Warning: this article discusses body dysmorphia which some readers may find distressing.
Sam Claflin has revealed his ongoing battle with self-image issues after spending 15 years in Hollywood. The pressures of an appearance-focused industry have led him to develop ‘body dysmorphia.’
The British actor, who trained in theatre, first gained recognition in Hollywood with his role in the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, On Stranger Tides. From early on, he encountered challenges that would persist throughout his career.
During an interview on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast, Claflin discussed his personal struggles, including the industry’s disregard for actors’ bodily autonomy.
He shared with Cotton: “A lot of the roles I played earlier on in my career… I had a topless scene in one of my first movies, but it wasn’t in the script and I got told a week before they were going to [take] my top off.”
Claflin expressed how these expectations affected him, stating: “I was like, ‘Shit, I haven’t been working out, what am I going to do?’ This is my first introduction to the world.”
The actor, known for his roles in the Hunger Games series, admitted in the interview that his dysmorphia made it difficult to watch himself on screen. He told Cotton: “I’m incredibly insecure.
“I just went to a screening of a film I was in and everyone immediately afterwards [asked], ‘How was it?’ And [I was like,] ‘I hated it’. It’s my face I don’t like [it]’. When I was cast in ‘Pirates,’ I thought: ‘What on earth am I doing here?’”
According to Variety, this is not the first time Claflin has opened up about the negative impact of Hollywood’s expectations on his self-image. He once said: “There’s this Hollywood assumption that it’s the men with the six packs who sell the movie. So there was a pressure that was what I needed to look like.”
Claflin explained: “As a result, I developed a form of body dysmorphia. It wasn’t quite an eating disorder, and I’m not blaming anyone but myself, but it was definitely because of the industry I’m in.”
In a heartfelt moment on Cotton’s podcast, he elaborated on his struggles, saying: “I’ve been massively affected [by body dysmorphia]. I’d say most guys are, but I would say mine got quite bad…
“It’s a real struggle. It’s like an everyday struggle. I am massively impacted by what other people think and if they think I look good or am a nice person.”
Claflin’s candidness has resonated with many, as viewers related to the societal pressures affecting their self-image. One person commented, ‘hearing that Sam Claflin has body dysmorphia might just be the cure for body dysmorphia’.
His honesty also won over fans, with one stating: “Wow, I think I just fell in love with this man and his brutal vulnerability.
“So emotionally intelligent and aware. didn’t expect this interview at all, but I’m a fan for life. total walking green flag. I hope he finds the healing he deserves.”