Aimee Lou Wood opens up on body dysmorphia, Hollywood pressures & Angelina Jolie’s support: “I Found My Voice”

Actress Aimee Lou Wood is opening up about how The White Lotus and her latest project with Angelina Jolie helped her overcome body dysmorphia and rediscover confidence both on and off screen.

In a candid interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the 31-year-old actress, best known for her roles in Sex Education and The White Lotus, revealed that stepping into character as Chelsea in the HBO series forced her to confront lingering insecurities from her teenage years.

“Knowing I had to film in a bikini brought back body dysmorphia I had as a teenager,” she said. “But I shook myself out of it by thinking, it’s not about whether Aimee wants to show her body — Chelsea does.”

Wood’s honesty has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom see her as a symbol of vulnerability and strength amid the pressures of fame.

How The White Lotus Helped Aimee Lou Wood Confront Body Dysmorphia

Wood admitted that filming in revealing outfits triggered memories of body-image struggles, including bulimia and social anxiety she faced growing up. She said acting became a powerful outlet for self-acceptance.

“Acting has always been a safe place for me to work out my feelings,” she explained. “It hits me in the heart, in the gut.”

Beyond her performance, The White Lotus became a form of therapy, a space where she channeled her personal challenges into creative expression.

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Angelina Jolie’s Support on the Set of Anxious People

Wood also spoke to Deadline about a powerful moment on the set of Marc Forster’s upcoming film Anxious People, where she stars alongside Angelina Jolie.

While shooting an emotional scene, Wood requested calm on set after feeling overwhelmed by multiple directions being shouted at her.

“I’ve spent years feeling unable to say anything like that for fear of seeming argumentative,” Wood said. “But when I spoke up, all I could see was Angelina giving me a thumbs up.”

She described Jolie as “possibly the most famous woman ever, but so normal.” The moment marked a turning point for Wood, one where she realized she could advocate for herself without fear of backlash.

Breaking the Cycle: From SNL Parody to Personal Empowerment

Earlier this year, Wood also addressed a controversial Saturday Night Live sketch that mocked her White Lotus character’s appearance. The skit, featuring exaggerated prosthetic teeth, came after the actress had spoken publicly about being bullied for her smile.

Calling the parody “mean and unfunny,” Wood said standing up to it felt like “breaking a pattern” of silence, one that dated back to her school days.

Her resilience has become a defining theme, showing how Hollywood pressures can be met with grace, humor, and assertiveness.

Aimee Lou Wood’s Next Chapter: From The White Lotus to The Beatles Biopic

Wood’s rise continues. She’s set to star as Pattie Boyd in Sam Mendes’ upcoming project The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event, slated for release in 2028.

Despite battling anxiety and ADHD, the actress said she’s learned to embrace authenticity:

“The exhaustion and shame come from covering things up,” she told Radio Times. “It’s freeing when you say, my brain doesn’t work like that.”

With new roles and a stronger sense of self, Aimee Lou Wood is emerging not only as one of Britain’s brightest talents but also as a voice for mental health awareness and body positivity.

FAQ –  Aimee Lou Wood

1. Who is Aimee Lou Wood?

Aimee Lou Wood is a British actress known for her breakout role as Aimee Gibbs in Netflix’s Sex Education and as Chelsea in HBO’s The White Lotus.

2. What did Aimee Lou Wood say about her body dysmorphia?

Wood revealed that filming The White Lotus triggered her body dysmorphia but also helped her overcome it by channeling her character’s confidence.

3. How did Angelina Jolie support Aimee Lou Wood on set?

While filming Anxious People, Angelina Jolie gave Wood a supportive thumbs up after she calmly asked for clearer direction during a stressful scene.

4. What is Aimee Lou Wood’s role in Anxious People?

She plays Grace, a reluctant bank robber whose actions lead to a chaotic hostage situation in the upcoming Marc Forster film co-starring Angelina Jolie.

5. Why did Aimee Lou Wood criticize Saturday Night Live?

Wood spoke out against an SNL sketch that mocked her White Lotus character, saying it was “mean and unfunny.” She said speaking up helped her “break a pattern” of silence.

6. Has Aimee Lou Wood spoken about mental health before?

Yes. She has been open about her experiences with bulimia, social anxiety, and ADHD, emphasizing that self-acceptance and honesty are key to healing.

7. What upcoming projects does Aimee Lou Wood have?

She will portray Pattie Boyd in Sam Mendes’ The Beatles, A Four-Film Cinematic Event, set for release in 2028.

8. What does Aimee Lou Wood say about fame and Hollywood?

Wood described Los Angeles as “emotionally bulimic,” noting that constant attention can be overwhelming but that speaking up helps her stay grounded.

9. What lesson does Aimee Lou Wood share with fans?

She encourages authenticity and self-expression, saying: “The people that get me, get me, it’s freeing when you stop trying to please everyone.”

10. Where can fans watch Aimee Lou Wood’s recent work?

All three seasons of The White Lotus are available on HBO Max, and her upcoming film Anxious People is currently in production.