Wed Apr 30 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Heather Graham: From Hollywood’s Ups and Downs to Directing Her Own Story
**Los Angeles, CA** – Actress Heather Graham, known for roles in films like *Boogie Nights* and *Austin Powers*, has embarked on a new chapter, directing her own film, *Chosen Family*. The film, a comedic exploration of family dysfunction and self-discovery, draws heavily from Graham’s own life experiences.
In a recent interview, Graham, 55, opened up about overcoming a lifelong tendency to be a “people pleaser,” a trait she attributes to her childhood and strained relationship with her family. This tendency, she says, impacted her romantic life and career choices, including instances where she felt she could have asserted herself more forcefully.
*Chosen Family* marks a turning point, representing the moment Graham learned to prioritize her own needs. The film follows a child-free yoga instructor grappling with a manipulative family, mirroring Graham’s own experiences with a dysfunctional family she hasn’t spoken to in 30 years.
Graham also addressed her experiences with Hollywood’s darker side. She recounted a disturbing encounter with Harvey Weinstein, describing how he tried to pressure her into a compromising situation. She noted that the #MeToo movement brought a sense of justice, highlighting the pervasive victim-blaming she faced in the past. While acknowledging the progress made in addressing sexual harassment, she pointed out the ongoing inequality in the industry, particularly in securing funding for female-driven projects.
Despite the challenges, Graham remains optimistic, crediting her resilience to years of transcendental meditation and a newfound self-acceptance. She celebrates the growing number of female filmmakers and the shifting perception of older women in Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of self-love and embracing one’s sexuality regardless of age.
*Chosen Family* is now available on digital platforms.
First Piper 