Michael Cera Contemplated Quitting Acting Following Success of ‘Superbad’ And ‘Juno’

Michael Cera experienced feelings of paranoia and almost abandoned his acting career after achieving fame from his breakthrough roles in “Superbad” and “Juno.”

In a recent interview published byThe Guardian, the “Barbie” star admitted that the overwhelming fame he experienced after the success of both films in 2007 left him feeling overwhelmed.

At the age of 19, Cera struggled to handle the attention he received while walking down the street due to his newfound celebrity status. Prior to his breakout film roles, he had already gained recognition for his portrayal of George Michael Bluth in the sitcom “Arrested Development.” However, his fame escalated significantly after starring in the popular teen comedies.

Cera explained that fame made him uncomfortable within his own skin and heightened his paranoia. He encountered enthusiastic, yet toxic, encounters with intoxicated fans who did not respect his personal space. These experiences led him to reevaluate his acting career.

One particular incident occurred when Cera went to a bar with friends shortly after the premiere of “Superbad.” The overwhelming attention he received throughout the outing left him with a constant feeling of self-awareness and discomfort.

As a result, Cera turned down additional opportunities that would have further increased his fame, including an invitation to host “Saturday Night Live.” He reached a point of crisis, questioning whether he would continue pursuing a career in acting.

Ultimately, Cera’s commitment to the 2010 film “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” kept him in the acting business. This role allowed him to rediscover his passion and determine the kind of actor he aspired to be.

“Barbie,” his latest film, featuring co-stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, will be released in theaters soon.