Behind the Oscars

The Actors, Directors, and Icons Who Knit

When I was young, I was embarrassed to like knitting. It was a granny thing, not what the cool kids were doing. It has evolved somewhat, but there's still a lingering idea that knitting is simple, nerdy, or weird — something best kept in the closet. But after some exploration into famous people who knit, I'm learning that this story has never actually been true. Knitting has always belonged to cool people. We just spent a few decades pretending it didn't.

As awards season is upon us, spotlighting glamour, performance, and after parties, I thought it would be fun to go behind the gowns, tuxedos, and gold statues and explore the simple human rituals practiced by so many stars. What caught my attention, though, is the surprising number of Oscar winners and nominees whose quiet ritual is knitting.

From Old Hollywood to contemporary red carpets, A-listers have always knit. Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Bette Davis were all known to have been seen knitting or crocheting on set, during long waits, while traveling between locations, or simply during downtime. During long days, fast-paced schedules, and relentless demands, knitting offered a quiet way to stay calm and composed. Long before knitting was reclaimed by social media or framed as a wellness practice, actors, directors, and producers were already using it as a private counterweight to very public lives.

What's changed isn't who knits, but who feels comfortable admitting it.

Heavy Hitter Knitters

There are a few well-documented knitters of today who many of you will recognize. Julia Roberts has frequently been spotted with her needles. According to Vogue, she has said: "I knit. It's my meditation." She often knits on movie sets and is famous for making scarves for cast and crew. Ryan Gosling also knits on set and has been photographed knitting between takes. He's spoken openly about it, saying he learned as a kid and finds it really relaxing.

Meryl Streep is a longtime knitter who has been seen with her needles on numerous sets. In interviews, she has spoken about knitting between scenes to stay focused and in character. The story that best captures her relationship with the craft is when filming Doubt in 2008, she taught co-star Amy Adams to knit; partly to create a bonding experience between their characters, and partly, as Adams later joked, because Streep felt sorry for her energetic tendencies.

Another self-described frequent knitter is Amanda Seyfried, who learned as a way to manage anxiety. She has said that knitting keeps her hands busy and her mind calm. Sarah Jessica Parker echoes the sentiment, describing knitting as very centering, something that helps her focus. She's spoken often about knitting as part of her downtime routine. Likewise, Russell Crowe has said knitting is a great way to pass the time and keep your head straight, and is often seen knitting on long flights and while waiting on set. Other actors, producers, and directors who love to knit include Dakota Fanning, Katherine Heigl, Isla Fisher, Lena Dunham, and Busy Philipps.

Knitting was never actually nerdy. Some of the coolest people in the world have always done it – actors, athletes, politicians, and artists who shape culture rather than follow it. They knit because it works, because it fits into lives that demand focus and stamina. Knitting has always been part of the equation, even when it stays out of view. So as you watch the Oscars tomorrow night, remember that behind the glamour are some very real offstage habits. The star accepting their award with trembling hands may have spent the afternoon knitting in their hotel room.