Isla Fisher reveals she felt pressured to pose for men’s magazines; Kate Ritchie recalls jealousy of her friend’s career

Isla Fisher has told a radio audience she did not really have a say in the decision to model for men’s magazines early in her career. Speaking on Nova 96.9’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie on Wednesday, the Australian star described her FHM cover years as a period when she felt she could not weigh in on the choices being made about her image. Fisher, who has since built global renown in films such as Now You See Me, Wedding Crashers and The Great Gatsby, used the moment to reflect on the power dynamics that can accompany rising fame and how her sense of autonomy has evolved with time. The discussion came as she also addressed personal shifts, including the end of a long marriage and a renewed focus on her work and independence.

Ritchie, a former Home and Away co-star who has publicly acknowledged feeling some professional envy of Fisher’s trajectory, recalled that Fisher’s career included high-profile magazine features and lists of the era’s most photographed or celebrated women. Ritchie has said she was jealous of Fisher’s success in the industry and the access that came with being in demand. The two friends spoke frankly about the different pressures that accompanied youth in the entertainment world, and how perceptions of women’s agency during that period were often shaped by management decisions and media opportunities rather than personal choice.

Isla Fisher then elaborated on the frame of mind she describes as the early phase of her career, where empowerment felt scarce and options were framed by others’ decisions more than her own. “You didn’t really have a choice back then. I don’t remember ever feeling like I could weigh in on anything until I got into my 30s,” she said. She added that in those early days “as a woman in this business, it was like, ‘Oh, they want you, yay.’ And you sort of went with the flow. Now I’m like, ‘Oh, hang on, I’ve got some agency.’” The actress stressed that the sense of control she now enjoys—knowing she can decline projects and set boundaries—has become a source of reassurance and empowerment.

The conversation also touched on the enduring image of Fisher in the public eye, including the way early modeling assignments were positioned within a broader arc of a career now defined by a wide range of performances. The discussion with Ritchie and Fisher highlighted that early success in entertainment often carried a price in terms of creative input and personal autonomy, a tension Fisher acknowledged as she progressed into adulthood and more established roles. Her remarks align with a broader public interest in how performers navigate the transition from youth-centered exposure to sustainable, long-term storytelling in cinema and television.

Beyond the professional lens, Fisher has been candid about recent personal changes. She spoke to Harper’s Bazaar about the toll of a difficult period, noting she had “a tough couple of years” as she navigated the end of her decade-long marriage to Sacha Baron Cohen, with whom she shares three children. The couple, who announced their split at the end of 2023, said in June that their divorce had been finalized. Fisher described the experience as challenging but said she was optimistic about what lay ahead and about returning to work while continuing to be present for her children. “I’ve had a tough couple of years, but I’m making it through. I’m really excited for the next chapter,” she told the magazine, signaling a shift in focus toward professional and personal renewal.

In the interview, Fisher explained that she is re-establishing her identity outside of a partnership while maintaining her devotion to motherhood. “I’m refocusing on my career, because previously I was very much focused on my kids, which I still am… [They’re] my true love. But I’m enjoying tackling work again,” she said. She also described the process of reorienting her sense of self as a public figure who can pursue a wider array of creative opportunities while staying buoyant through changes in life and career. “I’m trying to remind myself of my new identity as somebody outside of a partnership and to stay as buoyant as possible,” she added, underscoring a broader personal evolution that aligns with a renewed seriousness about her craft.

The couple’s public statement on their divorce emphasized amity and ongoing co-parenting. In a message posted on both of their Instagram accounts, they wrote: “Our divorce has now been finalised. We are proud of all we’ve achieved together and, continuing our great respect for each other, we remain friends and committed to co-parenting our wonderful children. We ask for the media to continue to respect our children’s privacy.” The note reflected a mutual commitment to shielding their family from scrutiny while they pursue separate paths.

Fisher’s career remains defined by a mix of mainstream franchises and award-competitive work. Her resume includes blockbuster hits and independent projects alike, and observers will be watching to see how her reflections on past experiences influence her choices as she navigates a return to more frequent on-screen work. The discussion also highlights the ongoing conversation about women’s autonomy in Hollywood—how early opportunities can be shaped by industry expectations, and how a culturally valued star negotiates personal boundaries, public image, and career opportunities as she evolves.

As Fisher recalibrates her professional and personal life, Kate Ritchie’s own reflections about their shared past serve as a reminder of the dynamic interplay between career achievement, peer relationships, and the pressures of the spotlight. The two women’s comments offer a snapshot of a broader cultural moment in which the film and television industries—along with media and audiences—continue to scrutinize the pathways that lead from early fame to sustained influence, and the ways in which women seek greater agency at every stage of their careers.