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Bennett on Rejection: Hollywood's Painful Truth
3 Sep
Summary
- Actress Haley Bennett relates to her character's struggle with rejection.
- Bennett understands women's historical invisibility and silencing in work.
- She finds beauty in channeling artistic pain for others' connection.
Actress Haley Bennett, known for her roles in "The Girl on the Train" and "The Magnificent Seven," is opening up about the profound connection she feels with her character in the upcoming film "Virginia Woolf's Night & Day." The movie, an adaptation of Virginia Woolf's novel, is set to be released in theaters nationwide on September 4, 2026.
Bennett told PEOPLE that she deeply relates to Katharine Hilbery's struggle against societal expectations and the pervasive feeling of being unseen or uncredited, particularly in women's work throughout history. This resonates with Bennett's own experiences as an actress navigating the constant rejections inherent in Hollywood auditions.
She described the audition process as exhausting, noting that hearing "no" far more often than "yes" can be a painful experience. However, Bennett finds a powerful outlet in art, believing that channeling such pain into performances allows for connection and shared understanding with audiences. She also balances her career with motherhood, raising her 7-year-old daughter, Virginia.
The film "Virginia Woolf's Night & Day," directed by Tina Gharavi, also features Jack Whitehall and Lily Allen. Bennett hopes her daughter witnesses women working collaboratively, supporting each other, and taking their creative endeavors seriously.
