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Kate Winslet On Showing Her Real Body On-Screen: “That’s Not F–ing Brave”

Photo Credit: Samir Hussein / WireImage / Getty Images
Photo Credit: Samir Hussein / WireImage / Getty Images

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet has been making headlines, not just for her portrayal of the iconic Lee Miller in the upcoming film Lee, but also for her unapologetic stance on body positivity and authenticity in the film industry. Winslet, known for her bold performances and outspoken nature, recently shared her views on what it means to be truly comfortable in one’s own skin, challenging Hollywood’s often narrow standards of beauty.

Lee outlines the life of a war heroine

Headshot of Lee Miller beside a headshot of Kate Winslet. Both in WWII army gear.
Kate Winslet stars as Lee Miller in the film ‘Lee.’ (Photo Credit: U.S. Army Official Photograph / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 and Sky Cinema / StudioCanal / yassi / MovieStillsDB)

The upcoming film Lee takes audiences back in time to the remarkable life of Lee Miller, a woman whose career spanned from fashion model to groundbreaking war correspondent. Miller began her journey in New York City as a fashion model before moving to Paris, where she established herself as a fashion and fine art photographer. When World War II erupted, Miller became a war correspondent for Vogue, capturing some of the most harrowing and historical moments of the 20th century, including the London Blitz, the liberation of Paris, and the horrors of the concentration camps at Buchenwald and Dachau.

In the film, Winslet steps into the shoes of this fearless woman, bringing to life not only Miller’s professional achievements but also her personal struggles. The film includes some nude scenes, and Winslet was determined to present her body honestly on screen–something that is often hailed as “brave” for female actresses. She told Time magazine, “That’s not f***ing brave. I’m not an ex-postmaster fighting for justice. I’m not in Ukraine. I’m doing a job that matters to me.” She has been vocal about the scrutiny female actors face when they choose to appear without makeup or when they show their bodies on camera. “We’re just doing our job.”

Winslet refused to hide her “belly rolls”

Kate Winslet laying on her side.
Winslet refused to adjust herself in order to hide her “belly rolls.” (Photo Credit: Sky Cinema / StudioCanal / yassi / MovieStillsDB)

During the filming of Lee, Winslet encountered an incident that highlighted the pressure in Hollywood on women to conform to certain beauty standards. She recounted to Harper’s Bazaar UK how a crew member implied that she should adjust her posture to conceal her “belly rolls.” It was during a scene where she was wearing a bathing suit.

Winslet was quick to shut down the suggestion, stating, “There’s a bit where Lee’s sitting on a bench in a bikini. And one of the crew came up between takes and said: ‘You might want to sit up straighter.’ So you can’t see my belly rolls? Not on your life! It was deliberate, you know?” Winslet made a point to ensure that her body was visible in its natural state during the simple act of sitting on a bench.

She goes bare-faced and is proud of it

Headshot of Kate Winslet.
She is proud of her natural beauty and age. (Photo Credit: Sky Cinema / StudioCanal / yassi / MovieStillsDB)

When asked whether she minds looking “less-than-perfect” on screen, Winslet’s response was clear and resolute: “The opposite. I take pride in it because it is my life on my face, and that matters. It wouldn’t occur to me to cover that up.” Winslet philosophy is about embracing one’s true self. “People know better than to say, ‘You might wanna do something about those wrinkles,'” Winslet added. “I’m more comfortable in myself as each year passes. It enables me to allow the opinions of others to evaporate.”

More from us: Jamie Lee Curtis Expresses Her Deep Respect for Pamela Anderson and How She Navigated the “B.S. Of Show Business”

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Lee is set to release on September 27, 2024.

Samantha Franco

Samantha Franco is a Freelance Content Writer who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Guelph, and her Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Western Ontario. Her research focused on Victorian, medical, and epidemiological history with a focus on childhood diseases. Stepping away from her academic career, Samantha previously worked as a Heritage Researcher and now writes content for multiple sites covering an array of historical topics.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys reading, knitting, and hanging out with her dog, Chowder!

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