Jennifer Esposito has recently opened up about a dark chapter in her early career, revealing that a powerful producer, whom she likened to Harvey Weinstein, threatened her career. As she embarks on her directorial debut with the film “Fresh Kills,” Esposito reflected on the painful experiences that nearly derailed her dreams.
During an appearance on the She Pivots podcast, Esposito recounted how the producer had her fired without cause and then spread false rumors about her behavior on set. “He literally had the power and used it to completely end a young girl’s career at 26 years old,” Esposito shared. She described the producer as a “notorious, brutal” figure, similar to Weinstein.
Esposito detailed how the producer’s actions went beyond just firing her. He actively sabotaged her career by telling others not to hire her, falsely claiming she was a drug addict and that she had locked herself in a trailer. These lies led to her being dropped by her agency, leaving her without representation for over two years. “I casually got moved to the desk of the assistant and then casually pushed out the door,” she said, describing the fallout.
Although Esposito did not name the producer or the specific project, she emphasized the profound impact it had on her. “That kid who was waiting tables and had dreams since she was a baby, he literally took it because he could and killed it,” she lamented.
Despite the setbacks, Esposito has found a silver lining. She believes that the adversity she faced ultimately led her to write and direct “Fresh Kills.” “I know for a fact that if that didn’t happen with that producer and my road was easier, I would have never written and directed what I just did,” she said. The film, which is now playing in theaters, is a tribute to her younger self who faced such harsh treatment.
“Fresh Kills” is set in late 1980s Staten Island and follows the story of Rose Larusso, played by Emily Bader, who discovers her father is an emerging mafia kingpin. The film explores Rose’s struggle to break free from the path set before her, which threatens her existence and alienates her from her family, including her mother Francine, portrayed by Esposito.
Esposito’s journey from being a young actress whose career was nearly destroyed to becoming a writer and director is a testament to her resilience. Her story sheds light on the darker side of the entertainment industry, where powerful figures can wield their influence to devastating effect. However, it also highlights the possibility of overcoming such challenges and finding new paths to success.
