Jennifer Lopez Reflects on 'Challenging Relationships,' How She Relates to HerUnstoppableCharacter: 'Women Are Strong'

Mar. 15, 2025

Jennifer Lopez during a photo call forUnstoppablein Hollywood, California, on Oct. 26, 2024.Photo:Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Art is imitating life forJennifer Lopez.

In a new interview withVarietyahead of the 2025Palm Springs International Film Festival, which kicks off Thursday, Jan. 2, the actress and singer discussed how she and herUnstoppablecharacter “were kindred spirits.”

“We both grew up Latina in this country. We both had children and have hopes and dreams for them. We both had challenging relationships, which left us holding our families together,” said Lopez, 55, in the interview, which was published Wednesday, Jan. 1.

InUnstoppable, Lopez plays Judy Robles, the mother of real-life wrestler Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome). The sports biopic premiered in limited theaters last month, and is an inspiring tale of an Arizona-born athlete born with one leg fighting to be known as a champion.

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Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez inUnstoppable(2024).Amazon MGM Studios

Amazon MGM Studios

Reflecting on the types of roles she has played over the years, Lopez toldVariety, “Women are strong. We have to be. From the minute women are born, we’re always having to prove ourselves, to show we’re good enough. That creates a type of strength."

“And then a lot of us give birth — and there’s nothing that makes you stronger than doing that,” added Lopez, who’s mom to 16-year-old twinsEmme and Maxwith ex-husbandMarc Anthony.

Unstoppablepremiered at theToronto International Film Festivalin September 2024, just over two weeks after Lopezfiled for divorcefromBen Affleckfollowing two years of marriage.

Affleck, 52, served as a producer onUnstoppablealongsideMatt Damonthough their production companyArtists Equity, and recently praised theacting work of his exin the movie as “spectacular.”

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Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at the 65th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 5, 2023.John Shearer/Getty

Lopez is being honored with the Legend & Groundbreaker Award during this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival. PerVariety, Lopez’sMaid in ManhattancostarRalph Fienneswill present her with the award, more than 20 years after they appeared together in the 2002 romantic comedy.

“I’m at the halfway mark. I feel like my best work is in front of me,” she added. “My biggest projects are in front of me, and my biggest successes. Everything is in the future.”

Unstoppableis in limited theaters now, and is slated for a Jan. 16 release onPrime Video.

source: people.com