Aimee Lou Wood shared how portraying her character Chelsea in the HBO series The White Lotus helped her face body dysmorphia during filming. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, the 31-year-old actress explained that the experience brought back insecurities she had since her teenage years.
Wood revealed that filming scenes in a bikini triggered thoughts linked to her body dysmorphia, described by the Mayo Clinic as an obsession with perceived flaws in appearance. She explained how she managed to overcome this challenge by drawing strength from Chelsea’s confidence.
"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.
Playing Chelsea empowered Wood to boost her self-confidence despite her struggles. She acknowledged that while it sometimes takes time to separate herself from her roles, she ultimately values what the acting process teaches her.
"It's precisely what I enjoy about my job," Wood said.
The actress’s candid reflections give insight into the personal growth acting can inspire, especially when it challenges one’s vulnerabilities.
Author's summary: Aimee Lou Wood used her character Chelsea in The White Lotus to confront body dysmorphia, turning personal struggle into newfound confidence during filming.