Mia Sara, known for her role as Sloane Peterson in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ found fame in the ’80s but felt uncomfortable in the Hollywood spotlight. Now, at 58, she is happier than ever, enjoying a quiet home life with her husband, Brian Henson, and their children, Dashiell Connery and Amelia. After a decade-long hiatus from acting, Sara returned to the big screen in ‘The Life of Chuck,’ an adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, starring as a grandmother opposite Mark Hamill.
Sara, who also had notable roles in ‘All My Children’ and ‘Legend,’ stepped away from acting after the short film ‘Pretty Pretty’ in 2013. Director Mike Flanagan convinced her to return for ‘The Life of Chuck,’ an experience she found healing.
Reflecting on her 50s, Sara appreciates the pressure-free interactions and the freedom from comparing herself to others. She maintains her wellness with a Connemara pony named Rory, a mindfulness app called Happier, and high-quality therapy.
Sara discusses the challenges of aging, including health issues and the “crappy” aspects she grapples with in therapy. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and kindness over appearance, advice she imparts to her daughter, Amelia.
Sara’s philosophy on beauty has evolved, focusing on self-grace and inner alignment. She doesn’t feel invisible despite the industry’s perception of older women, enjoying the freedom to present herself authentically.
Looking back on her teen years in the spotlight, Sara admits she wasn’t comfortable with the attention, especially during the filming of ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ which she describes as a “cringy experience.”