Aimee Lou Wood Found Strength in Her White Lotus Role Amid Body Dysmorphia
Aimee Lou Wood shared how embodying her character Chelsea in HBO's The White Lotus helped her face body dysmorphia during filming. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, the 31-year-old actress explained how playing Chelsea empowered her confidence.
Facing Body Dysmorphia on Set
Wood revealed that filming scenes in a bikini triggered body dysmorphia she had struggled with as a teenager. The Mayo Clinic defines this condition as a mental health issue where one obsessively worries about perceived flaws in their appearance.
“I shook myself out of it by thinking, ‘It’s not about whether Aimee wants to show her body or not – Chelsea does,’” Wood told Harper's Bazaar.
Empowerment Through Acting
Wood noted that adopting Chelsea’s perspective helped her overcome insecurities. She appreciates the opportunity acting provides to explore different aspects of herself, even though it can take time to detach from a character after filming.
Personal Reflection
Ultimately, Wood enjoys how the process strengthens her and shapes her understanding of confidence.
Author's summary: Aimee Lou Wood used her role in The White Lotus to confront and overcome long-standing body dysmorphia, finding empowerment through her character's confidence.