As the final season of Stranger Things concludes, Winona Ryder, a legendary actor, reflects with her longtime friend on intense fandom, aging in Hollywood, and preserving one’s soul.
Ryder once wore a jacket by Givenchy, designed by Sarah Burton. I was 15 and had just started Rookie, the online magazine for teens. We published a tribute on her birthday, and since October 29th also marks her notable roles in Beetlejuice and Heathers, I hoped Rookie might do for our readers what those characters had done for me: validate their rich inner worlds.
Ryder didn’t merely “represent” moody teens—she personified their complexity, extending beyond iconic costumes and quotable lines. Her characters were sensitive, perceptive, and always observant. Ryder saw the article, reached out to express thanks, and over the next several years her warmth and curiosity left a lasting impression.
I was struck by her deep love of films, books, and the colleagues who create them, and by her enthusiasm for sharing these influences—her touchstones and memories. She gave me memoirs by Joe Papp and Lee Grant, and even a pair of gloves once given to her by Audrey Hepburn. She possessed trivia about every film that surfaced in conversation, much of it drawn from her own experiences with filmmaking icons. When I began acting professionally, it became possible to discuss daunting roles with Ryder and experience her generosity anew.
When I began acting professionally, I could talk to Winona about daunting jobs and experience her generosity anew.
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Author’s summary (120–200 characters): Winona Ryder’s warmth and film wisdom shaped a teen writer’s career, revealing complexity beyond iconic roles and sharing cherished memories with generous openness.
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