Penn Badgley is being transparent about choosing projects that he doesn't always feel passionate about in order to stay afloat financially.
In a recent conversation with Dua Lipa on her BBC podcast, “At Your Service,” the You actor, 36, got very real about actors sometimes deciding on projects simply to continue working, instead of finding something “meaningful.”
“Some people have the experience, as a professional artist, where they’ve always able to choose a film from the director and work on things they want,” Badgley said. “I think far more often, you have something like I've had, you work to work. You can’t always make the choices that you want to make.”
Badgley spoke about how working on the Netflix hit show You and other projects where he serves as a writer, producer, or director keeps him inspired, but admits that he hasn't always been able to be as picky about his roles.
“It would be dishonest if I actually said that my love for the craft and my love for every project I’ve done is what has kept me going, because it actually hasn’t," he said. "That why I've questioned it a lot along the way. I think it’s fine to be transparent about that.”
Badgley said that he sees other actors being asked the same question on press tours about what “drew them” to a project, and jokes that sometimes it's because they just needed a job.
“What do you mean, 'What drew me to this project?' I needed to work because my monthly expenses are so high at this point," Badgley said.
He continued: “What drew me to the Fantastic World of Pets 3, to play the animated dolphin? Let me tell you, Entertainment Tonight reporter who I don’t know at all. I try to be honest about what drew me to something but not dishonest about where it sits in my perspective."
Badgley also commented on how “kind of absurd" the industry is as a whole, while Lipa applauded the actor for having “separation from fame and real life."
The duo's conversation touched on multiple subjects regarding Badgley's career and personal life, including his recent decision to no longer participate in intimate scenes on You unless they're “necessary." He also spoke warmly about fatherhood, including being a stepdad to a teenager and a dad to a young toddler.
