Jessica Biel is looking back on her time on the popular TV show 7th Heaven, and she's sharing some surprising memories. In a new interview with InStyle, the actress talks about what it was like to play the role of Mary Camden, and what she remembers most about filming the series.

A "Sisterly Relationship" with Beverley Mitchell

Biel says that her on-screen sister Beverley Mitchell, who played Lucy Camden, was tough to work with, but in a good way." "I pushed her buttons," Biel admits. "It was such a sisterly relationship. I think I did it because I looked up to her and I loved her. We got under each other's skin in the best way possible."

The Camaraderie on Set

Biel says that the vibe on the 7th Heaven set was very much like that of a real family - both for better and for worse. "What I remember most, probably, is the camaraderie of all the kids," she shares. Biel and Mitchell would often post about their love for each other on Instagram and would frequently reunite, including a recent charitable event in late 2024.

Breaking Out of the "Girlfriend" Roles

After 7th Heaven, the actress found herself landing roles that weren't exactly what she was looking for long-term, namely "playing the girlfriend." "It felt creatively uninteresting," she says. "It was at a time when men's stories were really important. Where's my Mad Men? It just felt like a bummer, like, When is somebody going to see that I have more to offer them?"

Launching Her Own Company

Those questions led her to launch her own production company, Iron Ocean Productions, with friend and producer Michelle Purple in 2007. This ultimately led her to her Emmy-nominated role in The Sinner in 2018. "It's been a breath of fresh air to have a completely different kind of performance," she tells InStyle. "A different creative experience."

What's Next for Jessica Biel

Biel's next project is The Better Sister, which premieres on May 29 on Prime Video. She'll be starring alongside Elizabeth Banks in the new drama.

For more on Jessica Biel and her latest projects, check out this article and this one.