Rupert Everett Speaks on Hollywood’s Body-Image Expectations

Rupert Everett has opened up about the pressures of maintaining a certain physique in Hollywood. The seasoned actor revealed that efforts to achieve the ideal leading-man body have had severe physical repercussions over the years.

“I ruined myself. Now I’m almost crippled as a result,” he admitted in an interview with The Guardian.

“I could never be bothered to do all those things, like stretching, which were necessary for lifting weights,” Everett lamented.

Best known for his role in “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” the 67-year-old actor reflected on his intense weightlifting routines in the 1980s and 1990s. These activities have left him with long-term health issues. He acknowledged ignoring crucial training practices that could have prevented injuries.

Before dedicating himself to weightlifting, Everett found alternative methods to enhance his appearance. He secretly used custom-made bodysuits to appear more muscular and robust, even wearing them on movie sets.

“I met these two gentlemen in Tufnell Park who crafted bodysuits, and they created false body parts for me,” Everett shared. “I wore them in everything.”

These enhancements allowed him to project the image demanded by the entertainment industry during that era. He confirmed that directors remained unaware of his use of bodysuits.

Throughout his career, Everett has made a significant mark in film, television, and theater. His acclaimed roles include parts in “An Ideal Husband” and “The Madness of King George.”

Inquiries about the story can be directed to entertainment writer Stephanie Giang-Paunon via email: [email protected], or on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.