Halsey, whose real name is Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, has found that exploring acting has helped her separate her true self from her stage persona.
In a recent interview with Paper, she discussed how her roles in the 2023 film “Americana” and the 2024 project “Maxxxine” allowed her to step away from the identity she’s built as a singer.
Halsey compared her situation to the long-running TV show “Grey’s Anatomy,” where actors may feel typecast after playing the same character for many years.
She realized that her stage name, initially intended as just a nickname, had evolved into a persona she felt pressured to maintain.
This introspection led Halsey to question the nature of her identity and the distinction between her true self and her public persona.
In her recent film roles, Halsey has had the opportunity to separate herself from her singer persona, exploring characters distinct from her own identity.
“Acting gave me a chance to step out of [my singer persona], but also it gave me a chance to be a part of someone else’s vision,” Halsey said.
“So much of what I make, the impetus is on me all the time to be in control of everything. It was nice showing up to someone else’s set, and my only job is to serve you in the best way that I can and you have the harder job.”
Halsey appreciated the chance to learn about a new artistic process and collaborate with others, a departure from the solitary nature of her music career.
She also discussed her connection to Britney Spears, citing her as the first pop star she admired and empathized with.
Halsey acknowledged the parallels between their experiences, despite the differences in magnitude and scrutiny.
She expressed admiration for Spears’ resilience and dedication to her craft, and even incorporated Spears’ song “Lucky” in her own new track.
“Obviously I will never know what it’s like to reach the magnitude and the monolith of fame and exposure and lack of autonomy that [Britney] experienced in her career. I will never know that, but in a way, there are some parallels,” Halsey said of her connection to the iconic singer.
“She was the first pop star I fell in love with and I knew everything about her, and I was in love with her and I worshipped her. I was jealous of her. I thought she had the perfect life, as did most of us at the time, and I’ve always, through every stage of her career, really rooted for her.”
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