The Personal Reason Hilary Swank Left Hollywood Behind...

When you’re a two-time Oscar winner, it can’t be easy to turn your back on the entertainment industry.

Nevertheless, that’s exactly what Hilary Swank did — for a while, anyway. After taking a nearly five-year hiatus (give or take a project or two), the actress is making her triumphant return to Hollywood with Netflix’s new space-traversing drama series Away. Ahead of the show’s premiere in September, the acclaimed actress has opened up about the reason she stepped back in the first place.

In an interview with Health magazine, the 46-year-old shared about her journey of caring for her father after his lung transplant surgery. She explained:

“It was supposed to be a year, because it takes a year to see if an organ transplant takes. A lung transplant is the most difficult of all, as it’s an incredibly delicate organ. The plan was to take off a year. I became my dad’s health advocate. One year quickly turned into two, and then three. And, thank God, prayers were answered. He is healthy and doing really well five-plus years later.”

Luckily, the Million Dollar Baby star had the time and the resources to be totally present for her dad and his needs. She also offered advice to those in similar positions, saying:

“It takes a lot of energy, love, and edifying yourself on the matter at hand. The ups and downs are so challenging and can be overwhelming. Make sure that you’re taking time for yourself and that you vocalize what your needs are to the people who are around you so they can help support you.”

That five-year period wasn’t a complete hiatus, however. Long before her return in this year’s controversial thriller The Hunt, Swank also created her own clothing line in 2016. She said her line Mission Statement was borne out of “[finding] a way to be creative” when she wasn’t on set.

And after spending so much time caring for someone else, it’s no surprise that Swank knows a thing or two about self care, as well. Asked, “What does wellness mean to you,” she replied:

“I think it’s just asking ourselves, ‘What do I need?’ And, by the way, it can change daily. It can change hourly. But it’s the idea of honoring what it is that you need for yourself, and doing it.”

It sounds like Hilary’s time away from Hollywood has given her great perspective. We’re glad to hear her dad’s doing well now, but we’re also looking forward to having her back on our screens!

[Image via Joe Alvarez/WENN]