I first met Jen (yes, that’s what we call her) in my kitchen about six years ago when my husband, Jimmy Kimmel, and I had our friend Justin Theroux over for pizza with his new girlfriend. At first, I was a little starstruck – Rachel Green standing right by my bananas. She had on black jeans, a black tank top, and wedge sandals, and she smelled like a tropical vacation. But any nerves disappeared the moment she hugged me, plucked a lime off our tree for her vodka on the rocks, and started analyzing The Bachelor. I had expected some level of pretension – that was on me. Instead, I got warmth and a genuine connection. She felt like an old friend from the start. She has that magnetic quality. At 49, she knows exactly who she is. No boundaries, no-nonsense, and plenty of laughter.
MM: Let’s start with some easy questions. When are you reuniting with Brad? Did Justin ever borrow your jeans? And when should we expect the twins?
JA: You’re the only person who could ask me that and make me laugh instead of breaking out in hives.
MM: I admire how you stay so composed, even when others try to tell your story for you. How do you manage that?
JA: There are definitely moments when I don’t feel balanced or composed, but I keep that to myself. Most of the time, I can just sit back and laugh at the ridiculous headlines because they’ve only gotten more absurd over time. I suppose they’re feeding into something people crave, but I choose to focus on my work, my friends, my pets, and ways to improve the world. Everything else is just junk food that belongs in a drawer.
MM: What’s the biggest misconception about you?
JA: Oh, there are plenty. Let’s see. Let me just Google myself and find out. Starts typing Oh, look, I’m apparently getting a $100,000 revenge makeover!
MM: I didn’t want to say anything, but it’s about time! Jokes aside, the tabloids never let up.
JA: It’s pretty wild. Some of the biggest misconceptions are that I can’t keep a relationship or that I refuse to have kids because I’m selfish and only care about my career. Or that I’m always sad and heartbroken. First of all, I’m not heartbroken. And second, those assumptions are completely unfair. No one really knows what happens in my personal life. People don’t stop to think about how deeply personal that might be for me and my partner. They have no idea what I’ve been through physically or emotionally. There’s so much pressure on women to become mothers, and if they don’t, they’re treated like something is missing. But maybe my purpose here isn’t to have children. Maybe I have other things I’m meant to do.
MM: Yes! And one of those things is your new movie, Dumplin’. You play a former pageant queen, and you do it so well. Did you ever want to be in a beauty pageant as a kid?
JA: That’s hilarious. No. Do you know what I looked like as a kid? The truth is that the beauty standards of the past are changing now. That’s exactly what this movie is about—redefining beauty and how we, as a society, view it. I love that the Miss America pageant is finally getting rid of the swimsuit competition.
MM: Me too! My daughter is going to be shocked when I tell her that judging women in swimsuits was actually considered normal not too long ago.
JA: Exactly! A swimsuit body is literally just a body wearing a swimsuit – any body. It’s time to stop acting like beauty is defined by a specific dress size, a certain waistline, or the so-called perfect body proportions. That’s outdated. We’ve seen it, done it. It’s time to move forward.
MM: How was it stepping into the world of pageants while preparing for Dumplin'?
JA: I had such a blast. There are women who dedicate their lives to coaching young girls for pageants, and it’s a serious business. I absolutely loved getting to know these women and understanding their perspectives. My character is a former pageant queen – fun but deeply flawed. At its core, the movie is a touching mother-daughter story. And, of course, there’s the incredible music – Dumplin’ is a tribute to Dolly Parton, who even wrote a few original songs for the film.
MM: Dolly is just phenomenal.
JA: She’s pure magic. I’ll never forget the first thing she said to me when she walked into my house. I told her, "I have no idea how you manage to do everything you do." And she replied, "Well, I dreamed myself into a corner, and now I gotta live up to it."
MM: Everything she says belongs on a bumper sticker.
JA: When Dolly and I watched the movie together, we sat in a packed theater, and no one knew we were there. During one of the funny moments, she stifled a laugh and whispered, "They can’t hear me, or they’ll recognize my laugh." A few minutes later, I glanced over and saw her tearing up, and she softly said, "But they don’t know my tears."
MM: I really wish there was an audio button right here so people could hear your spot-on Dolly impression. It was perfect.
MM: If you had to compete in a pageant, what would your talent be?
