'90s It Girl Gretchen Mol says aging “sets you free” as an actor

Gretchen Mol talks about her life after being the 'It Girl' of the 90s.

“There are always new faces in Hollywood,” said 52-year-old Mol People in an interview published on Saturday, January 4. “It's a constant wheel that turns. And it's a youth-loving business—that's the reality, but that's okay.

Moll is perhaps best known for her role as Gillian on HBO Boardwalk Empirebut she has also acted in films like Rounders, The infamous Bettie Page, 3:10 Yuma and Manchester by the Sea.

“I think as you get older as an actor, you really free yourself. You have more wisdom, more moments where you've been up and down, and the stakes aren't as high,” Mol told the publication. “Your work is more about the fun and the process of creation than what people think of the result or say about you.”

Mol's career has slowed since she was dubbed the ultimate “It Girl.” Vanity Fair in 1998. She moved from New York to Berkshire Island during the Covid-19 pandemic, choosing to stay there with her husband Todd Williams raise the two teenage children: 17-year-old son Ptolemy and 14-year-old daughter Winter.

“We still go into town when we need to, but the kids go to school locally,” Moll said People. “It's such a small, lovely community that we found here. Most people, I know what they do for a living, they know what I do. And it's just nice to be with them, to know everyone's names. They are just good people. “

According to Mol, her children are less interested in her past career achievements. “Vanity Fairin particular meant something that if I tried to explain to my kids, they would just say, 'What?'” she explained.

Mol is now playing a major role Ed Burns'upcoming movie, Miller in marriagewhich follows an aging, once-cool rock star who survives her second act while dealing with a failed marriage.

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“I have conversations with my friends,” she said of a scenario she found relatable for the stage in life where your children no longer demand as much of your attention as they once did.

“I was fortunate to continue working while raising my children, but my priorities changed,” continued Moll. “But now I have more time to think about the endeavors I've always wanted to do.”