Patricia Arquette Says She’s Single and Finally Prioritizing Herself “for the First Time in My Life” — and She’s Loving Every Moment of It
Patricia Arquette is stepping into a new chapter — one that’s all about self-discovery, independence, and learning to find joy outside of relationships. The Oscar-winning actress, known for her bold performances and candid nature, has revealed that she’s single and, for the first time in her life, focused entirely on herself. It’s a shift she describes not with sadness or longing, but with excitement — a new beginning that feels both empowering and overdue.
At 56, Arquette has spent decades captivating audiences on screen, from her breakout roles in True Romance and Boyhood to her award-winning turns in Medium and The Act. Offscreen, her life has been equally full — raising children, advocating for women’s rights, and navigating the complexities of love and family in the public eye. But now, as she told People, she’s relishing a slower, more introspective pace. “I’m single,” she said with a smile. “And for the first time in my life, I’m really focusing on myself — and it’s really exciting.”
That excitement isn’t just about newfound freedom. For Arquette, it’s about rediscovering who she is when she isn’t caring for others or managing the expectations that come with fame, motherhood, and partnership. “I think so much of my life has been about other people — my family, my kids, my relationships, my work,” she shared. “And now, it’s about asking myself what I want, what makes me happy.”
The Emmy and Oscar winner, who recently starred as Maggie Murdaugh in Hulu’s Murdaugh: Death in the Family, says the shift toward self-prioritization didn’t happen overnight. Like many women who’ve spent years balancing career and caretaking, Arquette admits she once struggled to put her own needs first. “We’re taught to nurture, to fix, to take care of everyone around us,” she explained. “And that’s beautiful — it’s part of who I am. But it can also mean losing sight of yourself.”
After a lifetime of juggling the demands of Hollywood and home, Arquette says her 50s have brought a clarity she didn’t expect. “There’s something about getting older where you stop trying to be everything to everyone,” she said. “You start to realize that it’s okay to say no. It’s okay to take a day off. It’s okay to put yourself first.”
Those who’ve followed Arquette’s journey know she’s never been afraid to evolve — both personally and professionally. Her career has spanned more than three decades and countless transformations, but her voice has remained steadfast, unfiltered, and deeply human. Whether she’s speaking out about pay equality during her Oscar acceptance speech or advocating for environmental justice, Arquette has always used her platform to champion causes bigger than herself. But today, her focus is inward.
“Self-care sounds like a cliché, but for me, it’s a necessity now,” she said. “It’s not about spa days or luxury. It’s about peace. It’s about learning to sit still, to breathe, to enjoy my own company.”
That inner peace is something Arquette admits she didn’t always have. The actress has spoken openly in the past about heartbreak and resilience — from her marriages to fellow actors Nicolas Cage and Thomas Jane, to her experiences co-parenting and building a blended family. Through it all, she’s remained remarkably open about the lessons she’s learned. “Every relationship teaches you something,” she reflected. “Even the ones that don’t last. Especially the ones that don’t last.”
Now, she’s taking those lessons and applying them in a new way — by learning to nurture herself with the same care she’s shown others. “When you’re single in your 50s, people sometimes act like it’s a sad thing,” Arquette said. “But for me, it’s the opposite. It’s liberating. I don’t have to define myself by anyone else’s expectations. I get to create my own happiness.”
Her fans have long admired her authenticity — a quality that shines through in both her performances and her personal outlook. Arquette’s characters often embody strength, vulnerability, and complexity, mirroring her real-life persona. But while she’s portrayed countless women in transition, she says living it is a different kind of challenge. “It’s funny,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve played so many women who were figuring themselves out, but I think I’m just now figuring me out.”
Arquette’s latest role, in Murdaugh: Death in the Family, offered a chance to explore another side of human emotion — tragedy, denial, and the facade of perfection. “It’s a story about family and what happens when appearances hide the truth,” she explained. “And in some ways, it reminded me that we all wear masks at times. We all pretend we’re fine when we’re not. But I’m at a point where I don’t want to pretend anymore. I just want to be real.”
That honesty extends to her reflections on aging in Hollywood — a topic she’s addressed with her trademark mix of humor and grace. “There’s this idea that when you get older, you disappear,” she said. “But I feel more visible now than ever. Maybe it’s because I’m more comfortable in my own skin. Maybe it’s because I don’t care as much about what other people think. Whatever it is, it feels good.”
Her approach to beauty and aging is refreshingly grounded. She’s not interested in chasing youth or perfection. “I’ve earned every line on my face,” she said proudly. “They tell my story — the laughter, the tears, the lessons, the love. I’m proud of that.”
Friends and colleagues describe Arquette as fiercely loyal, endlessly curious, and deeply introspective. Her ability to balance vulnerability with strength has made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation. Yet, despite her accolades, Arquette admits she’s still learning to celebrate herself outside of work. “It’s easy to measure your worth by what you accomplish — especially in this business,” she said. “But I’m learning to value quiet moments too. Reading a book, walking my dog, having dinner with friends — that’s where real life happens.”
She’s also finding joy in the unexpected freedom that comes with being single. “I can make decisions just for me,” she said. “If I want to travel, I go. If I want to stay home for a week, I do. There’s no guilt. There’s no compromise. It’s new, and it’s beautiful.”
Still, Arquette isn’t closing the door on love entirely. “I believe in love,” she said softly. “I always will. But I also believe in timing. And right now, the timing feels perfect for me to just… be.”
That sense of contentment radiates through her words — and through the way she carries herself these days. Whether she’s on set, at a red-carpet event, or simply spending time with family, Arquette exudes a quiet confidence that comes from knowing who she is. “I’ve stopped trying to please everyone,” she said. “That’s a full-time job, and it doesn’t pay well,” she joked. “Now, I’m just trying to please myself — and that’s a much better gig.”
Her children, including her daughter Harlow from her marriage to Thomas Jane, have been among her biggest supporters. “They’ve seen me through everything,” Arquette said. “And now they’re seeing me happy, grounded, and focused — and that means a lot.”
As she looks ahead, Arquette says her goals are simple: more balance, more authenticity, and more joy. “I don’t need to prove anything anymore,” she said. “I just want to keep growing, keep learning, and keep showing up for myself.”
For Patricia Arquette, this season of life isn’t a pause — it’s a powerful continuation. It’s a reminder that reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date, and that fulfillment can come not from who you love, but from how deeply you learn to love yourself. “I’m still figuring it out,” she said. “But for the first time in my life, I’m doing it on my own terms. And that’s really exciting.”
