Julia Stiles can ACT. She never quite made it big despite some starring roles in the late 90s/early 2000s but I think that’s her choice. A lot of people know her from Ten Things I Hate About You but I think of her as Nicky in the Bourne movies, she was so good in those. Julia doesn’t want all the trappings of celebrity and I get the impression she knows all about the drawbacks that come along with that. She’s promoting season two of her Sky Atlantic show Riviera, which is streaming now. She did a “25 Things You Don’t Know” interview with US and it was so down-to-earth and nice! I really like her.
1. I don’t like having too much stuff, because I travel so much. But I do have a lot of hand-woven baskets to keep clutter in place.
4. I have no regrets, only lessons.
5. The place I escape to when I need to clear my mind is a yoga studio or the beach.
6. I don’t have a guilty pleasure. Nothing pleasurable should make you feel guilty. (At least not until the next morning!)
7. My biggest splurge ever was a piano.
16. I wish I had a remote control for time.
17. The biggest misconception about me is that I live in some sort of bubble.
18. If I weren’t an actress, I’d be a journalist or work in a vineyard.
24. My secret obsession is watching concert and vintage music videos on YouTube.
25. I’ve never owned a car — city life! — and I may make that a life goal.
Could you go without a car? I couldn’t where I live now, in the country, but when I lived in a city outside NY it would have been possible. I used to take public transportation a lot and I’ve only driven in New York City twice. (My aunt, who grew up on Long Island, would drive me around NYC like a boss. She never pays for parking either.) Julia of course lives in New York City. It’s hard to have a car there and you pay in parking fees what those of us in rural areas pay in rent. Julianne Moore, who also lives in NY, used to have a Mini Cooper, which is smart because it’s small enough to get in tiny parking spaces.
Ooh and I’ll add another thing you may not know about Julia. She named her baby after Joe Strummer, the late lead singer for The Clash. Her son, Strummer, turns two in October, and she’s been married for a couple of years to a camera assistant named Preston J. Cook. Similar to her career choices, I bet she fell for someone low key because she’s dated famous guys and doesn’t want that life. Also Julia is the new Hustlers movie with J.Lo, Cardi B, Lizzo and Constance Wu! I’m pretty sure she plays a lawyer, which I’ve gleaned from watching the trailer five times, but I wish she was one of the strippers. That’s out in mid-September, which is a bummer because I was hoping to see it this summer.
photos credit: WENN, Backgrid and via Instagram
Love her.
I need a car for visiting family and friends who have chosen to live in far flung suburbs or rural areas and to transport large items or take the cat to the vet, which i wouldn’t want to do on public transit. Of course, there’s things like ZipCar, which would help with those things. But about 95% of my travel is on public transit.
Oh god how much are you hating the MBTA right now?
I made a resolution to never take public trans again after Snowpocalypse in ’14 but I think this past year with the derailments, fires, etc might have even been worse. Ugh.
I took public trans and walked for 15 years but about 10 years ago my mom gave me her old car. It’s about 17 years old now LOL and at most, I use it once a week. Still, I’m VERY grateful to have it, especially for trips to Lowes where I buy my plants, soil, pots etc for our enclosed patio.
But I’ve become a much happier person since I started doing a running commute. These days since it’s been hot I run in the AM and walk in the evening. It’s a hectic route home–straight through financial district and Faneuil Hall (tourists ugh) but it’s still better than public trans. I will never give those aholes my money again.
I wish I could walk or run to work! That’s amazing. How many miles is it for you?
Kitten-I would love to start riding my bike to work but I am a person who sweats A LOT (I never used to, then I started working out and now I’m a fountain), and am aware of the fact that my BO is worse than most. Any tips for us wanting to help the planet and get an extra workout in on the way to work?
@LightPurple: Love her? You don’t even know her.
I could technically go without a car where I live, but sometimes my job has weird hours and I’m not comfortable relying on Uber and the metro isn’t open 24/7 (not that I’m super comfortable on that either…someone once grabbed me by the crotch and no one helped). My peace of mind is more important than letting the car go.
