Stanley Tucci recently shared his experiences in Hollywood, revealing the challenges he faced in finding work following his acclaimed role in the 2006 film “The Devil Wears Prada,” in which he starred alongside the talented Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. The movie centers around Andrea Sachs, portrayed by Hathaway, who embarks on a challenging journey working for the formidable Miranda Priestly, played by Streep, the editor-in-chief of the prestigious fashion magazine Runway. Tucci took on the role of Nigel, the magazine’s art director, who becomes an essential guide for Andrea as she navigates the fast-paced and often ruthless world of high fashion.
Despite the film’s enormous success—grossing an impressive $326 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, and earning Oscar nominations for Streep and costume designer Patricia Field—Tucci faced an unexpected struggle in the aftermath. In an in-depth interview with Vanity Fair, Tucci candidly expressed his confusion over the intense difficulty he encountered in securing subsequent roles. “After ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ I couldn’t get a job, and I didn’t quite understand that, but that’s just the way it was,” he explained. “So I went and did stuff that I didn’t necessarily want to do, but I did it.”
Tucci shed light on the often fickle nature of the entertainment industry, acknowledging that career fluctuations can stem from both external circumstances and personal challenges. He referenced his own battle with illness six years ago, which he noted significantly impacted his career trajectory. “My career has always gone through these fluctuations, and sometimes it’s just the business,” he remarked. “Sometimes it was personal reasons why you can’t work. Having been sick six years ago, that threw a wrench into the works for a while, and then you slowly get back.”
He went on to discuss the pressures that accompany the need to work financially, admitting that he may have returned to projects too soon after his treatment. “But I had to start doing things. I needed to work because I needed money. I probably started working too soon. I didn’t really have the energy to do it after the treatments, but you had to do it, and eventually you climb back up again.”
Fortunately, Tucci has experienced a remarkable resurgence in his career in recent years. He has starred in several noteworthy projects, including the family-friendly film “The Witches,” the emotionally charged drama “Supernova,” and the gripping political thriller “Conclave.” Additionally, Tucci has embraced his passion for culinary arts, traveling throughout Italy for the widely acclaimed CNN series “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” which garnered an Emmy award for its captivating exploration of Italian cuisine and culture.
Building on the success of his previous endeavors, Tucci has recently filmed a new food and travel series for National Geographic titled “Tucci: The Heart of Italy.” Moreover, he has enriched his culinary contributions by authoring several books about food, including the reflective work “What I Ate in One Year (and Related Thoughts),” showcasing not only his love of food but also his personal journey through the culinary landscape.
