Julia Fox on Being a Mommy

Printed in Issue 21
Interview by Claire Milbrath
Photos by Luisa Opalesky

Self-described party girl Julia Fox says she manifested all her successes, which include exhibiting art in galleries, posing for Playboy, directing films, and acting in Hollywood blockbusters. It’s not hard to believe, seeing as roles are created specifically for Fox, as was the case for her breakthrough role in the Safdie brothers’ Uncut Gems. She attracts people and opportunities effortlessly. She can have it all, and she does: a burgeoning career in acting and filmmaking, and a new family. Announcing the birth of her son, Valentino, early this year, Fox shared a nude pregnancy portrait in long black gloves and a “Daddy” necklace. But we’re much more interested in Mommy! With the experiences of birth and motherhood so often shrouded in mystery, we thought we would ask the new mother for some of her wisdom. 

Claire Milbrath: Do people treat you differently now that you’re a mother?

Julia Fox: I definitely have less patience for bullshit and phony relationships. I value my time so much more now, so if I don’t 10000% love you, I’d rather be with my son or working. 

CM: What has been the most surprising thing about motherhood so far?

JF: How I haven’t changed as a person. I’m still me. I really thought I would change and I was so scared of that. I thought I wouldn’t be able to be an artist anymore for some stupid reason. I feel like women are told to choose so much more than men are. You can’t be an artist, a boss, and a mom. You have to pick. But fuck that. I’m all those things x a million now. 

CM: Is there any advice you wish someone had given you about pregnancy, birthing, or motherhood?

JF: Omg, so much. Nobody tells you about your vagina tearing all the way to your butthole and how painful your first poop is gonna be, lol. I also didn’t know that there would be a chance he wouldn’t want to breastfeed, and I was super bummed about it, but now I’m happy that he’s a formula baby because it allows me a certain freedom that I don’t think nursing moms have. 

CM: I’ve heard that birth is a psychedelic experience, was that true for you? 

JF: Yes. The whole maternity ward in the hospital is a super trippy place. The energy is outer-worldly for sure. There’s a certain vibration in the overall feeling of it. It’s electric, and hard to explain unless you’ve been there. For a moment, I even considered a career change. I was thinking to myself how I just never wanted to leave. 

CM: Has your experience altered the way you think of your sexuality?

JF: I don’t think about sex anymore. I feel like my vagina is retired. She did what she needed to do in this lifetime. Lol. I’m sure I’ll have sex again but I’m still healing—mentally. But I love my postpartum body. 

From what everyone told me, I really thought pregnancy was going to destroy my body. I actually love my body so much more now, knowing that it has gone through so much. I just have so much more respect for it. I used to look in the mirror and only focus on things I didn’t like, now I only see the good stuff. 

CM: What do you love most about your baby? 

JF: I love that he loves to cuddle and get super close. I get to have sleepovers every night with my favorite little buddy. He also looks just like me which is really cool. He even has the same sweaty hand issue as me. 

CM: Have you noticed any quirks or personality traits yet?

JF: Yes, he’s very flirty. He does the googly eyes thing to all my girlfriends. He also loves people and is very social. He always has to be doing something. He hates staying in the same place for too long and he loves being outside. If he wants something, he wants it NOW. He’s my little mini-me. 

CM: What were you watching during pregnancy? 

JF: I watched pretty much every serial killer show on every streaming service and then I got paranoid that he would grow up to be a serial killer so I switched to light comedy only.

CM: What normal thing did you take for granted before having a baby?

JF: Using the bathroom and watching a movie.

CM: What does the future look like to you?

JF: I’m ready to get back to work! I feel more inspired than ever before! My mind is overflowing with ideas and creativity. This baby has made me SO focused and determined. I see myself writing a lot and bringing my fantasies to life.