I was also felt up on the bus, so I get a little PTSD whenever I get on a bus. I feel safe and secure in my car. No one can touch me in there! It’s a hybrid, at least.
I’ve always liked her! I live in Fort Worth, and there’s no way I could not have a car here, unless I used Uber all the time. It’s not a walkable part of the city, and the majority of Dallas/Fort Worth is not convenient for public transit (to me). If I lived somewhere else, like Paris, I probably would not have a car.
Saw the trailer for Hustlers last night and I was impressed. It looks great. A few people in the comments on the post where I saw it were clutching pearls and and knocking J.Lo and everyone was like “but you watched Magic Mike right?”
I live in NYC and can’t afford to have a car, lol.
When I moved to Pittsburgh I thought it was so strange how many ppl I met that didn’t even bother getting their drivers license since they never drove and always take public transportation.
My friend who grew up in Brooklyn then moved to Boston and now back to NYC is almost 40 and doesn’t have a license. Crazy.
(Veering off topic…) Princess, that’s the thing that drives me nuts about voting rights issues!
Some people just CAN’T imagine why an American would not have a drivers license. Some cities make it unnecessary, in addition to people whose health or physical situations make driving impossible. Not everyone drives.
Haha! It’s true that the only time I sort of wish I had a driver’s license is when I get carded in the US because aside from the passport, it’s often the only piece of ID that’ll be accepted/understood. And it’s true that it doesn’t make sense that the only pieces of ID you have, passport or licence, come with a cost… It’s part of the reason why a single-payer Medicare for all is useful: not everyone drives or travels abroad, but everyone might need medical assistance at some point so you can bet that everyone will have their medicare card with them for identification.
Arpeggi, if you are a legal resident you can get a state ID. I’ve never had a driver’s license, only said ID.
Tiffany, I totally agree. You can completely see the class and wealth disparity when it comes to public transportation. Almost all of my employees don’t drive and only have state ID’s.
I live in a city and have never had a license. I am actually relieved not to have to drive; people used to comment all the time but the stress of driving in a big city with lots of traffic is worse to me. I take uber or transit when I have to travel farther than walking or cycling distance.
She comes off sounding exactly like someone who lives in some sort of bubble.
She just sounds like someone who lives in a city to me. Funny how the “bubble” of suburbia/rural America is okay but city dwellers are “elitists.”
This. Especially considering that there are more people in cities that in most rural areas – COMBINED. But yes…all us “city folks” are out of touch. Smh.
I’ve had great public transportation in Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Czech Republic and all of Western Europe (the metro in Moscow looks incredible, I want to go just to see it) and never in any of my travels outside of North America have I ever thought “Geez! I wish I had a car”. Most other countries understand the appeal of public transportation, but sure, we’re the ones in a bubble because we don’t want to have a car… Makes absolutely no sense to me
Exactly! Living in a bubble is not realizing that communites (outside of yours) exist where cars are not needed.
Actually, I wasn’t referring to the car part; that’s not unusual at all. It’s the yoga, beach, hand woven basket (because machine woven is so not done), work in a vineyard part that makes her sound a little bubble like. Just my opinion, ymmv (pun intended).
I live in a big German City and I gave up my car 8 years ago. I can do everything using public transportation or my bike. On the rare occasions that I needed a car (more often it was a small van after visiting Ikea) I use carsharing.
I can’t afford a car so I usually take public transportation or ride my bike. For transporting bigger stuff I usually ask friends who own a car. I’s a bit of a hassle, but manageable. For visiting family who live in the countryside I rent a car. I would actually love to own a car but maintaining it costs a lot so… I’m at least doing my share for the environment. 🙂
I got my driving licence when I was 19, like most of the people in my generation. My dad was very protective of his car so after driving around the parking lot with him in the car for six days after getting my licence I was like: ugh, just forget it. I drove maybe 5 times in 15 years and honestly I’m glad that I live in EU, in the city, where I don’t have to drive. I keep hearing my friends complain about the expenses of parking lots, gas, just keeping it running and I’m just grateful I don’t have to deal with that too.
