Aimee Lou Wood, known for her roles in The White Lotus season 3 and Sex Education, shares her journey of overcoming body dysmorphia and mental health challenges. For her, acting serves as a platform for self-acceptance amid the pressures of Hollywood.
Wood has openly discussed her experiences with body dysmorphia, social anxiety, and bulimia in interviews with Harper’s Bazaar and Radio Times. Filming bikini scenes for The White Lotus triggered old insecurities associated with her teenage years.
“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.
By adopting her character Chelsea’s perspective, Wood managed to overcome her fears, turning a vulnerable moment into one of creative strength and growth.
Wood found encouragement from fellow actress Angelina Jolie and emphasizes how her roles reflect and help her confront personal battles. This openness about mental health is uncommon but deeply impactful.
“Acting became a battleground for self-acceptance,” Wood explains.
The Mayo Clinic defines body dysmorphia as an obsessive focus on perceived physical flaws, which can severely affect confidence and well-being—a reality Wood has faced personally.
Aimee Lou Wood’s candidness reveals how embracing vulnerability in her craft empowers her to challenge inner doubts and thrive in a demanding industry.
Summary: Aimee Lou Wood transforms her personal struggles with body dysmorphia and anxiety into empowerment through acting, using her roles to foster self-acceptance and resilience.