A Hollywood Star Reflects on Her Time With Jennifer Aniston

During her illustrious career spanning over three decades, Patricia Clarkson has collaborated with countless Hollywood legends. But there’s one star who left an indelible mark on her—Jennifer Aniston. Following her win for Best Supporting Actress at the 2019 Critics’ Choice Awards, Patricia couldn’t help but reminisce about her experience working with Jennifer. In a candid conversation with reporters, the 59-year-old actress shared how special it was to be directed by Jen, now 50, in the 2011 TV movie Five.

“Working with her was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my career,” Patricia recalled with a smile. “Jennifer directed me in that heartfelt short, and every single moment of it was pure joy. It was such a meaningful project, and I cherished every second of collaborating with her.” The Lifetime production, Five, brought together five short films that explored the profound impact of breast cancer on people’s lives, making it a deeply emotional journey for everyone involved.

Patricia Clarkson Jennifer Aniston — Getty Images

Jennifer Aniston's Timeless Beauty

When a reporter commented on Jennifer’s stunning ability to age gracefully in the spotlight, Patricia wholeheartedly agreed. “She’s absolutely gorgeous,” Patricia said with admiration. “It’s not just about her looks; it’s her essence. She has this incredible charm and beauty that comes from within. And yes, let’s give credit where it’s due—her genetics are pretty amazing.”

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Almost Passing on the Role

In a previous interview, Patricia delved deeper into her experience working with Jennifer on Five. She revealed that she initially hesitated to take on the challenging Lifetime role. “When I first heard about the project, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it,” Patricia confessed. “Then Jennifer sent me this heartfelt letter. I had read my part, and it was intense—frightening even. I thought, ‘Can I really pull this off?’”

“But then I read the other parts of the script, and I was blown away. Each story was so beautifully crafted, intricate, and surprising. It wasn’t just about different women and their lives. Some were younger, some older. It transcended that. It was simply great filmmaking. The project was artful, and I knew I had to be a part of it,” she explained.

A Masterful Director

Patricia also praised Jennifer’s ability to balance the emotional intensity of the film with lighthearted moments on set. “Jennifer was a joy to work with—fun, wonderful, and masterful at navigating the complexities of the project,” Patricia said. “There were times when the material was dark, and there was no avoiding that. But she knew exactly when to bring levity and when to focus on the gravity of the scenes. She had this incredible knack for keeping us grounded while also letting us explore the depths of our characters.”

“We laughed so hard at times—it was our way of staying afloat during such an emotionally taxing shoot. It was one of the toughest projects I’ve ever worked on, but also one of the most rewarding,” Patricia added with a chuckle.