In a recent interview, Jamie Lee Curtis, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in iconic films, opened up about the harsh criticism she faced early in her career. At 66 years old, Curtis reflected on her experience while filming the 1985 romance drama “Perfect,” directed by James Bridges. During this project, a remark from the cinematographer left a lasting impact on her self-image and led to significant decisions regarding her appearance.
During her conversation with Sharyn Alfonsi on a recent episode of “60 Minutes,” Curtis recounted a painful moment when the cinematographer remarked, “Yeah, I’m not shooting her today. Her eyes are baggy.” This comment came when she was only 25 years old. “For him to say that was very embarrassing,” Curtis recalled. The hurtful comment prompted her to undergo plastic surgery shortly after the film wrapped, a decision she later regretted. “That’s just not what you want to do when you’re 25 or 26,” she expressed candidly. “I regretted it immediately and have kind of, sort of regretted it since.”
Following her decision to have surgery, Curtis found herself entangled in a battle with addiction. “I became very enamored with the warm bath of an opiate,” she shared. Although she maintained a private life about her struggles, she acknowledged a growing dependency. Today, Curtis celebrates 26 years of sobriety, allowing her to view her past experiences through a more appreciative lens.
Reflecting on her time in “Perfect,” Curtis humorously noted, “Of course, I look really good in a leotard.” She even recreated her famous leotard scene during a guest appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, showcasing her enduring spirit and sense of humor about her past.
This isn’t the first time Curtis has discussed the damaging comments made by the cinematographer, Gordon Willis. In a 2019 interview with The New Yorker, she revealed that the remark about her appearance led to her decision to undergo surgery. The comment left her feeling “mortified and so embarrassed,” prompting her to seek a solution that ultimately spiraled into a struggle with addiction.
In her reflections, Curtis expressed her concerns about the trend of plastic surgery in today’s society. “I tried plastic surgery and it didn’t work. It got me addicted to Vicodin. I’m 22 years sober now,” she stated in an interview with Fast Company. She criticized the current obsession with fillers and cosmetic procedures, warning that these practices could harm future generations. “Once you mess with your face, you can’t get it back,” she emphasized.
Furthermore, Curtis pointed out the negative effects of social media on self-perception, stating, “It’s like giving a chainsaw to a toddler.” The actress believes that the constant comparisons fostered by social media can lead to mental and spiritual anguish for young people. “All of us who are old enough know that it’s all a lie. It’s a real danger to young people,” she warned.
Throughout her journey, Curtis has become a strong advocate for embracing aging and self-love. “I’m trying to own it. Isn’t that what life is supposed to be?” she shared in a 2024 interview with Today. The actress believes that acceptance of oneself at every stage is crucial. “We have to own who we are, be who we are, and be in full acceptance of who we are and what we’re not,” she remarked.
Moreover, Curtis has shifted her perspective on the need to please others. After nearly 25 years of sobriety, she reflected on the lessons learned in recovery: “People aren’t pleased when you stop people-pleasing … It was as if the greatest sage arrived on me.” Her newfound confidence allows her to express her thoughts honestly, saying, “I say what I mean, I mean what I say, and I try not to say it mean.”
In summary, Jamie Lee Curtis’s journey illustrates the importance of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of criticism and societal pressures. Her candid reflections serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by many individuals in the pursuit of beauty and acceptance.
