Mara Wilson Says She Left Hollywood to Focus on Audiobooks and Storytelling

Mara Wilson says she is unlikely to return to Hollywood full-time because she does not want to change herself to fit the industry’s expectations.

The former child star, best known for Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, told People that acting roles for women her age and appearance are limited. Instead, she has focused on audiobook narration and voice acting, where she says performers can take on many different kinds of characters.

Wilson said storytelling has always been her main passion. She has narrated around 70 audiobooks and said the work allows her to continue performing in a way she enjoys.

Wilson became famous in the 1990s through films including Miracle on 34th Street, A Simple Wish and Thomas and the Magic Railroad. In recent years, she has also appeared in shows such as Broad City and BoJack Horseman.

She has previously spoken publicly about the pressures faced by child actors and about being sexualized while working in Hollywood at a young age.