I got my learner’s permit at 18 and mum sold her car so I couldn’t practice and I let it expire. My brother offered me driving classes when he started his residency; I passed the theory test, went to 4 classes and dropped out because I simply don’t care about driving.
I live in Montreal, public transport is decent and I bought an ebike to make commuting in the warm, humid summer more comfortable. I work in academia which means I’ll always be able to find work in urban areas with public transport. I refused jobs that would pay well but force me to be on the road to meet clients because it’s not something I want to do. I vote for parties that promote public transport, densification and reduction of car usage. Because I truly believe we can’t afford to have all these cars on the roads, it’s literally killing us. Is it inconvenient sometime? Yes, of course but things don’t have to be convenient all the time.
I’m too scared to cycle in London. I would love to because when you’re on the tube you miss seeing the city around you. But I love that so many people are cycling and I agree public transportation is the way to go in the cites.
Yes, cycling in London is a bit terrifying! So many people, so many tourists that don’t know where they’re going (and hey! that’s me too when I’m there)! The ebike helps a bit because you go from 0 to 15-20km quickly at the stops/lights and you then can stay within the traffic flow (I’ve seen to many drivers assuming they can pass because it’ll take you too much time to get back in motion, it’s annoying), makes you feel safer. And there’s power in the number: the more cyclists there are, the safer it is to bike.
And yes, not having to pay for a licence/gaz/car means more money to travel! 🙂
I live in Chicago, and one of the first things I did when I moved here was get rid of my car. It was good timing, as my stepmom’s was giving out. I told my parents if they came and got it, it was free. LOL. I use the CTA (mass transit system) and Uber, and it works for me.
I haven’t missed having my car, but I was never a huge fan of driving anyway. I know for some people, it’s therapeutic, like their “me-time”, but I have always just found it stressful.
I lived in Chicago for almost 10 years without a car. I really couldn’t afford one right out of college and street parking in my neighborhood was insane anyway. So CTA and my bike were my main modes of transportation. This was pre-Uber but I took lots of cabs when I’d go out to bars, concerts, etc. Luckily my parents lived pretty close to an L stop so they would pick me up and drop me off when I visited.
The only times I’d wish I had a car was when it was zero degrees and I was shivering at a bus or L stop. And other times I got sick of my old lady grocery cart and wished I could just throw my groceries in a car, lol.
But in general I feel like it was freeing to not have one.
Oh, man, did I used to laugh at the old lady/hobo carts when I first moved here. Yeah…five years in now and I have two different sizes (the small one for the CTA travel and the bigger one for the weekly walk to Aldi and Jewel). Hahaha.
I was born and raised here in Chicago and have never owned a car.
I live in Chicago and have never owned a car. I live on the north side and parking in my neighborhood is awful, so even if I had a car, once I found a parking space I would just never move it. My parents live on the southwest side, which is a lot more difficult to get around with just the CTA, so if I need a car I just borrow theirs, like I’m still in high school 🙂
It would be wonderful to not have to deal with a car! I am 42 and only on my third car, which I am proud of. I got my first when I was 21, and it was never in good shape but drove it for two years, then at 23 got a civic that lasted until I was 34 or so, and now I’m still driving my second civic that I got about eight years ago. I would like a nicer car but I hate having a car payment
I always liked Julia in Save the Last Dance! I didn’t think she danced very well in that, but I loved the love story
A Civic or any other entry model is the most economical choice – Less upfront expense and good resale value.
Both my father and a mechanic told me that the more that is on a car, the more there is to maintain/tear up. My favorite vehicles have been the ones that were just “A to B” cars (a reliable, few frills vehicle to get from point A to point B).
