In the early 1990s, the world fell in love with the adorable Mara Wilson, the child actor known for playing the precocious little girl in family classics like Mrs. Doubtfire and Miracle on 34th Street.
The young star, who turned 37 on July 24, seemed poised for success but as she grew older, she stopped being “cute” and disappeared from the big screen.
“Hollywood was burned out on me,” she says, adding that “if you’re not cute anymore, if you’re not beautiful, then you are worthless.
In 1993, five-year-old Mara Wilson stole the hearts of millions of fans when she starred as Robin Williams’ youngest child in Mrs. Doubtfire.
The California-born star had previously appeared in commercials when she received the invitation to star in one of the biggest-grossing comedies in Hollywood history.
“My parents were proud, but they kept me grounded. If I ever said something like, ‘I’m the greatest!’ my mother would remind me, ‘You’re just an actor. You’re just a kid,’” Wilson, now 37, said.
After her big screen debut, she won the role of Susan Walker – the same role played by Natalie Wood in 1947 – in 1994’s Miracle on 34th Street.
In an essay for the Guardian, Wilson writes of her audition, “I read my lines for the production team and told them I didn’t believe in Santa Claus.” Referencing the Oscar-winning actor who played her mom in Mrs. Doubtfire, she continues, “but I did believe in the tooth fairy and had named mine after Sally Field.”
‘Most unhappy’
Next, Wilson played the magical girl in 1996’s Matilda, starring alongside Danny DeVito and his real-life wife Rhea Perlman.
It was also the same year her mother, Suzie, lost her battle with breast cancer.
“I didn’t really know who I was…There was who I was before that, and who I was after that. She was like this omnipresent thing in my life,” Wilson says of the deep grief she experienced after losing her mother. She adds, “I found it kind of overwhelming. Most of the time, I just wanted to be a normal kid, especially after my mother died.”
The young girl was exhausted and when she was “very famous,” she says she “was the most unhappy.”
When she was 11, she begrudgingly played her last major role in the 2000 fantasy adventure film Thomas and the Magic Railroad. “The characters were too young. At 11, I had a visceral reaction to [the] script…Ugh, I thought. How cute,” she tells the Guardian.
‘Burned out’
But her exit from Hollywood wasn’t only her decision.
As a young teenager, the roles weren’t coming in for Wilson, who was going through puberty and outgrowing the “cute.”
She was “just another weird, nerdy, loud girl with bad teeth and bad hair, whose bra strap was always showing.”
“At 13, no one had called me cute or mentioned the way I looked in years, at least not in a positive way,” she says.
Wilson was forced to deal with the pressures of fame and the challenges of transitioning to adulthood in the public eye. Her changing image had a profound effect on her.
“I had this Hollywood idea that if you’re not cute anymore, if you’re not beautiful, then you are worthless. Because I directly tied that to the demise of my career. Even though I was sort of burned out on it, and Hollywood was burned out on me, it still doesn’t feel good to be rejected.”
Mara as the writer
Wilson, now a writer, authored her first book “Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame,” in 2016.
The book discusses “everything from what she learned about sex on the set of Melrose Place, to discovering in adolescence that she was no longer ‘cute’ enough for Hollywood, these essays chart her journey from accidental fame to relative (but happy) obscurity.”
She also wrote “Good Girls Don’t” a memoir that examines her life as a child actor living up to expectations.
“Being cute just made me miserable,” she writes in her essay for the Guardian. “I had always thought it would be me giving up acting, not the other way around.”
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Explained for those who still don’t understand
Bras. They’re an everyday staple for millions of women worldwide, yet they remain a mystery to many—especially those who don’t wear them. Some find them fascinating, others perplexing, and a few even think they’re unnecessary. But let’s get one thing straight: bras are more than just pieces of fabric with straps. They serve a purpose, offer support, and can be a woman’s best friend or worst nightmare.
