Soon-to-be-ex Disney darling Selena Gomez (filming on the final season of her hit "Wizards of Waverly Place" wraps this month) is known for roles that keep sassy sweet and make for a pretty PG personal life. While many alums of the kid-friendly network relish the freedom that comes with the end of their Mouse House contracts (with that relishing often taking the form of uber-adult roles and scantily clad photo shoots or stage performances), Selena seems satisfied with her image—among fans, at least.
In the latest Teen Vogue, Selena talks about staying true to her fans, the fight to be taken seriously by casting directors and her attitude toward love.
As much as fans love Selena, she might just love them more. As she told Teen Vogue, she started her clothing line after a fan confessed to buying an outfit to mimic something Selena had worn, and her new single, "Who Says," is an anthem for her fans. Selena may adore her fans, but she hates when the paparazzi try to cash in on those feelings.
"The paparazzi will try to use them," she told the magazine. "They'll say, 'Your fans want this.' And it's frustrating because my fans are amazing: They love me, they support me. And I do everything for them. But the press? They don't care about me. They just want something on me that they can use. They just want to get that shot."
No doubt all eyes will continue to be on Selena as she says goodbye to the TV co-stars who have become like family (she was just 13 when she filmed the pilot) and ventures into new territory. Despite having acted since she was a wee thing, Selena fessed up to fears about gaining respect in Hollywood.
"It's like starting over," she said. "I was trying to explain it to one of my friends, and he said, 'You'll be fine. People believe in you.' But when they're putting together a movie with Leonardo DiCaprio, I don't think they're going to go, 'Selena Gomez would be great for this!' I'm not an option. It's humbling, having to go from this Disney high back down to having to fight for roles."
Thankfully, Selena has someone to comfort her when times get tough—the most sought-after boyfriend in America, Justin Bieber. But the actress is staying realistic about romance.
"When your heart is broken you want to hate everything," she told Teen Vogue. "You want to say, 'I don't believe in love; this is ridiculous. It's not supposed to hurt this much.' But at this moment in my life, I'm at a point where I want to be in love, to give my all and fall head over heels. I'm eighteen. I'm not going to marry anybody I'm with, and I know that. The next heartbreak I have, I'm sure I'll be like, 'How can I live without this person?' But I'm still trying to dive in and enjoy it."
What do you think about Selena's transition to adult actress?
** Hollywood Crush Twitter