Diane Lane is the first one to tell you: There was a time in her life when she was all bluster and bravado. She put up walls and seldom came out from behind them. But thanks to her husband, Josh Brolin, her kids, her own hard work — and Richard Gere — she has grown into the woman she always knew she could be.

I liked the ability of the characters to grow and learn and have the muse come back into their lives. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, but if someone else appreciates you or makes you question yourself, that’s an enlivening process. I like that they are willing to turn criticism into something positive. That’s what couples do for each other.In what ways have you grown over the years?
So many. [Laughs] In recent years, everything in my life has mushroom-clouded — in a good way. My work life has grown, my relationship with Josh has grown, my responsibilities as a parent grew and changed. One day about a year and a half ago, I realized I can’t put these responsibilities in a jar and tend to them later, especially when it comes to time with my family. Life isn’t “when the kids get a little older” or “when Josh and I have the perfect quiet moment alone.” Right now is all we’ve got. How did that revelation change you?
It quadrupled my sense of gratitude. As I take each baby step toward 60 and away from, uh, 20 [she lets out a big laugh], I’m realizing I have everything I need. I’m not talking about material possessions. To me, there’s no greater reward than being around people you care about and can be present with. To be at home doing the crossword puzzle cheek to cheek with my daughter — that’s a moment. Or to hear Josh going on brilliantly about some issue he saw in the paper. Or to realize I’m the person I’ve always wanted to become — or, should I say, the person I always knew I was. I like that — “the person I always knew I was.” What can you say about that person?
Oh, I guess it’s that I realize I am as smart as I thought I was. I do have some talent. I really do have conviction. I’m not a bad parent and partner, even if I make a thousand mistakes. Even when things aren’t going exactly where you thought they’d go, you’re getting somewhere just by dedicating yourself to what really matters. What did Helen Keller say? “True happiness…is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” I’m full of those one-liners, but I certainly believe that.
Leave a Comment