Last updated August 27, 2024 – 4:46 p.m.
Emmy-nominated actress, producer and activist Maisie Williams launches a six-part podcast series on BBC Sounds, Famously… Winona.
As part of BBC celebrity culture show Famously, Maisie unravels the twists and turns of Hollywood legend Winona Ryder's career.
From her beginnings as a child actor in the 1980s to her return to the spotlight in next month's Beetlejuice sequel, her sometimes tumultuous, sometimes acclaimed career has spanned almost four decades.
Maisie examines how the industry has treated Winona over the years, comparing her own experiences in Hollywood to the pitfalls of being a young female star.
The podcast tells the story of Winona's rise, fall and rise, and the changing public perception of the star.
Maisie explores why so many women in the film industry are judged and ignored harshly in terms of their age, relationships and mental health, while many male actors seem to incorporate this into their mystique.
The podcast explores the twists and turns of her comeback story, mixing Maisie's narration, archival recordings, and Maisie's own insights into her time as a child actor, the sexualisation of women in the press, and negotiating growing up under the scrutiny of so many lenses.
Maisie Williams said: “Winona has always been an icon, and I hope this series gives people the opportunity to understand her as a person – how she has always led with empathy, navigated many difficult moments and brought female voices to the forefront.”
Commissioning executive Louise Kattenhorn said: “The Famously… podcast taps into our fascination with the lives, loves and trials of celebrities, and we're thrilled to bring actress Winona Ryder's incredible story to you in one-stop listens this summer.”
“We couldn't be more thrilled to have Maisie Williams tell this story. Her passion for film, candid insight from her own experiences as a young actress, and engaging presenting style make her the perfect host!”
All six episodes are available to watch now on BBC Sounds.
