Winona Ryder Opens Up About 2001 Shoplifting Arrest: ‘Not the Crime of the Century’

In an exclusive interview with Porter magazine, Winona Ryder shares her thoughts on the highly publicized shoplifting incident that occurred fifteen years ago.

According to Ryder, the ordeal was far from being “the crime of the century” and actually provided her with a much-needed break from the Hollywood spotlight.

Reflecting on that difficult period in her life, the 44-year-old actress reveals that she may have been at a point where she wanted to take a step back psychologically.

Although she does not disclose the specifics of what happened, she emphasizes that it was not as dramatic as people perceive it to be.

Ryder explains, “It wasn't like the crime of the century!

But it allowed me time that I really needed, where I went back to San Francisco and pursued other interests.”

During this hiatus, Ryder struggled to break free from the public's perception of her based on her roles in movies such as Edward Scissorhands, Reality Bites, and Boys.

She felt trapped in the image of a 1990s star and found it challenging for audiences to accept her as her actual age.

Recalling a line from the movie First Wives Club, Ryder remarks, “‘There are three ages for women: babe, district attorney, and Driving Miss Daisy!'

I never got the opportunity to play that district attorney role.”

Regarding the possibility of a sequel to the beloved 1988 film Beetlejuice, Ryder admits that she is uncertain if it will ever come to fruition.

However, for the time being, she is focused on promoting her Netflix series, Stranger Things.

During the filming of the show, Ryder pushed herself to shed real tears, a method acting technique she had never been able to fully embrace before.

“I spent two months crying every day, I was completely exhausted!”

she confesses.

“Because I've never been able to do that method thing, you know?

I actually have to genuinely cry.”

Ryder also mentions her conversation with longtime friend Keanu Reeves, whom she has known since the