“My children
fascinate me, we
have a lot of
fun. They’re
wonders”Roberts with
husband Danny
Moder. RIGHT
Family time.JR: It’s my dream job. From the first day that I was
ever on a set performing, to the last day shooting on
Homecoming, it’s a dream.
MC: You told Lancôme that you liked the idea
of being an ageing model...
JR: When I look at myself in the mirror,
I joke with myself, “Supermodel.” It’s funny. I must
have been 42 when I started working with Lancôme.
I think it’s great that they chose to ask me at that age.
Now I’m 51, and they treat me exactly the same way.
We have developed a beautiful working relationship,
it’s very harmonious. I’m delighted to have a modelling
career at 51, it’s cute.
MC: You recently took part in the creation of the scent
La Vie est Belle by Lancôme, which you’re also the face
of. What did that mean to you?
JR: I didn’t realise how special and
unique it is to be invited into that stage
of the process or understand the absolute
intensity involved in perfume making.
It was such an honour to collaborate
with [Lancôme], to smell the different
notes, and say, “I like this one. That one,
no, I’m not sure.” And we were able to
make something that smells divine. I’m
really proud of it. We made it together
and people love it. It’s a bit like having made a film
or written a story, and seeing people appreciate
and enjoy it. I love it at the cinema when a couple
sits in front of me and I whisper into my husband’s
ear, “She’s wearing my perfume.” It’s very touching –
it gives me a thrill.
MC: What is the craziest thing you’ve done recently?
JR: A photo shoot I did last summer, with the same
team as today. We went into the desert to take photos.
The photographer wanted me to climb up a cliff face,
leaning my knees against the rock. I was wearing
an amazing bright pink evening dress, the coolest
trainers, and I was hoisted on a rope. Since I’m
afraid of heights, I had to use breathing techniques
to get over my nerves, but we laughed a lot and it
ended up being a great experience. My work always
allows me to have these kinds of moments. When
you go home, everyone talks about their day overdinner, “What did you do today?” “Well,
actually, I climbed a cliff.” It’s so
funny to be able to take on these kinds
of challenges in a professional setting.
I would never put myself in that kind
of situation when I’m on vacation!
MC: Have you travelled a lot?
JR: With my job, I’ve been lucky to have access to
places I would never have been to [otherwise]. I love
travelling with my family – it’s important that my
children see different versions of the world. Travelling
helps you understand a lot of things.
MC: What does it mean to you to be a mum?
JR: What I feel is wonder. My children fascinate me;
we have a lot of fun. When they’re five years old, you
say that it’s the best age, then at seven, it’s the best age,
then 12, it’s the best age. They’re wonders.
MC: Now that your kids are teenagers, do you find it
easier or more difficult to communicate?
JR: It’s not always easy, no, it’s an exercise every day
from the start. All five of us share a lot, we talk a lot,
we’ve spent our lives together talking and sharing.
MC: Are you an anxious or trusting parent?
JR: I am trusting. Sometimes anxious as well but, as
my sister says, don’t worry until it’s time to
worry. What is the point of being anxious when there’s
no reason? I try to be present and have faith in them.
MC: It seems like you’re in a really good place.
JR: I practise meditation, which helps, and I’m
incredibly lucky to have spiritual people around me. I
also believe that we are happy when we have the will to
be happy. It’s important to me to feel good, to help the
people I love feel good, to make them laugh. Years ago,
I spent some time in a community of nuns in India.
Their vows, the ones they made when they entered the
community, were posted by the front door. One was
joy. Not happiness, not optimism, joy. Extraordinary.RIGHT
Roberts with
her Ben Is Back
co-stars.(^68) | marieclaire.com.au
INTERVIEW
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXI LUBOMIRSKI; INSTAGRAM/MODERMODER; GETTY IMAGES. STYLING BY ANNE-SOPHIE THOMAS AND AGATHE GIRE. HAIR BY SERGE NORMANT @STATEMENT ARTISTS. MAKE-UP BY GENEVIEVE HERR @SALLY HARLOR USING LANCÔME.