The Charmed Life of Jennifer Connelly

GLAMOUR: By the way, did you know that a recent news story says that densely populated cities are good for marriages? Apparently, having a lot of social ties and cultural stimulation keeps a married couple's life fresh.

JENNIFER CONNELLY: That's actually part of the reason why we moved back to downtown Manhattan from Brooklyn. All of our friends are here. I can walk to see them. As a kid, I always liked when I went to other people's houses and I'd see everyone coming and going.

GLAMOUR: What has been the biggest surprise about marriage?

JENNIFER CONNELLY: It's interesting watching certain fears I once had fall away. I used to have a hard time with physical separation: Whenever we were apart, I would find myself on edge and think this or that is going to happen—which is not a good problem for an actor to have! Over time I came to find out that my husband's behavior was at odds with my negative expectations, so that fear vanished. Now I feel safe and am able to relax.

GLAMOUR: In your next role you appear opposite your husband in Creation, a film about Darwin. You play Emma, his wife.

JENNIFER CONNELLY: They were an amazing couple. She was devoutly religious and he, of course, wrote The Origin of Species, which signified the ultimate loss of faith. The movie takes place after one of their children has died.

GLAMOUR: You, yourself, recently suffered a great loss—your father passed away. How were your first holidays without him?

JENNIFER CONNELLY: It was very challenging. I was very close to him, as were my husband and kids. It's the first real heartbreak I've experienced. I think he would want those of us who loved him to fight to experience joy, so I've been striving to remember him in a positive way. I don't have to work to feel the sadness of his loss. But I do have to work to feel happy about [having had] the time I had with him.

GLAMOUR: I'm so sorry.

JENNIFER CONNELLY: Thank you.

GLAMOUR: Well, I actually have another work question: Creation will be the first time you'll be on set with Paul since A Beautiful Mind.

JENNIFER CONNELLY: Yeah. When we met back then, we liked each other, but we didn't do anything about it. We were both in relationships. We didn't get together until months and months after that film.

GLAMOUR: Did he eventually ask you out?

JENNIFER CONNELLY: He called, but we didn't really talk much until he broke up with his girlfriend and I broke up with my boyfriend. I don't think people leave someone for someone else. I stayed in that relationship, and that relationship eventually ended. But then when I saw Paul again and we were both single, we got together really quickly.

GLAMOUR: How could you be so sure he was The One?

JENNIFER CONNELLY: I don't know. It was something about the way that we were together. He stood out to me as someone singular and rare and beautiful, and I liked the way he was in the world. I liked the way he was with people. I liked the way he was with my son and the way he made me feel.

GLAMOUR: So I'm guessing you don't ever look at the singles scene now and feel like you're missing out on any fun.

JENNIFER CONNELLY: I had enough time being single to know I have no regrets about being married!