Diane Kruger has recently opened up about the multifaceted realities of motherhood, mental health, and the everyday "little disasters" that shape her experiences. In a revealing series of interviews, the actress, known for her roles in "National Treasure" and "Inglourious Basterds," delves into the challenges and unexpected joys of raising her 7-year-old daughter, Nova Tennessee, whom she shares with fiancé Norman Reedus.
Kruger, who initially "didn't want children for a long time," admits that her perspective shifted as she approached her late thirties. However, she "had kind of given up hope" until Nova came into her life when she was 42. "Nova was a surprise," Kruger revealed, "I thought it wasn't going to happen, and she came into my life when I was ready". Motherhood, she says, has "changed my world and the way I look at everything".
The actress is candid about balancing her demanding career with the demands of parenting. "Everything changed with motherhood," Kruger shared. "The way I look at work is different... It's not: 'What's it going to do for my career?' It's more about: 'Could it fit into my schedule? How can I make it work? Is it going to be worthwhile?'". Kruger brings her daughter to work, traveling the world together for various jobs. She admitted that she works less since becoming a mom, stating, "Things just change when you have a family. You want to keep everyone together".
Kruger's latest project, the psychological thriller "Little Disasters," has allowed her to explore the darker aspects of motherhood, including postpartum depression and anxiety. In the series, Kruger plays Jess, a mother accused of harming her infant daughter, a role that she found emotionally taxing. "The emotional extremes that were required almost broke me," Kruger confessed. She drew on the experiences of friends who had struggled with postpartum mental health issues to inform her performance. "It felt like they were almost taken away from me," she said, "I couldn't quite figure out what was wrong, and they wouldn't talk about it".
Kruger hopes that "Little Disasters" will spark conversations about the challenges women face after giving birth. "We don't talk enough about what goes on in women after giving birth," Kruger stated. "The more we talk about it, the less we feel embarrassed to talk about it, the better". Kruger also appreciated that the show explores different parenting styles and the stresses of motherhood.
Despite the challenges, Kruger embraces the joys of motherhood. She describes her daughter as a "very outgoing young girl" who she speaks German to "all the time". Kruger and Reedus chose the name Nova Tennessee because "'Nova' in Latin means new beginning, and a nova star keeps changing and is reborn," and because of their love for Tennessee and motorcycle trips in the Smoky Mountains. Kruger prioritizes making sure Nova "always feel like she has a place everywhere," particularly given Kruger's own difficult experiences growing up.
Ultimately, Kruger's journey through motherhood has been one of transformation and growth. While acknowledging the difficulties and the "little disasters" that inevitably arise, she expresses gratitude for the profound impact Nova has had on her life.
