Christina Ricci recently opened up about a tumultuous period in her life during an interview with Demi Lovato for the Hulu documentary *Child Star*. Reflecting on her upbringing, Ricci described her home environment as chaotic and fraught with conflict.

She revealed that her father, who had aspirations of leading a cult, exhibited extreme narcissism and physical violence, contributing to a constant sense of instability and fear in their household.

Despite these challenges, Ricci found solace in the film and television industry. She shared that the sets provided a sense of safety and normalcy, contrasting sharply with the unpredictable and dangerous environment at home. On set, she felt secure and free from the turmoil that plagued her personal life, which offered her a much-needed refuge.

Ricci’s early life in New Jersey was marked by significant family strife, including her parents’ divorce when she was 13, just after she had completed filming *Addams Family Values*. Her relationship with her father deteriorated over time, and they eventually became estranged. Ricci’s experiences during this period shaped her perspective on personal boundaries and self-care.

Her father, who worked as a therapist specializing in primal scream therapy, created a disturbing atmosphere at home. Family dinners were mandatory, during which he would impart his cynical views on life, including his belief in inherent self-interest and a lack of genuine kindness. Ricci described him as paranoid and expressed that his negative outlook on life was a projection of his own issues.

Despite her father’s influence, Ricci chose to reject his pessimistic worldview. She made a conscious decision to protect herself from his toxic beliefs and maintain a more positive perspective on life. This determination to distance herself from her father’s negativity and prioritize her own well-being became a crucial part of her journey toward emotional resilience.