If you’ve ever been confused about why bras matter, why women complain about them, or why there’s such an overwhelming variety, sit tight. This article is here to break it all down in a way that even the most clueless person can understand.
What Is a Bra, Really?
At its core, a bra is an undergarment designed to support and cover a woman’s breasts. But that’s an oversimplification. A bra isn’t just about coverage—it’s about comfort, confidence, and sometimes even a fashion statement.
Bras come in different styles, each serving a unique purpose. Some are designed for everyday wear, others for sports, and some are purely decorative. But regardless of their design, they all aim to offer a combination of support, shape, and comfort.
Why Do Women Wear Bras?
Many people assume that bras are just for aesthetics, but that’s far from the truth. Here’s why women actually wear bras:
1. Support Matters
Breasts, regardless of size, need support. The weight of breast tissue can cause strain on the back and shoulders, especially for women with larger busts. A well-fitted bra helps distribute that weight and reduces discomfort.
2. Comfort Over Chaos
Walking, running, or even simple daily activities can be uncomfortable without a bra. Without support, breasts move freely, which can be painful, especially during physical activities. That’s why sports bras exist—to minimize movement and provide stability.
3. Shape & Confidence
Let’s be real: a good bra can make a difference in how clothes fit. Some bras enhance curves, while others smooth everything out. For many women, wearing a well-fitted bra makes them feel more put together and confident.
4. Fashion & Style
Bras aren’t just functional—they’re part of fashion. From lacy bralettes to seamless t-shirt bras, the right bra can elevate an outfit or remain completely invisible under clothes.
The Never-Ending Struggle: Why Bras Can Be a Hassle
While bras offer plenty of benefits, they’re not always perfect. In fact, they come with their fair share of struggles:
1. Finding the Right Fit Is a Nightmare
One of the biggest issues with bras is sizing. Many women struggle to find the perfect fit, and with so many brands having different size charts, it’s like playing a never-ending guessing game.
2. Straps That Dig & Bands That Pinch
Ever seen a woman discreetly adjusting her bra strap? That’s because straps can dig into the shoulders, and bands can feel too tight or too loose. A bad bra fit can turn a regular day into an uncomfortable experience.
3. The Dreaded Underwire Poke
Ah, the underwire—a blessing and a curse. It provides lift and shape, but when it snaps or pokes through the fabric? Pure agony.
4. The Expensive Reality
Good bras don’t come cheap. A well-made, comfortable bra can cost anywhere from $40 to over $100, making it an investment. And since bras wear out over time, women constantly need replacements.
The Different Types of Bras & Their Purpose
Not all bras are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types and why women choose them:
- T-Shirt Bra – Smooth and seamless, perfect for everyday wear under tight clothing.
- Push-Up Bra – Lifts and enhances cleavage for a fuller look.
- Sports Bra – Minimizes movement and provides maximum support during physical activity.
- Strapless Bra – Ideal for outfits where straps would be visible.
- Bralette – Lightweight, wire-free, and often more stylish than supportive.
- Minimizer Bra – Designed to reduce the appearance of the bust size for a more streamlined look.
Why Some Women Choose Not to Wear Bras
Not every woman loves bras, and some choose to ditch them altogether. With the rise of the braless movement, more and more women are embracing comfort and going without. Here’s why:
- Comfort Above All – Some women find bras restrictive and prefer the freedom of going without.
- Body Positivity – Many women feel empowered embracing their natural shape without enhancement or restriction.
- Health Benefits – Some believe going braless improves circulation and reduces skin irritation.
Final Thoughts: To Bra or Not to Bra?
At the end of the day, wearing a bra is a personal choice. For some, it’s a must-have; for others, it’s unnecessary. But one thing’s for sure—bras aren’t just “extra fabric.” They play a crucial role in comfort, support, and confidence.
So, next time you hear someone wondering why bras matter, you’ll know exactly how to explain it. And for those who still don’t understand? Well, maybe they just need to try one on to get the full experience.
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