Kate Winslet, known for her openness, has once again been candid about her experiences on set. In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she shared a surprising moment from her latest film, Lee. During a scene where her character is wearing a bikini, a crew member suggested she sit up straighter to hide her belly rolls. Winslet responded firmly, “So you can’t see my belly rolls? Not on your life!” She added that this was a deliberate choice, highlighting her commitment to authenticity in her role.
Winslet also revealed that she intentionally stopped working out before filming to ensure her body looked softer, aligning with her role’s requirements. When asked if she cared about her body appearing “less than perfect,” she countered, “the opposite.” She takes pride in her natural appearance, considering it a reflection of her life and experiences.
During the interview, Winslet expressed optimism about society’s evolving view on women’s bodies, feeling relieved that more women are embracing themselves and rejecting judgment. She reflected on her own upbringing, noting that her mother never expressed positive feelings about her appearance, often criticizing herself instead.
Winslet has been open about her past struggles with body image and bullying. In 2016, she discussed being bullied as a child for being “chubby” and faced envy from peers as she started acting. Her weight was also a topic of media scrutiny during the global success of Titanic.
In 2003, Winslet called out British GQ for altering her cover photo to make her look thinner, which they later admitted. More recently, in 2021, she instructed Mare of Easttown director Craig Zobel to keep her body unretouched during intimate scenes.
Winslet’s candidness about her body image and her commitment to authenticity in her roles continue to resonate with fans and highlight her advocacy for realistic and positive body representation.