‘Mothers have been so devalued’

pp16_Aug2023_FamousFaces_KaneBorchert

Actress and singer-songwriter Jessica Oyelowo spoke with Muyiwa Olarewaju, head of Premier Gospel, about stepping away from the limelight to support her family, the struggle for her identity – and why she wanted to honour motherhood in her latest album 

Muyiwa Olarewaju (MO): Most people know your husband, David, for all these great roles. And there are also those who know you for your work as an actress. But it seems you made a decision to focus on being a mother and homemaker – why?  

Jessica Oyelowo (JO): When I first became a mum I was 23, and I was working all the time. I had another baby three years later, and I continued to work. When we lived in the UK I was working as an actress in plays, film and TV and we had a nanny. There’s no way we could have done it without help. But when we moved to America it was such a different industry. There is so much going on in Hollywood; there is fierce competition. I realised: “I don’t understand this business.” Also, I was pregnant a month after we arrived, my agent retired, I fired my team because I found out there were things going on that I didn’t agree with. So, I was suddenly pregnant with a third child with no management, no agent, no team. I just thought: “I’m going to take some time out. Everybody needs mummy right now.” 

To continue reading, register today for more access!

If you are a member or a registered user, or if you already have a login for another Premier website SIGN IN HERE

 

Woman Alive magazine, website, tablet and phone

Sign up for your free account now!    

Registering is quick and easy and gives you immediate access to read more articles, plus:

  • You’ll receive a weekly newsletter every Saturday with the top stories of the week
  • You can save articles to read later
  • You can share your comments and thoughts on the stories

REGISTER NOW


Or become a member today for unlimited access! Special offers are available!

If you already have an account with a Premier website SIGN IN HERE