Patricia Arquette opens up about life-changing shift after focusing on herself

Patricia Arquette expressed that she is in one of the most fulfilling and emotionally peaceful periods of her life, referring to her 50s as a transformative "second spring" focused on self-discovery and independence.

Speaking exclusively to People at the Planned Parenthood Spring Into Action Gala in New York City on April 15, the Oscar-winning actress reflected on how her priorities have shifted after decades of focusing on family and relationships.

“Oh, I’ve had so many fun adventures,” Arquette said. “And also, I’ve just been having this incredible relationship with myself, which I never really had.”

Arquette explained that much of her earlier life was defined by caretaking roles, becoming a mother at a young age and later balancing identities as a partner, wife, and parent.

“I still have a hard time asking myself, ‘What do I want to do?’” she said. “It’s really retraining my own mind.”

The Severance star, who shares two adult children, son Enzo Rossi and daughter Harlow Jane, said her current stage of life feels freer than ever, with fewer external obligations shaping her decisions.

“I’m kind of in the happiest, most emotionally stress-free part of my life right now, and I’m loving that,” she added.

Arquette previously shared a similar reflection in November 2025, noting that having grown children and living independently has allowed her to prioritize her own goals and experiences without compromise.

Arquette was previously married to Nicolas Cage from 1995 to 2001 and later to Thomas Jane, with whom she shares daughter Harlow Jane. She also shares her son Enzo with her ex Paul Rossi.

In earlier interviews, she described this stage of life as liberating, noting that she can now make decisions without factoring in others’ needs the way she once did.

“It’s funny because somebody told me the Chinese call menopause the second spring,” she said in a prior conversation. “The whole world’s different all of a sudden.”