For the last few years, actress and activist Busy Philipps has largely been using her fame and platform to draw attention to realism, amongst the heavily filtered lens of Hollywood and celebrity culture.
Philipps is approaching her third decade in the public eye, having been known for her roles in “Freaks and Geeks,” “Dawson’s Creek,” and “Cougar Town,” to name a few. However, for the last five years, she has been largely known for connecting with fans via her Instagram stories and podcast, wherein she never sugarcoats the reality of daily life and always speaks candidly.
Following the seemingly countless laws passed which restrict abortions at the local level in recent years, Philipps memorably testified before Congress in 2019 where she shared her abortion story.
“I had my abortion when I was 15 years old, in my home state of Arizona in 1994,” she began in her testimony. “It was not a decision I made lightly. But I have never for a moment doubted it was the right decision for me…” (via CBS News).
Philipps had chosen to testify before Congress after the “fetal heartbeat” bill had been passed in Georgia.
How Philipps Responded To Roe Vs. Wade’s Overturn
MEGAOn Friday, June 24th, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe Vs. Wade after nearly 50 years since it was ruled as law.
Philipps wasted no time in sharing her feelings inspired by the ruling.
According to People, the actress wrote, “I couldn’t do it yesterday but it’s my birthday so even though I woke up crying, I’m making myself move,” via her Instagram stories.
She also called the ruling a “total devastation” in an Instagram post on Friday.
Cultivating Celebrity Culture In Her Own Way
MEGANavigating Hollywood and using her platform on her own terms has long been Philipps’ chosen route.
She has been speaking candidly about the ways in which she has fought back against the injustice actresses can face in the business.
Philipps expanded on her personal navigation through Hollywood over nearly three decades in an interview with Independent last month. The trials and tribulations she had undergone prior to landing a role in “Girls5Eva,” Peacock’s hilarious take on an early-aughts era girl group’s experience in trying to become relevant in today’s social media-driven entertainment industry, almost made her reconsider her chosen career path.
She told the publication, “I was just grossed out by Hollywood. I failed to see the value in it. I’d been doing it for so long and I was sick of the feeling that it was giving me. Acting is my first love and it makes me so happy, but I had to say ‘no’ to all of the stuff in the industry that surrounds it. The unrealistic expectations of my appearance, my body, how that would make me feel…”
Vulnerability has never been an area that Philipps has shied away from in her content.
“I was so vulnerable in the industry,” Philipps added of her early experiences with fame, “I wanted it so bad. I would cry at night longing for a chance to be on a TV show.” (via Independent).
The most recent chance for Philipps’ fans to see her never-dwindling passion for acting on display, is now streaming on Peacock. “Girls5Eva,” which is executively produced by Tina Fey and stars Philips, Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell, and Ashley Park, is now in its second season!
