Florence Pugh, at 27 years old, recently opened up about the pressure she faced in Hollywood to conform to beauty standards by shedding weight for a role.
In an interview with Time for their “Next Generation Leaders” feature, Pugh delved into her thoughts on the industry’s expectations.
Following her success in Lady Macbeth, she ventured into the world of WWE as a wrestler alongside Dwayne Johnson in the movie Fighting With My Family.
Recalling a past experience where she was body-shamed by a former employer, Pugh expressed contentment with her portrayal of a strong female wrestler with muscles and thick thighs in Fighting With My Family.
She contrasted this empowering role with the negativity she had previously encountered, stating that being told to lose weight did not align with her authentic self.
Discussing her approach to portraying leading characters, Pugh shared her tendency to infuse each role with a confrontational personality trait, emphasizing her deep understanding of complex characters.
Even when her characters engage in morally questionable actions, such as killing or burning, Pugh strives to humanize them, viewing their actions as survival instincts.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment from her past, Pugh recounted an incident during an interview with The Telegraph, where she detailed the pressures to alter her appearance for a TV pilot role at the age of 19.
Rejecting the industry’s demands to change her physical attributes, she emphasized her commitment to authenticity and her aversion to conforming to unrealistic beauty ideals.
After the TV pilot fell through, Pugh returned to England and landed a role in Lady Macbeth, reigniting her passion for acting and reaffirming her love for the art of cinema.
She highlighted the importance of maintaining her voice and individuality in an industry that often tries to mold performers according to predefined standards.
In a candid discussion with Vogue, Pugh addressed the societal pressures surrounding body image and the impact it has on women.
She acknowledged the transformative nature of growing up and navigating changing perceptions of beauty and self-image.
Throughout her career, Pugh has remained steadfast in her refusal to conform to traditional industry norms, asserting her independence and resilience in the face of expectations.
Reflecting on her journey in Hollywood, Pugh revealed the challenges she faced early in her career due to her non-conformity.
Despite the initial confusion her unconventional approach caused, she remained resolute in her stance against compromising her beliefs for the sake of opportunity.
Pugh’s unwavering commitment to authenticity serves as a beacon of empowerment for aspiring actors navigating the complex terrain of the entertainment industry.