JA: I don’t think baton twirling, Hula-Hooping, tap dancing, ventriloquism, or yodeling would be in my skill set. Honestly, I’d probably be eliminated immediately – no talent round for me.
MM: You could get on stage and make a margarita! You’re great at that. Walk us through it.
JA: Oh, it’s hardly a recipe. It’s just silver tequila with fresh lime juice, shaken and served over ice. Some people like to add a splash of Cointreau, but that’s optional. It’s a clean margarita – no sugar, no pre-made mixes, no agave. I’m not a fan of sweet drinks.
MM: I like mine with a Twizzler straw. Dumplin’ was written, produced, and directed largely by women, and the lead roles are all female. The timing for a movie like this couldn’t be better.
JA: Absolutely. So many talented women were involved, both in front of and behind the camera. But it wasn’t about meeting a quota or following a movement – it was simply about choosing the best people for the job. Rachel Morrison, our director of photography on Cake, was the first woman ever nominated for Best Cinematography at the Oscars for Mudbound. She’s an absolute force. We need to keep seeking out more incredible women like her and giving them the opportunities they deserve. It’s about recognizing talent, not just filling a requirement. If we’re making these choices out of obligation rather than belief in their ability, then we’re approaching it the wrong way.
MM: Have you ever encountered sexual harassment in your workplace?
JA: I’ve had some actors make inappropriate advances, but I always dealt with it by walking away. I’ve never been in a situation where someone in a position of power tried to intimidate or take advantage of me. Honestly, I’ve had more negative experiences with certain women in the industry, whether through their words or energy.
MM: Have you faced sexism in your career?
JA: Absolutely, especially in the media. Women are constantly scrutinized, compared, and judged based on their appearance, outfits, and other superficial things. When a Hollywood couple splits, it’s always the woman who’s portrayed as heartbroken and alone, as if she’s the failure in the situation. Why is it that you never hear about a single, divorced man being called a spinster?
MM: That never happens. Do you think the Time’s Up and #MeToo movements will bring real change?
JA: I do, and it’s long overdue. But real progress comes from actually listening to each other – including men. They need to be part of the discussion. If everyone is just angry and aggressive, it shuts down conversation and makes people afraid to speak. The same goes for politics. We need to create space for dialogue, not just react with hostility. Michelle Obama put it perfectly when she said that when others go low, we should aim higher. That should be our mindset if we truly want change.
MM: I worry that social media slows that progress by making people feel like they have to present a perfect image at all times. Do you engage with it, or do you just avoid it?
JA: I don’t have accounts on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. But I won’t lie – I do occasionally scroll through Instagram as a quiet observer.
MM: You’re such a lurker!
JA: Totally! Sometimes I catch myself scrolling and think, "Wow, what a complete waste of time!" I’ve seen people agonize over a single post for an hour, only for it to disappear from people's feeds in under a minute. It feels like we’re losing real connections and meaningful conversations. Being a teenager is already tough when it comes to fitting in, and now we’ve built a system that amplifies that anxiety. Social media creates a space where kids are constantly judged and validated by likes and comments, and that just doesn’t seem healthy.
MM: I can’t even imagine dealing with that when I was younger.
JA: Some of our friends have kids as young as 10 or 11 on Instagram, which is so much earlier than when I even started caring about my appearance, makeup, or crushes. The rise of iPhones, Snapchat, and other social platforms has only fueled this obsession with self-image. People use filters and all sorts of editing tricks to present an altered version of themselves.
MM: Were you confident as a kid?
JA: Not really – I was actually bullied a bit, though I never really understood why.
MM: No way, people aren’t going to believe that.
JA: Ha! But they’ll totally believe I’m supposedly pregnant three times a year. I was one of those kids who just got picked on. It happened around fifth, sixth, and seventh grade. I was a little chubby, and for whatever reason, that made me a target. Childhood is such a delicate time, and back then, I probably internalized some of that teasing. But I’m grateful I didn’t grow up with social media. I didn’t have to constantly compare myself to filtered images or curated lives. I just wanted to run around outside and play Capture the Flag.
MM: Did you ever picture yourself becoming an actor?
