Dakota Fanning Says Having Kids Is 'More Important' to Her Than Being an Actor: 'Always Felt That Pull'

Dakota Fanning has her eyes set on an important role off-camera: becoming a mom.

In an interview with PORTER, the Ripley star, 30, explained that as she's set up her career, she's made sure to leave herself with the option to start a family. "Being an actor is a huge part of my identity. I don't really know who I am without it," Fanning told the outlet.

"But I also have a desire to set up my life and career so that I always have a choice," Fanning continued. "Having kids is probably more important to me than anything, even being an actor. If somebody said I had to choose, I would choose having kids. I'm one of those people who has always felt that pull."

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Though she doesn't know when she'll start a family or how much she'll want to work at that time, The Watchers actress said she's taking advantage of adventures now.

"I'm trying to push myself to keep saying yes to things that make me uncomfortable, to keep going to places for long periods of time that maybe I'm scared to do because — God willing — one day, it won't be as easy."

In February, Fanning celebrated her 30th birthday, with her sister Elle penning a lengthy tribute in her honor.

“Anyone who knows Dakota knows she has dreamt of turning 30 since she was a teenager,” wrote Elle. “February 23, 1994 the world got brighter and more beautiful. I could sit and listen to you talk for hours, in fact that is my favorite place to be…absorbing your advice, your fascinating view of the world (things you ARE and AREN’T “interested” in).”

Elle noted that she “always felt safest with you by my side. She is the epitome of what a big sister should be. She’s absolutely nuts 😂but will fight for her friends till the bitter end. I love you I love you I love you.”