Reflecting on her rise to fame as a teenager, actress Jennifer Love Hewitt recently opened up about the uncomfortable experiences she faced due to early sexualization in Hollywood. In a conversation on Mayim Bialik's podcast, Hewitt recounted how, following the release of her 1997 film "I Know What You Did Last Summer," public discourse and media attention became fixated on her body. She recalled how interviewers, even on national television, would make jokes about her breasts, a practice that was widely accepted at the time.

Hewitt admitted that while she didn't fully grasp the implications of this sexualization during her teenage years, looking back as a mother of three, she now recognizes how inappropriate it was. The actress emphasized that for years, headlines primarily focused on her physical appearance rather than her acting abilities, which she found disheartening. She expressed frustration that her hard work and dedication to her craft were often overshadowed by the emphasis on her body image.

"It's strange to become a sex symbol before you even understand what that means," Hewitt shared, highlighting the disconnect between her young age and the image projected onto her.

Hewitt also discussed how the culture of the time normalized such behavior, leading her to participate in interviews and conversations that now, in retrospect, feel inappropriate. She mentioned instances where fans would make comments about her magazine appearances, particularly her Maxim cover, which she found unsettling. Despite the challenges, Hewitt credits her mother for providing a grounding influence and shielding her from the more turbulent aspects of Hollywood life. The actress also highlighted the sense of responsibility she felt towards young female fans who looked up to her, striving to be a positive role model.

Now, with a more mature perspective, Hewitt is revisiting these experiences and advocating for a more respectful and considerate environment in the entertainment industry. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can contribute to a shift in how young actresses are perceived and treated.