questions, honest answers—with Elizabeth!
What’s one thing that always brings you joy?
“It’s absolutely nature. I have a river at the end of my road and I just go and sit there. All the green, the flowing water, the blue sky—it’s very meditative.”
A memory or two from your early career that’s stayed with you?
“I came to New York with $500, my cat and a rented car from Chicago. I lived on my sister’s floor under her dining room table,” she says. The role that changed it all: Playing Joan in the 1986 film About Last Night. “I got the part alongside Demi Moore and Jim Belushi. I didn’t even know you went through hair and makeup before filming, so I showed up with my own makeup done—they were horrified! It was trial by fire, but in the best way.”
Where do you feel most yourself?
“On my little farm, wearing wellies. That’s where I’m comfortable: jeans, no makeup, weeding my garden.”
Is Hollywood changing for women?
“I think so. I have to thank Jean Smart. What she’s done on Hacks is incredible—portraying a woman of a certain age as brilliant, funny and fully realized. It’s still a challenge for older women—in Hollywood ‘older’ means over 40—but we have more representation now than years ago.”
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