Rupert Everett, a veteran actor, uncovers the harsh realities of Hollywood’s body-image demands. Years dedicated to achieving the ideal leading-man physique have resulted in serious physical consequences for Everett. He disclosed to The Guardian, “I ruined myself. Now I’m almost crippled as a result.”
At 67, the “My Best Friend’s Wedding” star shared that the intense weightlifting during the 1980s and 1990s has left him grappling with long-term health issues. Everett recounted ignoring vital components of training that could have safeguarded his body from injury.
“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,” Everett remarked.
Despite acknowledging the importance of such exercises, Everett admitted bypassing them due to their tedious nature. “So boring. I didn’t do any of that. So now my demise will be musculoskeletal, I think,” he added.
Before resorting to weightlifting, Everett found alternative methods to enhance his physical appearance. He revealed wearing custom-made bodysuits, crafted to make him appear larger and more muscular, even while on movie 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 explained. “Yes [I wore them], in everything.”
These custom enhancements allowed him to project the image that he believed was necessary in the entertainment industry at the time. Everett maintained secrecy about the bodysuits from directors, stating: “No! I’d go into the fittings for the costumes with all my things on.”
Fox News Digital has contacted Everett for further comments.
Despite the physical toll, Everett has sustained a successful career across film, television, and theater, receiving recognition for roles in acclaimed projects like “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” “An Ideal Husband,” and “The Madness of King George.”
Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital, and story tips can be sent to her via email at [email protected] and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.
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