Actress Diane Kruger has given a remarkably candid interview, discussing the profound challenges of becoming a mother in her 40s while showcasing a series of stunning photographs for Defined Magazine.
The Challenges of Later-Life Motherhood
The German-born star, now 49, did not hold back when discussing her personal experiences with parenting. Kruger revealed that motherhood can be an isolating experience, a feeling she knows all too well after welcoming her first child, a daughter named Nova Tennessee, in November 2018.
She shares her child with her fiancé, The Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus, 56. The couple, who first met while co-starring in the 2015 film Sky, made their red carpet debut in 2018 and announced their engagement in 2021.
Speaking to the publication, Kruger was frank about the realities of her new life. "Motherhood can be isolating, and without other mothers going through the same thing, I don't know how I'd have made it through the first two years," she confessed. She described the entire journey as a "learning curve", emphasising the crucial support she received from fellow mothers who understood her situation.
A Shift in Personal Style
The interview also touched upon how becoming a parent has reshaped her approach to fashion. The Troy actress admitted that while she "used to really enjoy fashion" before having children, her daily wardrobe is now built around practicality.
"Once you become a mother, you develop certain staples," she explained, noting that "I don’t get to dress up very often in real life anymore." This shift in her personal style stands in stark contrast to the glamorous looks she modelled for the magazine's photoshoot.
Commanding Attention on the Cover
Despite her more casual day-to-day attire, Kruger proved her status as a fashion icon during the defined photoshoot. For the cover image, the actress commanded attention in a daring black strapless gown that featured a plunging neckline.
In a series of other sizzling shots, she showcased her ageless figure in a variety of outfits. These included a figure-hugging black mini dress paired with towering stilettos, and an elegant beige maxi dress accessorised with a long white fur hat and matching opera gloves.
Reflecting on her changed perspective in a past interview with Women's Health, Kruger stated that "Everything changed with motherhood—it’s such a cliche, but it’s true." She added that "The way I look at work is different" and that her priorities have shifted to keeping her family together.
Prior to her relationship with Reedus, Kruger was married to French actor Guillaume Canet from 2001 to 2006, followed by a long-term relationship with actor Joshua Jackson that lasted from 2006 to 2016. Reedus was previously in a relationship with model Helena Christensen, with whom he shares a son, Mingus, now 25.
