Jessica Biel, known for her roles in "7th Heaven" and "Total Recall," nearly abandoned her Hollywood aspirations before executive-producing and starring in the hit series "The Sinner." Despite years of struggling to get projects greenlit, Biel and her production partner Michelle Purple persevered, ultimately finding success with "The Sinner" and other female-driven projects.
Jessica Biel, the beloved actress from "7th Heaven" and "Total Recall," once contemplated leaving Hollywood behind. Frustrated after co-founding her production company Iron Ocean and facing years of rejections for her projects, Biel was ready to give up.
Speaking on "The Bright Side" podcast, the 42-year-old actress recalled her struggles in the early days of Iron Ocean. "Doors did not open at all, even being in the business for so long," she said.
For over a decade, Biel and Purple struggled to get any of their projects picked up. "We had a very challenging time getting any story told," Biel said.
Despite producing a short film and a full-length feature, they were unable to sell either. "And then not until many years later, that's when we were introduced to "The Sinner" and then built that show from the ground up," Biel said.
"When we were actually selling that show, Michelle and I looked at each other, and she said, 'If we don't sell this show, I'm quitting,'" Biel recalled. "I said, 'Me too, I'm quitting. I'm not doing this. I don't know — if this show doesn't sell, I don't know what people want. I don't know what to bring them. I don't understand this business anymore. I just don't get it anymore.'"
Miraculously, they sold "The Sinner" in the meeting, a moment Biel described as "so weird."
In "The Sinner," Biel played troubled mother Cora Tannetti, who inexplicably stabs a stranger to death while enjoying a beach day with her family. The show follows Detective Harry Ambrose's investigation to uncover the motive behind her actions.
Biel's performance in "The Sinner" earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. The series became an anthology series that ran for four seasons.
Biel and Purple continued their success with the 2022 Hulu miniseries "Candy," also starring Biel, and the hit thriller series "Cruel Summer," which they executive-produce.
While speaking on the podcast, Biel acknowledged the "humbling" experience of proving herself as a successful producer while having an established acting career. "It was basically like starting over on some level," she said.
Biel emphasized the challenges of working in the industry, especially as a woman in the past. "It was a time when nobody cared about women's stories," she said. "It was before we had this amazing runway for powerful, complex female stories."
Biel acknowledged the ongoing difficulty of succeeding in Hollywood, even for established actresses. "I am fighting for those roles that I really want and auditioning and not getting them," she said. "Still hearing nos, like a lot of nos."
Despite the challenges, Biel remains passionate about her craft. "I don't find that my industry — or being an actor or producer — is easy in any way, shape or form," she said. "It is so much blood, sweat and tears that you put into getting these projects made."
Biel's perseverance and determination ultimately paid off, proving that even in the face of adversity, it's possible to achieve success in Hollywood.
