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Moms have an uncanny ability to know exactly what to say, and they’re often the first to provide both encouragement and constructive criticism. Whether it’s cheering you on during tough times or reminding you that you can do better, their insights come from a place of love. Recently, Sebastian Stan experienced this blend of support and tough love when his mother visited him.
In a recent episode of The A24 Podcast, Stan shared a humorous yet relatable moment with his mom. He affectionately began by saying, “My mom, okay, I love her,” before recounting her surprising advice: “Be a little less intense with your face.” While it’s a common trope for mothers to offer quirky advice to their adult children, it’s particularly entertaining coming from Stan’s mom, especially given his striking and memorable appearance.
Her comments didn’t stop there. She candidly suggested, “I know you’re an actor and everything, but maybe you can express a little less, because I can see these lines.” She even recommended that he start moisturizing. It’s a sentiment that many can relate to; even successful actors aren’t immune to their mothers’ observations about their looks!
Given the intense roles Stan typically embodies—from the mean-spirited Carter in Gossip Girl to the troubled Tommy Lee in Pam & Tommy and the villainous Steve in Fresh—it’s somewhat amusing to think about how he could dial down the intensity of his expressions. These characters don’t exactly lend themselves to light-heartedness, which might explain why Stan’s mom felt the need to offer her advice.
In addition to his charming looks, Stan has been making waves with his recent performance as Edward in A Different Man, a role that delves into the complexities of living with neurofibromatosis. During the podcast, he and host Colman Domingo discussed the emotional range he displayed in this character. Edward, inspired by the life of Adam Pearson—who was also the focus of David Lynch’s The Elephant Man—faces significant challenges, and Stan’s portrayal aims to bring empathy and understanding to the forefront.
The makeup process for this role was extensive, with artist Mike Marino creating prosthetics based on Edward’s 3D scans. Stan recounted a telling moment when he stepped out of the film set and into a coffee shop in NYC, noting how people stared at him. “As Adam puts it, you feel like public property,” he explained, reflecting on the experience of being seen differently.
While he may be known for his striking looks, Stan possesses depth and kindness that shine through in his interviews. Discussing A Different Man with Slant Magazine, he emphasized the importance of empathy in our lives: “I believe we all get born and are brought into this world with empathy… I wish we led with it more than other reasons.” This insight adds another layer to his public persona, showcasing that he is more than just a pretty face—he has a profound understanding of human emotions and experiences.
So while Stan’s mom might worry about the lines on his face, it’s clear that he’s doing just fine. Mothers, after all, have their own perspectives and often find things to nitpick, even in the performances of their star children. One can only imagine the opinions she might have about his role in the cannibalistic horror film Fresh. Regardless, Stan continues to prove that he’s not just a talented actor but also someone with a compassionate heart, making him even more appealing to his fans.