Emily Blunt, celebrated for her dynamic roles across genres, recently shared how a legendary soul song planted the seeds for her career, revealing a personal side to her journey. Speaking at the ELLE Women in Hollywood event in L.A., Blunt spoke candidly about how her Emily Blunt acting inspiration began with a piece of music that moved her deeply as a child.
An Early Encounter with Otis Redding Changed Everything
Describing the roots of her passion, Blunt recounted hearing Otis Redding’s classic “Try a Little Tenderness” at the age of seven. At that time, Blunt faced significant challenges with a stutter, often feeling trapped within herself. The stirring delivery of the song, Redding’s emotional riffs and spirited energy, captivated her and awakened something inside.
Reflecting on the experience, she shared,
I remember as a kid thinking, ‘I want to feel that so much, so badly.
– Emily Blunt, Actress. That transformative moment sparked Blunt’s determination to pursue a life of creative expression and storytelling.
Finding Freedom in Performance
Blunt explained that every role she tackles offers her the same exhilaration she found in Redding’s music. This sense of artistic liberation has become a driving force throughout her career, fueling the performances that audiences now know her for. She expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities acting has afforded her, stating,
The stories I’ve gotten to tell and the characters I’ve gotten to play have given me that feeling. I’m most grateful for that.
– Emily Blunt, Actress.
She also acknowledged the unwavering support from her family, describing them as “the softest place to land” after demanding days on set. Blunt looked back at her rise in Hollywood with a sense of amazement, noting how her journey continues to feel surreal after so many years.
Navigating Hollywood and Honoring Mentors
In addition to reflecting on her start, Blunt discussed her experience navigating Hollywood as a woman, describing the pressures, attention, and the importance of surrounding herself with supportive peers. She paid tribute to the trailblazers who encouraged her, especially Dame Judi Dench, whom she collaborated with at just eighteen. Blunt described Dench as “magical” and credited her as the foundational influence that anchored her entry into the industry.
Through her openness at the ELLE event, Blunt highlighted how a single song became the catalyst for a career built on emotional storytelling, resilience, and gratitude. Her journey underscores the enduring impact of artistic influences like Otis Redding and the critical role of mentors such as Judi Dench in shaping aspiring talents within Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape.
