Jessica Chastain recalls childhood struggles with poverty

Jessica Chastain has shared details about her difficult childhood in a new interview with ELLE Spain. The 48-year-old actress grew up facing poverty, often lacking enough food and experiencing the threat of eviction. She was raised by her single mother, Jerri, in Sacramento, who struggled to support her five children while moving from home to home. Chastain expressed that these early experiences left her feeling "invisible" and as though society did not recognize their struggles. She emphasized that these circumstances inspired her passion for feminism and social justice. In her words, "I remember the feeling of being invisible… as if our lives didn't matter." Despite her challenging upbringing, Chastain's journey led her to a successful career in acting, beginning with her education at a local arts school. She mentioned that the inequality of opportunities and education she witnessed shaped her beliefs. She feels compelled to speak out against discrimination and advocate for equal treatment. Chastain also spoke about her fight for equal pay for female co-stars in her film "The 355." She credited the support she received in her youth, which allowed her to pursue her passion for performing arts. Now a mother herself, she reflected that she is the first in her family not to have been pregnant at 17. She believes this gave her choices that were unavailable to her predecessors. Despite her current wealth and fame, Chastain remains passionate about helping others who struggle, recalling times when her mother had to steal food to feed the family. She stated, "We’re okay now because people were protecting her."