Join Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes on "SmartLess" as they delve into the multifaceted world of their guest, Selena Gomez, who shares her journey from a child star on "Barney & Friends" to a pop sensation and acclaimed actress. In this episode, Selena recounts her early beginnings, her rise to fame with Disney's "Wizards of Waverly Place," and the blossoming of her music career paralleling her acting pursuits. Her insights reveal the dedication required to maintain success across different creative mediums and foreshadow a deeper dive into acting that might dominate her future endeavors.
Selena Gomez doesn't shy away from the tougher aspects of life in the limelight, opening up about her personal challenges with mental health and how they have shaped her path. As a mental health advocate, she discusses the importance of authenticity and shares how embracing her true self has been a guiding principle in both her advocacy and career choices. Her story isn't just about entertainment; it's a testament to her resilience and the power of laughing through the pain, as well as her commitment to choosing work that resonates with her genuine self, setting an example for her fans and peers in the industry.
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Selena Gomez began her acting career on the children's show "Barney & Friends" when she was just seven years old. Her role on "Barney" proved foundational, establishing her path in the entertainment industry. She later achieved her breakout role as Alex Russo on Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place," catapulting her to stardom. During her time on the show, Selena didn't confine her talents to acting; she concurrently launched her music career, releasing albums and demonstrating her abilities as a versatile artist.
Selena Gomez has successfully juggled careers in both acting and music, striking a balance between the demands of these two worlds. She has enjoyed both the rigors of acting and the excitement of live music performances, but she hints at a possible shift towards acting in the future. Despite her love for touring and connecting with fans through music, she envisions focusing more on her acting pursuits, with an intention to create another album before fully committing to the cinematic path.
Openly discussing mental health, Selena Gomez has shared her struggles with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. She once took time off to attend a mental health treatment facility, canceling a tour to prioritize her wellbeing. The decision underscored her dedication to her health, and she has since been transparent about these challenges, even documenting her journey to foster connection with others facing similar battles. In coping with her mental health struggles, Selena employs humor, which she finds helpful in managing difficult situations.
Through her career, Selena Gomez has consistently emphasized authenticity, a principle that she maintains in both her advocacy efforts and professional projects. During the pandemic, she launched her cosmetics line, Rare Beauty, prioritizing individual expression and authenticity over competition. Her commitment to genuine connection is evident in her approach to discussing mental health with her fan base. She remains choosy about her acting roles, only connecting with parts that feel true to her identity. Selena values earning roles through merit, rather than popularity, signifying her dedication to an authentic and honest career path.
1-Page Summary
Selena Gomez began her journey to stardom at a young age, with her first role on television being on the children's show Barney & Friends at age 7.
Selena got her first job at age 7, her inaugural foray into the world of acting, which saw her appearing alongside the friendly purple dinosaur known as Barney. This early experience on Barney would set the stage for her future in entertainment.
Her experiences as a child actress paved the way for her breakout role as Alex Russo on the Disney Channel hit series Wizards of Waverly Place. This show, which centered around a family of wizards living in New York City, became a launchpad for Selena's career, cementing her status as a Disney Channel star.
Selena Gomez's Early Career
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Selena opens up about the challenges and joys of maintaining dual careers in music and acting, and how her focus may shift in the future.
Selena has enjoyed success in both her music and acting careers. Despite the hard work required to excel in two demanding industries, she has managed to keep up with the different rhythms and commitments that each one entails.
While she has achieved considerable accomplishments in both fields, Selena finds particular enjoyment in the immediacy and energy of touring and live performances in her music career. This aspect of her work has been fun and rewarding, offering her a unique connection with audiences.
Balancing Music and Acting Careers
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Selena Gomez openly discusses her journey navigating mental health issues, the impact on her career, and the strategies she uses to cope, such as humor and transparency.
Selena Gomez acknowledges her struggles with depression and anxiety and reveals that she is bipolar. She has experienced mental health challenges including depression and had to face these issues head-on. Selena recalls having a panic attack during an interview when she was around 21 years old due to worries about public perception. Jason Bateman can relate to such experiences, understanding how panic can escalate with the concern that others might notice.
Selena mentions that there was a time when she had to visit a mental health institution. The visit was necessary enough that she canceled one of her tours, citing the need for the cancellation being that her work was becoming a distraction from confronting "bad things."
In prioritizing her mental health, Selena Gomez took the significant step of canceling her tour, demonstrating her commitment to addressing her mental health struggles. Her openness extends to the public realm, as she released a documentary focusing on her mental health. This candid portrayal allowed her to connect with other ...
Mental Health Struggles
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Selena Gomez navigates her career with a commitment to authenticity, openly discussing mental health to connect with fans and focusing on sincerity in her work.
Selena Gomez successfully launched her cosmetics line, Rare Beauty, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She expresses gratitude for its unexpected success and credits her values for not aiming to be number one, values instilled in her by her mother. The brand benefitted from an online approach during a time when makeup and video content creation became increasingly popular.
Discussing her latest endeavors, Selena shares her excitement about an upcoming collection for Rare Beauty which she believes will be significant. The products emphasize individuality and fun, rather than heavy makeup use, and aim to differ from existing offerings in the beauty market.
Amidst the pressures of a public life, Selena hints at emotional challenges stemming from a lack of privacy and reflects on just being herself, separate from her public persona. Jason Bateman acknowledges that many admire her for her honesty, alluding to her openness about her personal issues.
Selena emphasizes the importance of authenticity, stating that she cannot be anyone other than herself. This genuine approach has endeared her to her audience, resonating with them and contributing to her continued success.
Advocacy and Authenticity
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