Florence Pugh, for the first time in her career, took a break from acting this past summer after realizing she had been missing out on too much of her life. Pugh, known for her intense commitment to her roles, revealed she needed to step back to avoid burning out. She also discussed shaving her head for her role in A24’s We Live in Time and the challenges it brought.

Florence Pugh, one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, made headlines when she revealed in an interview with British Vogue that she took her first-ever break from acting this past summer. After years of back-to-back projects, including Oppenheimer, Dune, and Thunderbolts, Pugh admitted she needed time off to recharge.

“[It’s] the first time ever in my career when I’ve actually asked for a summer break,” Pugh shared. “I’m an absolute work maniac, [but] I can see I’m exhausted. I suddenly woke up last year and I was like, ‘I hate how much of my life I’ve missed.’ Yes, I want to have a career forever, but that’s not going to happen if I work myself into the ground.”

The break seems to have done wonders, as Pugh recently re-emerged at the Toronto International Film Festival to premiere her latest project, We Live in Time. Directed by John Crowley, the film stars Pugh as a chef who falls in love with a man, played by Andrew Garfield, after a fateful car accident. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, beginning with Pugh’s character receiving a life-altering cancer diagnosis.

Pugh’s dedication to her craft reached new heights with this role, as she agreed to shave her head on camera, something she described as a no-brainer for the character. “For any actor taking a role like this, it is completely important that you see her head and we see her shaving it – it was just always a no-brainer,” she said. “You have the honor of doing something to yourself that is totally in support of the character.”

The experience, however, was not without its challenges. “In many religions, hair is the most precious thing on the body – it’s where you store your memories and your dreams and your history,” Pugh reflected. “[Shaving] it was really bizarre. My head was so sensitive and so many people were trying to touch it and it was so alive. My body went into a bit of trauma from it. I was cold all the time.”

Florence Pugh Talks Fame, Fashion And Falling In Love

Photographs & styling by Venetia Scott:

A Committed Artist:

Florence Pugh’s commitment to her roles is well-documented. In a recent interview, she recounted how she “most definitely” abused herself to get into character for Midsommar. The intense psychological toll she put herself through for the role of Dani, a grieving student caught in a horror-filled Swedish festival, left a lasting impact. “When I did it, I was so wrapped up in her and I’ve never had this ever before with any of my characters,” she explained. “I’d never played someone that was in that much pain before, and I would put myself in really shitty situations that maybe other actors don’t need to do but I would just be imagining the worst things.”

Pugh’s dedication to her craft has made her one of the most compelling actors of her generation, but it’s clear she’s also learning the importance of self-care and balance. Her decision to take a step back this summer might just be the key to ensuring a long and sustainable career.

a reminder of the importance of self-care, even for those at the top of their game. Her dedication to her craft, as seen through her powerful performances and willingness to go to great lengths for her characters, has earned her a well-deserved place among Hollywood’s finest. As she humorously puts it in her signature Pugh-speak: “I don’t want to become a narcissist,” she says with a gravelly laugh. “I don’t want to become a twat.”

With We Live in Time set to hit cinemas on January 1, 2025, and a blossoming new relationship with actor Finn Cole, Pugh’s life seems to be coming into a more balanced focus. The break has clearly recharged her spirit, setting the stage for yet another compelling chapter in her career. From her captivating roles to her refreshing honesty, Florence Pugh continues to captivate audiences both on and off the screen.

Cover look: Pleated dress with lace trim and slip by Vivetta. Embroidered mesh shoes by Khaite. Hair by Evanie Frausto. Make-up by Alex Babsky. Nails by Adam Slee. Set design by Sean Thomson. Production by Image Partnership. Digital artwork by Hempstead May.

For the full interview, visit British Vogue and explore more about Pugh’s journey and her upcoming projects.

Source: Variety, British Vouge