The Enigma That Is Shailene Woodley

Whether it’s championing for environmental and social justice or embarking on a new film role, Shailene Woodley takes on everything with unwavering optimism and passion. She speaks to Azza Arif about the second season of Big Little Lies, the power of empathy, and what it was like to work with the legendary Meryl Streep.

- Azza Arif

A talented actress, an avid environmental activist and an all round amazing person with a strong dedication to living as simply as possible, SHAILENE WOODLEY is every bit a role model to a host of young women across the globe

When I first met Shailene Woodley at the Marc Jacobs fashion show in New York a few months back, she was dolled up in a fabulous floral green wrap dress, worn with a lush cream overcoat, and hair as fluffy and soft as clouds around her pretty head. She gave me a slight smile before disappearing from the limelight. This, of course, was not how she was when she arrived at the studio in West Hollywood. Her hair was pulled back from her face, and she came clad in a black t-shirt and fitted chequered pants. What struck me the most was her down-to-earth and warm demeanour—she was an absolute sweetheart, and everyone felt at ease around her. It was surprising how fun, light-hearted and goofy she was! She was more like a normal person than most of her celebrity peers, despite having been on-screen for over 20 years!

When I told her that she may just be an enigma to celebrity media—after she had convinced the entire crew, including myself and the photographer, Mitchell, to do a freestyle dance routine once the shoot wrapped—she grinned and said, “I make a valiant effort to be as authentic as I can in all moments. And as I get older, and as the world continues to spin at a certain direction, I recognise how important play and levity are, especially as tools and mediums for enjoying life, despite external circumstances. I think it is easy to forget to play when we get consumed by everything, but when you can find small moments to be in lightness and to experience the freedom that we don’t often allow ourselves to experience—it’s a gift.”