Winona Ryder Opens Up About Shoplifting Arrest in 2001: “It Wasn’t the Crime of the Century”

In a recent interview with Porter magazine, Winona Ryder discusses the infamous shoplifting incident that occurred fifteen years ago.

She believes that the incident was blown out of proportion and it provided her with a much-needed break from the pressures of Hollywood.

Reflecting on that difficult period in her life, Ryder explains that she must have been in a psychological state where she wanted to take a step back.

She clarifies that the incident was not as dramatic as people think and certainly not the crime of the century.

Ryder reveals that the experience allowed her to take the time she needed and retreat back to San Francisco to focus on other interests.

She explains that she had different priorities at the time and needed a break from the spotlight.

Returning to acting after the incident proved to be a challenge for Ryder.

She found it difficult to shake off the public image associated with her earlier films like Edward Scissorhands, Reality Bites, and Boys.

People still perceived her as the actress from the 1990s and struggled to accept her as she grew older.

Ryder shares an anecdote from the film First Wives Club to illustrate her point.

She quotes the line, “There are three ages for women: babe, district attorney, and Driving Miss Daisy!”

She expresses her desire to play roles that reflect her age, such as a district attorney, but felt limited by the industry's perception of her.

When asked about the possibility of a Beetlejuice sequel, Ryder admits that she is uncertain if it will ever happen.

However, she is currently occupied with promoting her Netflix series, Stranger Things.

During filming, she made sure to genuinely shed tears for her character.

Ryder explains that she spent two months crying every day for the role, which was a new experience for her.

She confesses that she never adopted the method acting approach before and had to genuinely tap into her emotions.

She also mentions how she discussed this with her longtime friend Keanu Reeves, reminiscing about how they both feel