Speaking to an audience of around 12,000, including many young individuals, Winslet shared that she was labeled ‘Blubber’ and ridiculed for her passion for acting.
Recalling how she was confined in a cupboard while others laughed at her, the actress expressed how the harsh words and actions made her feel terrible.
Throughout her childhood, Winslet found herself constantly comparing herself to others, feeling inadequate and undeserving.
She recounted being told that she was not attractive enough and that her acting opportunities would be limited to roles for heavier actresses.
Despite the hurtful comments and rejections she faced, Winslet refused to let the negativity hold her back, striving to rise above the criticism and pursue her dreams of becoming a respected actress.
The 41-year-old star admitted that she always harbored insecurities about her appearance, believing that she fell short of societal standards.
However, instead of succumbing to self-doubt, Winslet decided to defy the odds and dedicate herself to honing her craft, determined to prove her detractors wrong.
She reminisced about her early acting endeavors in school plays, where she seldom landed significant roles but remained undeterred by the setbacks.
Whether cast as a crocodile, scarecrow, or dark fairy, Winslet poured her heart into each performance, fueled by her unwavering passion for acting.
Reflecting on her past encounters with bullying, Winslet emphasized that her journey to success in Hollywood served as a form of retribution against those who had belittled her in the past.
She revealed in a previous interview with the Today show that her triumph over adversity and attainment of a fulfilling career symbolized her ultimate revenge against those who had targeted her for her weight and budding acting career during her teenage years.
With a sense of pride and contentment in her accomplishments, Winslet asserted that her thriving career, coupled with her happy family life, stood as a testament to her resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
