Creator and star of the Emmy-winning “Abbott Elementary,” Quinta Brunson, recently shared her thoughts on maintaining personal boundaries in the public eye, particularly after filing for divorce from her husband, Kevin Anik, in March. In a candid interview with Bustle, the 35-year-old actress addressed misconceptions about celebrities and their relationship with public attention.
“I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce,’” Brunson explained. “I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you.”
The star emphasized that much of what becomes public knowledge about celebrities’ personal lives stems from public records rather than deliberate announcements. “No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life. It’s just that that’s public record information,” she continued.
Brunson also expressed frustration about media coverage of her recent home purchase, telling Bustle: “I hated that. I hate all of it.” The experience highlights the ongoing challenge many public figures face in maintaining privacy while living under constant media scrutiny.
Handling Fame and Success
Despite these challenges, Brunson has found ways to create boundaries between her public and private life. She’s learned to differentiate between the voices that matter and those that don’t when it comes to personal decisions.
“I love my fans, I love the people who watch Abbott,” Brunson shared. “But when it comes to matters of your personal life, you do have to tune it out. Those are invisible voices that aren’t in your home with you, that aren’t in your personal life, that aren’t your friends.”
The success of “Abbott Elementary” has brought both opportunities and complications to Brunson’s life. The show has earned four Emmys, three Golden Globes, and numerous other awards. Brunson also made history as the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in more than 40 years. However, this recognition has also intensified public interest in her personal affairs.
“Even if you don’t give a lot, people want whatever they can get, and will take whatever they can get,” she observed during her interview.
Brunson has been particularly mindful of her public persona since the premiere of “Abbott Elementary” in late 2021. The show, inspired by her mother’s 40 years as a public school teacher, quickly became a critical and commercial success. Brunson was thrust into a new level of fame.
Focusing on Personal Life
Beyond her professional achievements, Brunson has been focusing on personal growth and self-care. She recently made a significant change by cutting her hair. It was something the actress had wanted to do for years. However, she had hesitated due to concerns about public perception.
“When Abbott started, it felt like, ‘OK, I’m quite public now, and I’m responsible for so many people. I need to be consistent. I need to show up a certain way. I need to be reliable,’” she explained about her previous hesitation to change her appearance.
The decision to finally cut her hair became symbolic of reclaiming her autonomy. “Cutting my hair reminded me that I am an artist first. I want to feel things. I want to make choices. I want to be a person, and not just stuck in having to be a certain way for business,” she shared.
Brunson has also been investing time in new hobbies and skills, including cooking. She has been working with interior designer Mandy Cheng to decorate her new home. Also, despite initially feeling anxious about cooking, Brunson has discovered a passion for preparing her own meals.
“Having the ingredients in my home to make myself a meal has become really, really important to me,” she told Bustle, describing this new focus on self-sufficiency as part of her broader approach to self-care.
This period of personal transition reflects Brunson’s evolving perspective on success and happiness. “It’s a transitional time. I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world,” she shared. “I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day.”
Looking ahead, Brunson continues to balance her roles as creator and star of “Abbott Elementary” while considering future projects that might allow her to explore different aspects of her artistry. The show has been renewed for a fifth season, and Brunson remains committed to maintaining the positive work environment that has contributed to its success.
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