Rupert Everett Reveals Harsh Realities of Hollywood’s Body-Image Pressure

Rupert Everett has opened up about the harsh realities of Hollywood’s body-image expectations. The seasoned actor shared how his quest for the perfect leading-man physique has led to severe physical issues.

“I ruined myself. Now I’m almost crippled as a result,” Everett told The Guardian. The “My Best Friend’s Wedding” star, now 67, explained that his dedication to intense weightlifting during the 1980s and 1990s caused long-term health problems.

He admitted to neglecting critical training practices, like stretching, which might have prevented injuries. “I could never be bothered to do all those things, like stretching, which were necessary for lifting weights, because your tendons get tighter and tighter,” he said. “So boring. I didn’t do any of that. So now my demise will be musculoskeletal, I think.”

Before resorting to weightlifting, Everett had other strategies to enhance his appearance. He revealed that he secretly wore custom-made bodysuits designed to create a more muscular look—even on film sets. “I met these two queens in Tufnell Park [north London] who made bodysuits, and they made me a false bottom, false calves, false shoulders, false everything,” Everett shared.

He kept this a secret from directors, saying he wore the enhancements during costume fittings without anyone knowing. These bodysuits helped him present the image he believed was expected at the time.

Throughout his career, Everett has been celebrated for his roles in film, television, and theater, with notable performances in projects like “An Ideal Husband” and “The Madness of King George.”

Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this article and can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @SGiangPaunon.