Why Scarlett Johansson Refuses to Take Photos with Fans in Public
Scarlett Johansson has built a career as one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, known for her powerful performances in films like Black Widow and Marriage Story.
But despite her fame, the actress has a firm stance when it comes to engaging with fans outside of work.
While many celebrities happily snap selfies and pose for pictures with fans in public, Johansson has set clear boundaries about when and where she’s willing to interact with the public. She recently opened up in an interview with InStyle about why she doesn’t take photos with fans when she’s just trying to go about her day, and how she strives to preserve her privacy in an ever-watchful world.
Scarlett Johansson has never been shy about her desire for privacy, especially when she’s not on the clock.
In a recent interview, the “Black Widow” star revealed that she doesn’t take photos with fans when she’s not working.
Johansson explained, “It really offends a lot of people. It doesn’t mean I’m not appreciative, of course, that people are fans, or happy to see me. But I always say to people, ‘I’m not working.’ (And that means) I don’t want to be identified as being in this time and place with you. I’m doing my own thing.”
For the actress, there’s a simple rule: when she’s not on set, she’s just like everyone else—trying to live a normal life.
Whether she’s at the grocery store like or simply taking a walk, Johansson values those moments of anonymity.
She added, “I don’t want to be ‘self-conscious’ in public while trying to be in my ‘own thoughts that have nothing to do with what other people think of me.’”
Despite her stance on privacy, Johansson isn’t shutting fans out entirely. She acknowledges their admiration and respects their enthusiasm, but insists on maintaining clear boundaries.
The actress also shared that her husband, Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost, often jokes about their marriage during the show’s “Weekend Update” segment.
“I am a private person in the sense that I value my close friendships,” Johansson explained. “My family is very precious to me, as is their privacy. The anonymity of my children is very precious to me.”
Johansson and Jost are parents to two children: Rose, 10, from her previous marriage to Romain Dauriac, and Cosmo, 3, with Jost.
While her daughter Rose has shown an interest in making videos for Johansson’s clean-beauty brand, The OutsetScarlett emphasized why she wants her children to stay out of the public eye as much as possible.
“I was talking to my daughter the other day, because she said, ‘Oh, I would love to make videos for The Outset,’” Johansson recalled. “She was like, ‘Why can’t I?’ And I said, ‘Well, other than the fact that you’re 10…’”
Johansson went on to explain the challenges that come with being a public figure: “The thing about being a public figure is that the idea of being recognizable and celebrated feels fun, but then you can never stuff it back in the bottle,” she said.
“The reality of it is, there’s a massive loss to that, you know?”
The actress makes it clear that while fame has its perks, it also comes with sacrifices—ones that she’s not willing to make for her children’s sake.