From her stunning big-screen moments to her equally impressive performances on the small screen, award-winning actress Kate Winslet has always managed to wow audiences regardless of her role. However, during the Titanic star’s recent chat with The Sunday Times, Winslet revealed that she’d experienced her share of undesirable aspects of the entertainment industry thanks to cruel remarks from a former agent. The actor said that early in her career, her former agent told the Little Children star to settle for so-called “fat girl” roles.
“It can be extremely negative,” the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind actor stated. She added, “People are subject to scrutiny that is more than a young, vulnerable person can cope with. But in the film industry it is really changing. When I was younger my agent would get calls saying, ‘How’s her weight?’ I kid you not. So it’s heartwarming that this has started to change.” Nonetheless, despite these negative experiences, Winslet pushed through and remained determined to thrive in the industry.
Kate Winslet Wasn’t Going To Let Criticism Stop Her From Finding Success
While the harsh scrutiny affected Winslet, the remarks about her appearance certainly didn’t turn the Emmy-winning star into a wallflower. The Mare of Easttown actor told the outlet that nowadays, she chooses her roles carefully. “I make each decision with integrity,” Winslet proudly stated. She then remarked that it’s crucial for her to be picky instead of simply taking any part that comes along. Likewise, this choice isn’t something that the star takes lightly.
“If I go to work now, it’s going to hurt,” the Revolutionary Road star said. She then went on to state, “As a middle-aged woman I care about being that actor who moves their face and has a body that jiggles. If I can tell a story that resonates with people enough it might make them think about their lives differently.” Additionally, Winslet stated that when she takes on a new role, she wants the part to make her feel “challenged and terrified. I want to feel like a bag of smashed crabs.”
But regardless of her previous negative experiences, Winslet is happy to see a shift in how women are treated in the entertainment industry as well as a change in how today’s generation views themselves. “When I was younger you spoke when spoken to. That is not the case now. Young women are stronger. And they’re prouder of their bodies.” With evident pride, the star added, “My daughter’s generation have an ability to speak for themselves. They have already learnt that they will be heard. Obviously not in every situation, but they know how to use their voice — especially young women. That’s striking to me.”
