While filming her new movie, “My Sister’s Keeper,” Cameron Diaz was forced to contend with the sudden death of her father, but through her tragic loss, the actress said she was able to find new strength.
The actress opened up to Vogue in the June issue about losing her dad, Emilio, who was just 58.
“I think… emotionally, it definitely took its toll,” Diaz said when asked about returning to work after losing her father. “Definitely.”
Despite still mourning his death, the actress said she found comfort getting back to work and that being around the cast and crew helped her cope.
“It’s the human experience,” she said reflecting back on the experience. “You know, that’s what the heart does. Things are given to us, and things are taken away. And I think the heart becomes stronger, more capable.”
In the upcoming “My Sister’s Keeper,” Diaz plays the mother of two daughters, one who is battling leukemia, and the other who is suing for medical control of her own body.
Diaz told the mag she enjoyed playing such a strong character and that her motivations and character choices were very clear.
“This is a woman who does not waver,” she said of the role that she’s already receiving critical praise for.
“That’s not something you want to accept about anybody you love — particularly if you are a mother,” she said of playing a parent whose child is dying. “That’s what I held on to as I was telling her story. You are a parent. You fight to keep your child alive, no matter what it takes.”