- Renée Zellweger is the Oscar-nominated star behind Bridget Jones
- But the actor has now revealed that Bridget never really leaves her – and is ‘always lingering’
- Zellweger also opened up about not working with Colin Firth on the upcoming fourth movie, and having the first male director of the franchise in charge
Renée Zellweger has played Bridget Jones on our screens for 24 years.
So it’s no wonder that the actor, 55, feels the presence of the lovable character in her day to day life.
In an interview with Empire, Zellweger – who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the first Bridget Jones movie in 2002 – revealed that the character is “always lingering”.
“Oh, yeah, absolutely,” Zellweger replied when asked if she misses playing Bridget. “I mean, there are parts of this character that a lot of people relate to, and I share that. I relate to so much about her, that I feel like she’s always sort of lingering.
“I feel her in my awkwardness sometimes, and I think of her when I’m having one of those out-of-body experiences where you’re kind of watching yourself talk and thinking, ‘Just shut your mouth. Just stop talking. Okay, now stop talking. Now: stop talking. Okay. Just stop now.’”
Zellweger added, “So, I feel like there are parts of Bridget that travel with me – and it’s usually the awkwardness and those moments of, I don’t know, public humiliation that we all relate to.”
Renée Zellweger reveals ‘heartbreak’ over Colin Firth
Zellweger also opened up about the latest movie, which will be released in theaters on February 14.
Despite being a much-loved cast member, diehard Bridget fans will know that in the book – which Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy will be based on – Colin Firth’s character, Mark Darcy, is killed off.
And Zellweger said it was “heartbreaking” not to work with Firth, 64, again.
“It’s so peculiar because of the connection to this character I’ve come to love,” she admitted. “I love him. I love this person that Colin plays when we get together again. And I was heartbroken.
“It was such a peculiar thing to be heartbroken that a fictional character is gone from your life, [but I’ve] gotten to know him since 2000.”
Zellweger continued, “And of course, Colin, he’s an integral part of that experience, and to not share it with him… I won’t lie. I shed some tears. It’s just, I guess, like life. Part of the magic just disappears.”
Renée Zellweger opens up about working with Michael Morris
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is the first movie in the franchise to be helmed by a male director.
Michael Morris was in charge of the latest instalment of the much-beloved series – but Zellweger was impressed with his work.
“Obviously, there’s going to be a different creative perspective and way of looking at the narrative, and stylistically, his choices are going to be different,” she went on. “And like you said, he’s a fella! So, yeah, I was scared at first.
“But I had met Michael several years ago socially: I know his wife [actor Mary McCormack], and we have mutual friends. He’s a gentleman, a kind person, and such a gifted director.”
Zellweger continued, “He set the tone at work every day and folks would go above and beyond for him, because he was so kind and supportive and appreciative of what everybody had to bring to the table. And he entrusted his crew to do what they’re great at, you know?
“And that just made for a wonderful experience for everybody. There was so much joy on the set, and I attribute that to how he works. I felt very lucky to be doing this with him.”
