Stanley Tucci is opening up about the challenges he faced in his acting career after his iconic role in The Devil Wears Prada. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, the 63-year-old actor discussed how the success of the 2006 film did not translate into immediate job offers, leaving him bewildered.
“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,” Tucci said. He portrayed Nigel Kipling, the art director of Runway magazine, opposite a star-studded cast that included Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Meryl Streep, who delivered an Oscar-nominated performance as the formidable Miranda Priestly.
Despite the film’s monumental success and its status as a cultural touchstone, Tucci found himself struggling to find work in the industry. “So I went and did stuff that I didn’t necessarily want to do, but I did it,” he admitted. This sentiment underscores the unpredictable nature of Hollywood, where even celebrated actors can experience significant career fluctuations.
Tucci explained that his career has always had its ups and downs. However, he acknowledged that his health issues, particularly after being diagnosed with oral cancer in 2017, compounded these challenges. “Having been sick six years ago, that threw a wrench into the works for a while, and then you slowly get back,” he said. “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.”
This candid revelation highlights the resilience required to navigate the complexities of an acting career, especially when facing health-related obstacles. Tucci’s determination to return to work, despite the toll that treatment took on him, speaks volumes about his commitment to his craft.
In the interview, Tucci also teased about the potential sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, which has been rumored for some time. “I can’t answer that. No one will let me answer that,” he said. “I think they want it to happen, I would imagine. But I cannot really speak to it because it might not happen. I don’t know.” This enigmatic response has left fans speculating about the possibility of his return to the beloved role.
Earlier this month, Tucci had expressed his enthusiasm for the potential sequel in a conversation with PEOPLE. “If it does happen, I can only say that I’ll be happy,” he said, noting that he had not received any details regarding the plot. His excitement about the possibility of reprising his role showcases the lasting impact of the film on his career and on audiences.
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Adding to the nostalgia, Tucci recently appeared in a spoof of The Devil Wears Prada during an episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In a heartwarming clip posted on the show’s Instagram, Tucci joined Colbert, who portrayed Miranda Priestly, along with fellow guests Brian Cox and Jason Segel. The scene humorously reenacted a memorable moment from the film, delighting fans and reminding them of the film’s enduring popularity.
As Tucci promotes his new film, Conclave, he continues to navigate the complexities of an acting career marked by both triumphs and tribulations. His journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of show business, where even celebrated actors can encounter periods of uncertainty.