Aimee Lou Wood on Finding Her Voice with Support from Angelina Jolie
Actor Aimee Lou Wood shared how she learned to assert herself during the filming of Anxious People, a Marc Forster film featuring Angelina Jolie. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she reflected on her journey toward confidence after confronting a “mean and unfunny” impersonation of her on Saturday Night Live.
Learning to Speak Up on Set
Lou Wood recalled becoming anxious while shooting an emotional scene, overwhelmed by multiple crew members shouting directions. She asked for clarity and calm by requesting only one person to guide her and no distracting gestures nearby.
“I’ve spent years feeling unable to say anything like that for fear of seeming argumentative – but now I feel like I can take ownership of what I need to thrive, and tell people what won’t work for me,” said Lou Wood.
After she spoke up, Lou Wood noticed Angelina Jolie acknowledging her with a supportive gesture.
“When I spoke up, all I could see was Angelina giving me a thumbs up. She’s possibly the most famous woman ever, but she’s so normal.”
Aftermath of the SNL Incident
Lou Wood also described how addressing the SNL sketch felt empowering, equating it to breaking a cycle of silence linked to her experience of being bullied in childhood. The sketch had mocked her appearance in The White Lotus Season 3 through an exaggerated parody set in Thailand.
“It felt like breaking a pattern of not standing up for myself,” she said. “That moment made me realize I don’t have to stay quiet to keep the peace.”
Resilience and Growth
Despite the discomfort these public moments caused, Lou Wood expressed gratitude for the personal growth they sparked, crediting supportive figures like Jolie for reinforcing her confidence.
Author’s summary: Aimee Lou Wood described how speaking up for herself on set, with Angelina Jolie’s encouragement, helped her overcome anxiety and gain lasting confidence.