In a captivating video with Vanity Fair, Shailene Woodley takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting iconic scenes from her career. As she reflects on her roles in Divergent, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and other projects, Shailene offers insights into her growth as an actress and the impact these experiences have had on her life.

Starting with The Fault in Our Stars, Shailene shares her emotional connection to her character, Hazel Grace. She discusses the profound moments she shared with co-star Willem Dafoe, emphasizing how their dynamic allowed her character to explore deep questions about life and loss. This filming experience was not only a significant part of her career but also a transformative journey personally.

Moving to Big Little Lies, Shailene reflects on her character Jane’s struggle with power and control. She recalls the encouragement she received from Laura Dern, who urged her not to walk away from this pivotal role. This advice ultimately led her back to the project, profoundly shaping her path in the industry.

When discussing Divergent, Shailene expresses her excitement for the action sequences, likening them to dance. She fondly remembers working with a talented stuntwoman who enhanced the film’s thrilling moments. Despite a harrowing experience where she had to make a quick decision to avoid injury, Shailene highlights the joy of performing her own stunts and the camaraderie she shared with her co-stars.

Reflecting on her early role in The Descendants, Shailene recounts the challenges she faced during auditions and the transformative advice from director Alexander Payne. His encouragement to simply “be” rather than perform shaped her approach to acting, leaving a lasting impact on her career.

Shailene also revisits her time on The Secret Life of the American Teenager, where she learned invaluable lessons about authenticity in Hollywood. Working alongside Molly Ringwald, she found a supportive figure who helped her navigate the pressures of growing up in the industry.

Through laughter and introspection, Shailene Woodley’s reflections reveal a journey of self-discovery and resilience. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself amidst the chaos of fame, cherishing the experiences that have enriched her life and career.

Join Shailene as she celebrates the moments that have defined her as both an actress and an individual!