Hollywood star Kate Winslet is making waves once again, but this time, it’s not just for her stellar acting chops. The Oscar-winning actress has been a vocal advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance, and her latest comments are a breath of fresh air in an industry obsessed with perfection. In a candid interview with Harper’s Bazaar U.K., Winslet revealed her unwavering stance on embracing her natural self, even in front of the camera.
Embracing Authenticity in “Lee”
In her upcoming film “Lee,” which is set to premiere in the U.K. this September, Kate Winslet portrays the iconic fashion model and photographer Elizabeth “Lee” Miller. Known for her work as a war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II, Miller was a figure of resilience and authenticity—qualities Winslet channeled while preparing for the role.
To embody Miller’s character authentically, Winslet decided to stop exercising before filming, aiming for a more natural, period-accurate look. She recounted a memorable moment on set involving a bikini scene. “There’s a bit where Lee’s sitting on a bench in a bikini,” she shared. “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?”
Defying Hollywood’s Beauty Standards
At 48, Kate Winslet has no interest in conforming to Hollywood’s often unrealistic beauty standards. Instead, she takes pride in her natural appearance, viewing it as a testament to her life experiences. “I take pride in it because it is my life on my face, and that matters,” she stated. “It wouldn’t occur to me to cover that up.”
Her stance on cosmetic work is equally refreshing. “I think people know better than to say, ‘You might wanna do something about those wrinkles.’ I’m more comfortable in myself as each year passes. It enables me to allow the opinions of others to evaporate.”
A Heartwarming Bond with Leonardo DiCaprio
Winslet also shared a touching anecdote about her long-time friendship with Leonardo DiCaprio. The duo, who first captured our hearts in the iconic “Titanic,” later reunited for “Revolutionary Road.” Winslet recalled a dream where she gave DiCaprio a paperweight inscribed with the message: “Wherever you go, I will go too,” and he reciprocated with a ring bearing the same sentiment.
“I told him the dream and he cried,” Winslet revealed. “Let’s say he was very moved. And at the end of the shoot, we’d gone and done it for each other.” She still treasures the ring, a symbol of their enduring bond. “We’ve known each other a long time! I’ve known Leo longer than I’ve known my children and my husband!”
Battling Criticism and Inspiring the Next Generation
Reflecting on her career, Winslet spoke about the harsh criticism she faced following the success of “Titanic” in 1997. “There were definitely times… in the industry, the media at the time, I mean, thank God this has changed. It [was] incredibly, incredibly critical of how young actresses looked and I kind of got the rough end of that stick in a way that was extremely unfair,” she told Mona in an earlier interview.
Now, she finds joy in seeing young actresses embrace their bodies and careers. “It brings me enormous amounts of pleasure.”
Championing Strong Female Roles
In 2022, Winslet talked to “Extra” about her empowering role in “Avatar: The Way of Water,” where she played a fearless warrior. “We need that, we need female goddess leaders,” she emphasized, hoping her performance would inspire women over 40. “Women often think that we start to diminish, actually, at this kind of an age. No, we become more woman, we become more powerful, more ourselves, sexier and stronger.”
A Role Model for All Ages
Kate Winslet continues to be a beacon of authenticity and strength, challenging societal norms and encouraging self-love. Her journey through Hollywood, filled with ups and downs, serves as an inspiration to many. Whether she’s taking on powerful roles or speaking out about body positivity, Winslet remains a true icon, proving that real beauty lies in embracing oneself, flaws and all.
Stay tuned for more updates on Kate Winslet and her upcoming projects. This Hollywood star is far from done making her mark, both on screen and off.
FAQs
What film is Kate Winslet promoting with her recent comments on body positivity?
Kate Winslet is promoting her upcoming film “Lee,” where she plays fashion model and photographer Elizabeth “Lee” Miller.
How did Kate Winslet prepare for her role in “Lee”?
Winslet stopped exercising ahead of filming to look “authentically soft” for the period and embraced her natural body during scenes.
What did Kate Winslet say about her natural appearance?
Winslet takes pride in her natural appearance, viewing it as a testament to her life experiences, and has no interest in covering up her natural look.
What touching story did Kate Winslet share about Leonardo DiCaprio?
Winslet shared a story about exchanging gifts with DiCaprio during the filming of “Revolutionary Road,” where they gave each other items inscribed with the message: “Wherever you go, I will go too.”
How did Kate Winslet handle criticism after “Titanic”?
Winslet faced harsh criticism about her looks but now finds joy in seeing young actresses embrace their bodies and careers.
What message did Kate Winslet convey about women over 40?
Winslet emphasized that women over 40 become more powerful, themselves, sexier, and stronger, countering the notion that they start to diminish with age.
