In a rare and heartfelt moment, Jodie Foster, the iconic actress and filmmaker known for her roles in Taxi Driver and The Silence of the Lambs, has shared a piece of timeless wisdom with the next generation of actors: “Don’t ever stop learning new things.” The advice, delivered during a candid interview at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2025, reflects Foster’s own journey from a child star to a two-time Oscar winner and underscores her belief in the power of continuous growth. Now 62, Foster’s words carry the weight of a six-decade career, offering a beacon of guidance for young performers navigating the complexities of modern Hollywood. Her message, which has sparked widespread discussion online, emphasizes adaptability, curiosity, and resilience—qualities she credits for her enduring success.
Foster’s career began at age three with a Coppertone commercial, blossoming into a string of Disney films like Freaky Friday (1976) and her breakout role in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver at 12, earning her a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Her path wasn’t without challenges—balancing Yale studies with fame, surviving a stalker’s assassination attempt on President Reagan in 1981, and navigating a male-dominated industry. Yet, she thrived, winning Best Actress Oscars for The Accused (1988) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991) before turning 30. Her recent Golden Globe win for True Detective: Night Country and an Emmy nod for Nyad (2023) cement her status as a Hollywood legend. This backdrop makes her advice not just inspirational but deeply practical, rooted in a life of relentless learning.
The Cannes interview, conducted by Variety, saw Foster reflecting on the evolving landscape for young actors. “I see a lot of them just wanting to act, and that’s beautiful, but they need to keep pushing beyond that,” she said. Her “don’t ever stop learning” mantra isn’t about technical skills alone—it’s a call to embrace diverse experiences. Foster recounted how studying African American literature at Yale shaped her perspective, while directing films like Little Man Tate (1991) taught her to see through others’ eyes. She encouraged young actors to explore writing, painting, or even unrelated fields, suggesting, “If I could sculpt or write full-time, I’d be happy, but acting’s my tool to tell stories.” This holistic approach contrasts with what she perceives as a trend among some young stars who prioritize exposure over craft.
Foster’s advice also addresses the pressures of today’s industry. With social media amplifying fame and casting often tied to follower counts, she warned against complacency. “Back in my day, there was no internet to judge every move,” she noted, referencing her pre-digital rise. She expressed concern that some young actors accept subpar roles—be it in bad films or commercials like a “grape in a Fruit of the Loom ad”—without seeking growth. Instead, she advocates for selectivity, a principle she’s followed by turning down projects like the Hannibal sequel. “It has to speak to me,” she explained, urging newcomers to prioritize meaningful narratives over mere screen time.
Her mentorship extends beyond words. Foster has reached out to talents like Bella Ramsey, star of The Last of Us, offering guidance on balancing authenticity with industry demands. “They need to learn to relax, find their own voice,” she said, drawing from her own struggles as a young actor under scrutiny. She also mentors through action, directing episodes of Black Mirror and Orange Is the New Black, where she nurtures emerging performers. This hands-on approach echoes her early lessons from Robert De Niro on Taxi Driver, who honed her improvisation skills, and Henry Louis Gates Jr. at Yale, who inspired her thesis on Toni Morrison.
The response to her advice has been mixed but enthusiastic. On X, fans praised her wisdom, with posts like “Jodie Foster’s learning tip is gold for young actors!” Others debated its feasibility, noting that not all can afford to be picky in a competitive market. Critics argue her privilege—growing up with a supportive mother managing her career—sets her apart from today’s self-made stars. Yet, her point about learning transcends economics. She shared how taking breaks, like her mid-career hiatus, allowed her to grow personally, a luxury she now urges young actors to seek, even briefly, to avoid burnout.
Foster’s philosophy also reflects her personal evolution. Coming out as gay in 2007 and later marrying Alexandra Hedison, she’s embraced vulnerability, a trait she encourages in others. “I had to learn to trust, to connect, after hiding for years,” she admitted, referencing the 1981 stalking trauma that forced her into seclusion at Yale. This openness informs her advice, pushing actors to learn from life’s hardships. Her recent Radcliffe Medal (2025) for advocacy in LGBTQ youth suicide prevention further ties her learning ethos to social impact, a lesson she hopes to pass on.
The industry context amplifies her message. In 2025, Hollywood faces AI-driven casting, streaming wars, and a post-pandemic shift, challenging actors to adapt. Foster’s call to learn aligns with this, as she’s explored directing and producing to stay relevant. Her Vie Privée (2025) role as a therapist unraveling a murder reflects her commitment to challenging material. Young actors, she suggests, should similarly diversify—learn tech, study cultures, or master new skills—to thrive amid change.
As of 09:45 AM +07 on June 20, 2025, the advice continues to resonate. Clips from the Cannes interview circulate online, with acting schools citing it in curricula. Foster’s legacy as a learner—evident in her Yale degree, directorial ventures, and personal growth—offers a roadmap. For young actors, her words are both a challenge and a comfort: success lies not just in acting, but in never ceasing to evolve. In a world of fleeting fame, Jodie Foster’s counsel stands as a reminder that the journey of learning is the truest path to a lasting career.