I’m a point A to point B fan myself. As long as it gets you there and back safely, that’s all you need. I drive a SUV that I’ve had for 11 years. So far I’ve put 44,000K on it. I bought tires last year that have an 80,000K free replacement/repair guarantee with them. I told my mechanic these tires were going to be good for 20 years or more with the way I drive. He didn’t find it as funny as I did.
I’d love to go without a car, but I live on a remote peninsula with terrible public transport and it’s almost essential to have one. I’m lucky though that I live in walking distance to work and the shops so I often go days without having to use my car.
I live in Toronto so no need for a car. I don’t even have my driver’s license. It’s not needed. And I prefer vacationing in cities, like NYC, too.
As an aside, I think she is playing a journalist in the movie. The one that interviewed the real life inpiration for Constance Wu’s character.
Love that quote about having no regrets, only lessons!
I wish I didn’t have to have a car but public transportation in my area is horrible and taking an Uber everywhere is too costly.
Its easy to not have a car when you live in certain areas. Not only does New York have a good public transportation system, but theres also lots of stuff to do in New York, and they get all the movies. Lots of people dont have the luxury, and need a car if they want to see certain movies or if they want to go to a concert or if they want to go to zoo…whatever.
Where I live in the Midwest it’s not possible to not have a car! A bunch of small country towns with the bigger town about 10-20 min away. One of the first things in a job interview here is if you have your own transportation…if you don’t you won’t get the job. No public trains and maybe two Uber drivers here. Not even a taxi service at the moment(last one went out of business because nobody needs a taxi here). The big town has a few public transportation buses but they only do a basic spin around down town and such. Because of where I live I can’t even imagine not owning a car! I love driving and it’s a relaxing part of my day. Windows down, hair flying all over, radio jamming…I’m a country girl. I’m sure this sounds like a nightmare to others, and I’ve lived in different states in my early 20’s, plus I also have traveled the world….but I love the country life.
I like her idea of a remote control for time. I wish I had one of those, also.
Very little public transportation here so a car is a must, but I do enjoy when I go to cities being able to get around without driving.
I’m amazed at how many of you live in places in which a car is unnecessary. I live in San Diego where it would be absolutely impossible for me not to own one. I had a Prius for ten years before the hybrid battery system failed at over 230k miles. I drive a lot.
I grew up just outside Boston where the public transportation system was so good that as teenagers, my friends and I were happy to ride the subway.
I live in San Diego too, and to not have a car is impossible. Most people live far from their work like me. If you live in the suburbs you need a car. I wish we have a better MTS than the trolley we have now. When I graduated from high school, everyone I knew already had their learner’s permit. In fact, I didn’t know anyone who didn’t have car. I envy those who don’t have to drive. But I have to admit if I want to get away to LA I just hope in my car with my friends and leave.
That’s my wish! Cars are a hassle but our public transport system is not at all accessible for anyone not living downtown. I love visiting New York because cars aren’t needed but a good understanding of the transit system. However London’s train system is amazeballs and America needs to take note
Fun fact: I have never owned a car and I never got my drivers license. I live in Chicago and have always had access to public transportation so I have never felt the need to have one. And the only time I wish I did have one is when I want to take a trip to the burbs’ to go to Ikea. That’s it.
To all the people that say that they’d love to get rid of their car but can’t because of the poor/inexistant public transportation locally: remember to ask for this to change when you vote! Things won’t change if you don’t push for it. Vote for people that want to stop the suburbanization of our countries (public transport in a dense community is less expensive to develop, also we need to stop taking over agricultural lands, wet lands and forests anyway), for people that want to promote inter and intra-city public transportation instead of building more highways (traffic won’t be reduced with more roads) and active transport (which also means promoting local corner stores instead of big shopping centers). Of course, change won’t happen quickly and there are places where it’s just to remote to be worth it, but if we never ask for it, it’s never going to change.
But I think some places it’s just not feasible to build “good” public transportation, by which I mean light rails and subways, etc. It’s incredibly expensive to build that kind of infrastructure. Unfortunately where I live there have been several accidents where people have driven into/been hit by the light rail here, which is used by approximately no one because it’s not in a convenient part of the city.
