In the August issue of Vogue, Claire Danes talks at length about her family, playing Carrie Mathison on Homeland and her preparation for that role. 

The big news is that after receiving critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for playing Temple Grandin, she couldn’t find work. For nearly two years, Danes couldn’t find any roles which weren’t “the girl.” At that point, Danes said she almost considered changing careers because she couldn’t deal with the lack of good work.

It was confusing. I got a lot of plaudits, and it didn’t translate into more work. I was really, really struggling during that time. It was grim. I was
very hurt. Two years of not working was brutal. And a point came where I thought, I really like interior design. Someone suggested, ‘Maybe your real
success is in your personal life.’ 

Lucky for us, soon after, Danes nabbed her career changing role on Homeland. But Danes’ struggle to find a great role is a true testament to how much more we need complex female roles out there.