Kylie Jenner Opens Up About Grief and Acting Debut

Kylie Jenner has shared an intimate look at her emotional struggles following the death of her hairstylist Jesus Guerrero, revealing that she was in a dark place and uncertain if she could fulfill her commitment to her first movie role. Speaking on her older sister Khloé Kardashian's podcast Khloé in Wonderland, released on Wednesday, Nov. 12, the 28-year-old businesswoman and model detailed the challenges she faced when she signed on to star in A24's upcoming film The Moment.

Jenner explained that she committed to the project around the time Guerrero died of a lung infection in February 2025, at just 34 years old. “I committed to it and then I was like, ‘Wow, I’m in a really bad place and I just don’t know, in a month from now, if I’ll be okay to do this,'” she recalled. The movie was set to begin filming roughly a month after she accepted the role, adding to her anxiety. She reached out to the film's director, Aidan Zamiri, expressing her desire to honor her commitment but also her uncertainty. “I really want to do it. I hope that I’m in a better place. Like just give me a chance, I’ll get it together,” she told him.

Seeking Support from Family

Jenner turned to her family for encouragement, particularly her sister Kim Kardashian, who has experience with acting roles in shows like American Horror Story and All's Fair. “I read the lines to her like how I would say it,” Jenner said. “And she was like, ‘You’re saying it perfect. You got this. This is so easy.'” That reassurance was crucial for Jenner, who confessed that she feels she has become more sheltered over the years and now hesitates to step outside her comfort zone. “I had a very small part. I mean, I had a lot of lines, but I was just so afraid,” she admitted. “I think I’m so used to — I think I used to do a lot more things out of my comfort zone, and now I’m used to like being very sheltered.”

The Role and the Movie

In a surprising twist, Jenner revealed that she plays herself in The Moment, a meta-fictional A24 project that also stars Charli XCX, Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, Arielle Dombasle, Rachel Sennott, Rish Shah, and Alexander Skarsgard. The film is directed by Aidan Zamiri, who previously worked with Charli XCX on two of her music videos in 2024 and directed a Cash App commercial featuring Jenner's boyfriend, Timothée Chalamet. The Moment was announced by Charli XCX on Instagram on Oct. 9, 2025, and is expected to hit theaters in 2026.

Jenner’s role required her to portray herself, but she playfully declined to share specifics about the plot. When asked by Khloé about future acting ambitions, Jenner said she would consider it “if it was like the right thing and the right role,” hinting that she would be interested in comedies going forward.

Who Was Jesus Guerrero?

Jesus Guerrero was a highly respected hairstylist in the fashion and celebrity world, having worked with Kylie Jenner and other prominent figures for years. His sudden death at age 34 sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting an outpouring of tributes from Jenner, her family, and fellow stylists. Jenner posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram at the time, describing Guerrero as a “beautiful soul” and a “creative genius.” The loss deeply affected her, as reflected in her podcast comments about struggling to focus on her acting debut amid grief.

Guerrero’s death also sparked conversations about lung infections and respiratory health, especially among young adults. According to reports, he died from complications related to a lung infection, though no further details were provided. The tragedy underscored how sudden health issues can impact even the most vibrant individuals.

Kylie Jenner’s Career Journey

Kylie Jenner rose to fame as a reality TV star on Keeping Up with the Kardashians before launching her own cosmetics empire, Kylie Cosmetics, in 2015. At 21, she was named the youngest “self-made” billionaire by Forbes, a title she has since held despite fluctuating net worth estimates due to market changes. Beyond beauty, she has ventured into Skincare by Kylie in 2019 and Kylie Baby in 2021, diversifying her brand portfolio. Her personal life has also been in the spotlight, including her on-and-off relationship with Travis Scott (father of her daughter Stormi and son Aire) and her current romance with actor Timothée Chalamet, which began in early 2023.

Despite her massive social media following and business success, Jenner has often expressed shyness and a fear of public scrutiny. Her reluctance to pursue acting is understandable given her past experience with criticism—she faced intense backlash in 2023 for a skincare commercial deemed “too filtered,” and she has occasionally expressed discomfort with being on camera in non-scripted settings. The decision to take on a scripted role in a major A24 film marks a significant departure from her comfort zone.

The A24 Effect

A24 is known for producing critically acclaimed and often unconventional films such as Lady Bird, Moonlight, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Hereditary. The studio has a reputation for taking risks on unique casting choices, making Jenner’s involvement less surprising. The Moment appears to be another meta-experiment, with Charli XCX co-starring in what is likely a surreal or self-referential narrative. The inclusion of comedians like Kate Berlant and Rachel Sennott suggests a comedic edge, aligning with Jenner’s expressed interest in comedy roles.

Director Aidan Zamiri is an emerging talent known for his music video work with Charli XCX—he directed the visuals for “Von dutch” and “360,” both from her 2024 album Brat. His transition to feature films is being watched closely, and the ensemble cast promises an eclectic mix of genres and personalities.

Khloé Kardashian’s Podcast and Family Dynamics

Khloé Kardashian launched Khloé in Wonderland in late 2024 on her own network, diving into celebrity interviews and personal stories. The podcast has featured other family members, including Kim and Kourtney, but Kylie’s appearance was particularly anticipated due to her usually guarded public persona. During the episode, Khloé asked what in Kylie’s career makes her most afraid, leading to the candid admission about her acting nerves. The conversation also touched on Kylie’s relationship with Stormi and Aire, her skincare routine, and her evolving style.

Kim’s role as older sister mentor was highlighted. Kim, who has taken on acting roles despite early criticism, encouraged Kylie to trust her instincts. The Kardashians have a history of supporting each other through career transitions, from Kourtney’s Poosh brand to Kendall’s modeling and runway shows.

The Importance of Mental Health and Grief

Jenner’s openness about her grief and doubt resonates with many fans who have experienced loss. By sharing her vulnerability, she normalizes the process of navigating professional commitments while dealing with personal tragedy. Mental health advocates have praised Jenner for being honest about needing time to heal and for seeking support from family rather than pushing through alone. Her story is a reminder that even successful celebrities face profound emotional challenges.

In the weeks following Guerrero’s death, Jenner took a brief hiatus from social media, posting only a few tributes and business updates. She returned with a renewed focus on her brand but also acknowledged the difficulty of moving forward. Her decision to follow through on her commitment to The Moment ultimately became a source of pride. “I was very scared to do this and very proud of myself when I did it,” she concluded on the podcast.

With The Moment set for a 2026 release, fans are eager to see how Jenner translates her fears into performance—and whether this experience will open the door to more acting roles in the future.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News