Helen Hunt has opened up about her struggles with the unrealistic beauty standards imposed by Hollywood, shedding light on the mental health challenges she faced in her earlier acting days. The star of “What Women Want” expressed during an interview with Flow Space that the pressure to conform to a specific look often led to feelings of misery and shame.
At 61, Hunt reflected on how difficult it was to avoid internalizing these standards. She remarked, “It felt impossible not to internalise the way you’re supposed to look,” emphasizing the significant toll such pressures can take on one’s well-being. She made a conscious decision to free herself from this burden, stating, “I realised, ‘This could quietly ruin your whole life.’” This revelation led her to prioritize her mental health over conforming to industry demands.
In the conversation, Hunt also reminisced about a painful experience at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, where she struggled to walk in open-toed heels, humorously stating, “I cannot walk… I cannot walk to get my drink at the bar or my In-N-Out Burger, which they serve.” She called for a new approach to women’s footwear, advocating for designs that do not sacrifice comfort.
Additionally, the acclaimed actress shared insights from a book that has influenced her perspective on health—the spiritual guide “The Only Diet There Is” by Sondra Ray. Hunt highlighted the importance of enjoying food, saying, “What I took from it is eat what you want and love every bite, period.”
This candid discussion serves as a reminder that embracing one’s true self and advocating for comfort over unrealistic ideals can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life. Helen Hunt’s journey reflects a positive shift toward self-acceptance in an industry often criticized for its narrow definitions of beauty.