JA: Honestly, I didn’t have a clear vision for myself. I was just focused on getting through the day. [laughs] In sixth grade, my friends and I would write and perform little skits, convinced we were absolutely hilarious. We’d also go to Central Park when the cherry blossoms were in bloom and act out scenes from The Wizard of Oz. I went to the Rudolf Steiner School, which was very focused on creativity and hands-on learning rather than strict academics. So while I might not have been the best student, I can carve a lion out of mahogany like a pro.
MM: I’ve seen that lion. Now for some fun questions. Have you ever punched someone?
JA: Let’s be real – there have been moments when I really wanted to, sure. But it’s always stayed in my head, just a fleeting thought. I’d never actually do it.
MM: Of course not; you’re way too zen for that. What’s a fear you’d love to conquer?
JA: Flying. It started in my 20s after a particularly unsettling flight. After that, I became hyper-aware of every plane crash story in the news, and it completely consumed my thoughts. The fear just took over, even though I knew it wasn’t rational.
MM: What’s a hobby you’d love to master?
JA: Sculpting. About twelve years ago, I had this incredible art studio, and that was my big dream at the time. I still want to carve out time for that kind of creative escape. I had a pottery wheel and a whole setup with tons of clay. I’d love to get back into it.
MM: Let’s get you back into sculpting. If your house was on fire, the dogs were safe, you were safe, and everyone you loved was out, what would you grab?
JA: This actually happened. When we had to evacuate in December due to the wildfires, I grabbed my dogs, some underwear, a toothbrush, and a change of clothes. That was it. Just get the dogs and me out of there. They’re my babies!
MM: You’re such a great dog person. You light up whenever you’re around them.
JA: They truly bring me joy. But so do your kids.
MM: You are amazing with my kids. Before I had my own, I liked children, but only for short bursts. You, on the other hand, are genuinely invested. You care so much that they even buy you Mother’s Day presents! Your home is also the place kids love to visit – you’ve really mastered hosting families.
JA: I adore those little troublemakers. And honestly, we got lucky. There’s not a single kid in the group who makes you think, “Oh no, here they come.”
MM: What’s your go-to workout?
JA: Last year, I got into boxing, and I absolutely love it. My trainer, Leyon, is incredible. It’s the only workout I’ve consistently stuck with, aside from yoga. There’s something about the mental aspect – keeping up with the drills and staying focused – it keeps your brain engaged. It’s so much more than just pedaling on a bike. It’s incredible.
MM: I knew you had the urge to punch someone!
JA: Boxing is an amazing way to let out aggression. It’s like a mental cleanse. You take in so much noise and stress throughout the day, and this lets you release it. And, yeah, sometimes I picture someone specific while I’m punching. But at least it stays in my head.
MM: Let’s talk about Friends. Will it ever come back?
JA: Even before the show ended, people were already asking if we’d return. Courteney, Lisa, and I talk about it sometimes. I daydream about it. It was truly the best job I ever had. I’m not sure what it would look like today, but you never know. Reboots are everywhere now. Matt LeBlanc is probably tired of hearing this question, but maybe we could convince him. Or, if enough time passes, Lisa, Courteney, and I could do a Golden Girls reboot, sitting on wicker furniture for our golden years.
MM: I feel like you can have as long a career as you want if you choose to. Do you see yourself doing this forever?
JA: I’ve never been great at answering the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” But lately, I’ve had moments of reflection. The world feels so complicated right now – the constant scrutiny of the way people engage with each other. There’s so much negativity. Sometimes I just want to pack up, move somewhere like Switzerland, and start fresh. Just leave all of this behind. Does any of it truly matter? Are we making a difference? What is my real purpose? Every few years, I reassess what I’m doing and what I want my focus to be. I’ve been trying to make more thoughtful choices. There was a time when I said yes to projects that I shouldn’t have just because I felt guilty turning them down. Now, I’m getting better at saying no and focusing on projects that genuinely mean something to me – like Dumplin’, The Goree Girls, or The Fixer, a film we’re developing about an incredible crisis manager, Denise White.
MM: Good. You need to keep going. The world is a mess right now, and we need some Aniston movie magic to escape.
JA: I’m grateful as long as people still want me around. I think I’ll always want to keep acting as long as there’s an audience for it. As long as I find fulfillment in other creative and personal ways, I feel like I could keep doing this for as long as possible – until they send me off to a retirement home!
Mary Watson
