Jessica Biel revealed that she almost left Hollywood before executive producing and starring in the hit series “The Sinner.”
During an appearance on “The Bright Side” podcast, the 42-year-old actress recalled how she became discouraged after co-founding her production company Iron Ocean and struggling for more than a decade to land a project.
“The doors didn't open at all, despite being in business for so long,” Biel said.
Jessica Biel revealed that she almost left Hollywood before “The Sinner.” (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
“I've had this production company with my partner, Michelle Purple, for 20 years. I started it with her when I was 22, and for the first 10 years, we had almost no success.
JESSICA BIEL SHARES THE 'UPS AND DOWNS' OF HER MARRIAGE WITH JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
“We had a very difficult time telling any story.”
The “7th Heaven” alum explained that she and Purple produced a short film and a feature film, which she described as a “labor of love.” However, the two were unable to sell either project.
“And it wasn't until many years later when we were introduced to 'The Sinner' and then built that show from the ground up,” Biel said.
“When we were selling that show, Michelle and I looked at each other and she said, 'If we don't sell this show, I'm quitting.'
“I said, 'I'm going to quit too. I'm not going to do this. I don't know, if this show doesn't sell, I don't know what people want. I don't know what to do.' bring them I don't understand this business anymore, I just don't understand it anymore.
He received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his performance. (Jemal Condesa/FilmMagic)
“And then we sold it in the room,” Biel added. “It was so strange.”
In “The Sinner,” Biel played troubled mother Cora Tannetti, who shockingly stabs an apparent stranger to death while enjoying a day at the beach with her family. Since Cora has no idea why she committed the murder, police Det. Harry Ambrose sets out to determine the reason for her actions.
The actress was nominated for an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for her performance in “The Sinner,” which became an anthology series that ran for four seasons.
DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU ARE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Biel and Purple produced the 2022 Hulu miniseries “Candy,” which also starred the “Total Recall” actress. The duo executive produces the hit thriller series “Cruel Summer.”
Biel and Purple produced Hulu's “Candy.” (Jerod Harris/Getty Images)
While speaking on “The Bright Side” podcast, Biel shared that it was a “humbling” experience to prove that she could be a successful producer despite having an established acting career.
“It was basically like starting over on some level,” he said.
The “The Illusionist” star noted that the industry was very different years ago and that there was little interest in female-driven projects.
“It was a time when no one cared about women's stories,” Biel said. “It was before we had this incredible runway for powerful, complex female stories.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
“So it wasn't the right time either and we were fighting against all the elements. It was a very humiliating experience, and it still is humiliating.”
Biel admitted that she is “still fighting” for the roles she wants as an actress. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Biel said achieving success in Hollywood can be difficult for anyone.
“I don't find my industry – or being an actor or a producer – to be easy in any way,” he said.
“A lot of blood, sweat and tears go into making these projects happen, and many of the things we work on never come to fruition.
“I feel like most producers would say the same thing, that they have that experience, and it's very difficult. And also on my own, separating my company from my own acting career.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The “Total Recall” star explained that she still faces challenges landing roles as an actress.
“I'm fighting for the roles I really want, auditioning and not getting them,” he said. “I still hear no, like many don't.
“It's a humbling business,” Biel added. “And I think it will always be that way.”
