Carrie-Anne Moss Opens Up About Turning Down Major Roles After The Matrix to Raise Her Children

“At the end of my life, will it matter to me that I have another movie on my résumé? Or will it matter to me that I held my baby?” These heartfelt words from acclaimed actress Carrie-Anne Moss underscore a profound choice many working parents face, but few in Hollywood openly discuss. In a recent interview, Moss candidly shared how she stepped away from her rising career in the aftermath of The Matrix trilogy’s global success, choosing instead to focus on raising her children.

A Break from Stardom: Life After The Matrix

Carrie-Anne Moss rose to international fame for her role as Trinity in The Matrix (1999), a groundbreaking science-fiction film that redefined the genre and became a cultural phenomenon. The film’s success led to two sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, both released in 2003. Following the trilogy’s conclusion, Moss found herself at the center of Hollywood’s spotlight, with significant roles being offered by major studios.

Yet, despite this momentum, Moss chose to take a deliberate step back. Speaking to The Independent, she explained, “After The Matrix was such a big deal, I took a big, big break to have children and be with them.” She recalled moments when she was holding her baby, contemplating offers for major roles, and asking herself a critical question: “At the end of my life, will it matter to me that I have another movie on my résumé? Or will it matter to me that I held my baby?”

The answer for Moss was clear. She chose to prioritize her family, stepping away from high-profile opportunities in favor of being present for her children’s formative years.

Life Beyond Hollywood: A Move Toward Simplicity and Nature

Moss married fellow actor Steven Roy in November 1999, just months after the release of The Matrix. Together, the couple have three children. In 2020, the family made a significant lifestyle change by relocating from Los Angeles to New Hampshire. This move was driven by a desire for a quieter, nature-centered existence, away from the constant buzz of Hollywood.

In her interview with People, Moss spoke about the change: “I wanted to be near nature. I wanted four seasons. I wanted less traffic.” She emphasized the benefits of living in a more peaceful environment, especially as it related to her role as a mother and her desire for mindfulness in daily life.

Her personal journey into meditation and Kundalini yoga also played a role in this transition. These practices helped her manage the mental and emotional demands of parenthood, offering her a sense of calm and perspective that influenced not only her personal life but her approach to her career as well.

Returning to the Screen: Selective and Intentional Roles

Though she stepped back for many years, Moss has not left acting entirely. In 2021, she reprised her iconic role as Trinity in The Matrix Resurrections, the fourth installment of the series. She has since taken on other selective projects, including a role in the upcoming Star Wars series, The Acolyte, set to premiere on Disney+.

Despite her selective return to acting, Moss maintains a grounded and reflective approach to her career. She shared with The Independent that she no longer concerns herself with how she is perceived in the industry: “I used to care what people thought about me. I just don’t anymore. I care what my friends think. I care what my husband thinks. And I care about what I think.”

This self-assured attitude has enabled her to make intentional choices, both personally and professionally, ensuring that her work aligns with her values and the needs of her family.

A Role Model for Balancing Family and Career

Carrie-Anne Moss’s story serves as a powerful reminder that success in life can be defined by more than career accolades or public acclaim. Her decision to prioritize her children during critical years of their upbringing is a choice she does not regret, and one that has enriched her life in immeasurable ways.

In an industry that often emphasizes relentless ambition and constant visibility, Moss’s perspective offers an alternative narrative—one where family, peace of mind, and personal fulfillment are valued just as highly as red carpet appearances or box office numbers.

Her candid reflections have resonated with many, particularly parents navigating the balance between professional responsibilities and family commitments. As she continues to act in roles that resonate with her, Carrie-Anne Moss remains not just a talented actress, but a thoughtful and inspiring figure for many.