Actress Heather Graham has opened up about her decision not to have children, saying she feels “glad” about it most of the time.
In a recent interview with *The Guardian*, the *Boogie Nights* and *Austin Powers* star shared that about 80% of the time, she feels happy and free without kids, although she occasionally wonders what motherhood might have been like.
Graham explained that society often pressures women to become mothers, but she’s learning to prioritize what *she* wants instead of pleasing others. “The culture says: ‘You need to have kids.’ But why? If you’re not being a people pleaser, what do you really want?” she asked.
The actress, who recently wrote, directed, and starred in the film *Chosen Family*, revealed that for much of her life she was a people pleaser. But in her 40s, she started focusing on her own happiness.
That journey included stepping away from family ties that felt restrictive. In her mid-20s, Graham cut off contact with her parents and sister, explaining that she struggled to set boundaries and felt judged—particularly by her religious father.
Looking back, she says distancing herself was liberating and allowed her to discover who she really is outside of expectations. Graham believes more women should feel empowered to follow their own paths, whether that includes children or not.
“Sometimes you have to ask yourself: What do *I* want? And then choose the life that makes you happy,” she said.