I live in Austin and voting will not help make better public transport happen. Our city population blew up and our infrastructure never caught up although that was mainly because City management many years back believed “if we don’t build it they won’t come”. Our population is increasing by the day, the cost of living skyrockets and traffic is awful. A train system would take millions if not close to billions and the time to actually make it happen would be close to 15-20 years. Our city grew too fast and the infrastructure wasn’t ready. Though I concur voting helps make change in the instance of public transport, were just trying to stop the hemorrhaging.
Fellow Austinite here. I desperately wish we could build some kind of useful public transportation here. I live about 6 miles northwest of downtown (where my office is) and my commute can take 45 minutes each way some days. The population tsunami has driven housing costs sky high as well. We’re trying to buy a house this fall and stay in our school district, where a blah 3br ranch costs 700k. Moving further out will double my commute.
If I could live without a car I would be so happy. Seriously. I hate driving. Stiles is lucky.
exactly, public transit won’t get better if no one is fighting for it because they’ve given up and just drive everywhere. affecting change isn’t easy – sometimes buses are inconvenient, but at the same time, transportation planners often need to see some kind of demand in order to make changes. we’re getting a couple bus-only lanes in my city this year on busy streets and it’s only happened because ridership is high and people are complaining to higher-ups about a bus full of 40 people being held up in traffic by a bunch of cars with one person in them. we have construction everywhere so more and more people are taking the bus to work and it’s making it so that changes are happening and we’re getting better service.
It’s technically still summer until September 23 lol! I have watched the Hustlers trailer many times, cannot waiiit!
Ads on this page are now appearing over the text and images — do I have some kind of virus or is this deliberate?
nope, i get those too. i’ve mentioned it to celebitchy on twitter and they fixed a couple but it keeps happening.
now that’s an admirable choice. good for her. haven’t read the comments, can’t wait to see how many people are using the comments to make excuses why they can’t do it. car culture in america is completely toxic.
A pity she never made it big, she’s truly talented and seems really nice (also very pretty). I’ve always liked her.
I live in nyc (queens) and the transportation sucks. Too expensive, full of homeless, the begging and being too people. Otis either late or they’re making repairs. I have a car I use for work and I can’t go back to just using the mta.
I miss the city life and relying on public transportation or walking. I live in a suburb since 3 years ago and I hate the dependency to a car.
Same. I lived in SF for most of my adult life and while I had a car on and off, I preferred public transportation and walking everywhere. I moved to the suburbs five years ago and while I can walk to certain things, like grabbing a meal or going to the farmers market, I still need a car for most errands. I gained about ten pounds as soon as I left the city because I no longer was able to easily walk every day. Urban living means you have so much available to you within a five block radius of your neighborhood. The walking adds up.
Why is that so noble? Some folks just need cars to get to their jobs, get kids to school or simply get home. Maybe you just don’t get it until you have a car and realize it gives you independence. I’ve been part of the city folk like her, and avoided having a car at all costs… Until I got one. I needed it for my job. And I can’t imagine living without it now. When doing groceries at one place and picking up stuff from two other different places takes you 30 minutes total, life is way better than spending 2 hours on bus/train/tram and constantly worrying about being late.
Have owned a car for 45 years. Live on a farm where the nearest place to shop for anything is an hour away. So considering we are raising food for people to consume I don’t feel bad about having a car. I love the rural life and hope I am able to live here for many more years. And keep driving my car. And that is ny life goal.
Can’t afford a car? Highlights how underpaid women in Hollywood are.
I love Julia! She’s one of just a few actresses I find genuinely credible when she plays characters who are supposed to be highly intelligent. Ivy League graduate! Plus she was on Ghostwriter!
Mr. Jaded and I have a car but we only fill it up maybe 3-4 times a year because we live in downtown Victoria and walk everywhere.