(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Thandie Newton insists her relationship with John Duigan wasnt her mistake, as she wasnt in control of the romance.
The actresss first movie role was in Duigans 1991 film Flirting. She won the part when she was 16 and although her father was initially with her during shooting in Australia he eventually left. With him no longer around, Newton and Duigan, who was 23 years older than her, started seeing each other.
Its something Newton doesnt dwell on anymore, although shes happy to talk about it when asked. She doesnt enjoy the memory and blames Duigan for what went on.
I didnt make a mistake. Come on. Read between the lines. I wasnt in the driving seat. I was a very shy, very sweet girl, not some barmy kid, suddenly let loose. I wasnt in control of the situation. Youre a father arent you? You know what Im talking about, dont you? she replied, when quizzed about the events for the June issue of InStyle magazine.
I have committed all that to pre-history. It was a profound learning curve. But also a fortunate one in many ways. Part of me feels grateful that I can now accept the difficulties that came with that situation and be a more compassionate person myself.
The 38-year-old added she doesnt see herself as a victim rather as a person who has been through a learning experience.
She is now happily married to Ol Parker, who she has daughters Ripley and Nico with. Becoming a mother changed Newton profoundly, as she suddenly found her purpose. She no longer feels the need to work continually as shes happiest when shes with her family.
Newton likes picking up parenting tips from friends, among them Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. The Hollywood pair have children Willow and Jaden together, who both have careers of their own. Willow is a singer and Jaden has tried acting, and Newton is in awe of how well theyve been raised.
The way that [Will] and Jada connect with their children is truly amazing. They are, you know, sorted, she explained.
If [my kids] did want to go into acting, Id definitely make sure that they had a manager, an agent and a press person in place right from the start. You have to nowadays. (C) Cover Media