How Jennifer Lopez's "Challenging Relationships" Helped Her Get Into Character

Jennifer Lopez has taken on one of her most critically acclaimed roles to date—and apparently, she got into character by tapping into some very real emotions. In Unstoppable, Lopez plays Judy Robles, a real-life single mother whose son, Anthony, went on to compete as a one-legged boxer. In the film, Lopez portrays Judy's difficulties raising Anthony as a single mother and dealing with abusive relationships.

As Lopez explained to Variety, she met the real-life Judy and felt an instant connection with her. "We were kindred spirits,” Lopez said.

She then explained that her own experiences helped her understand how to play Judy. “We both grew up Latina in this country," she said. "We both had children and have hopes and dreams for them. We both had challenging relationships, which left us holding our families together.”

Lopez also spoke about how the film celebrates Judy and mothers like her.

“I tell her all the time, ‘You need to own who you are and what you’ve done,’” Lopez said. “You’re inspiring every mother who has ever struggled. You really have triumphed. You’ve raised a son who has become a leader, and you deserve credit.’ But she’s very humble.”

Lopez has had her fair share of "challenging relationships" in the past. Her 2024 film This Is Me...Now is inspired by her self-proclaimed "love addiction." Although she got back with her ex Ben Affleck, the pair announced their split after two years of marriage last August.

Although Affleck produced Unstoppable and even called Lopez "spectacular" in the role, the pair decided not to walk the red carpet together during the press tour.

Read the original article on InStyle