Singer Chappell Roan, whose debut album reached number two on the Billboard charts, has turned down roles in several movies. In a recent interview, Roan explained why she is hesitant to pursue an acting career despite initial interests. The rising pop star said she has come to see the film industry itself as “legitimately scary.”
Roan openly discussed her views during a conversation with Saturday Night Live cast member Bowen Yang for Interview magazine. She told Yang that many actors can behave strangely, though made clear the assessment did not apply to him. Roan’s comments showed deep unease with the pressures of the movie business.
The musician had hoped early in her career that success in music might lead to acting jobs. A move to Los Angeles caused her to reconsider that goal. Roan said being an actor means giving up creative control over her work and schedule. She likes how her music allows putting out albums on her own timing. Roan also disliked the idea of depending on directors to decide her work for months at a time.
Still, Roan has not ruled out small cameo roles if they allowed flexibility. She admitted finding the stress of acting worse than potential legal trouble, though meant this partly in jest. Roan’s album received wide praise and her music is growing rapidly popular. Her views offer insight as she balances ambitions across different artistic fields during a period of rising recognition. Only time will tell if acting remains strictly off limits or becomes a chance she takes as her music career continues upward.
