In a recent interview, British actress Daisy Ridley opened up about the toll that starring in the iconic 'Star Wars' franchise took on her mental health. Ridley, who portrayed the character Rey in the trilogy comprising 'The Force Awakens,' 'The Last Jedi,' and 'The Rise of Skywalker,' revealed to Inverse magazine that the pressure and intensity of the role heightened her anxiety to the point where her overall health suffered. She even developed stomach issues during the filming of the second installment.
Ridley confessed that while she initially believed she was coping well with the demands, she later realized that what she considered normal was actually far from normal for others. Director J.J. Abrams had cautioned her about the magnitude of the part she was undertaking, emphasizing that 'Star Wars' was not simply a role in a movie—it was an entire cultural phenomenon that had a profound impact on people's lives.
Reflecting on her first experience watching herself onscreen, Ridley admitted that she initially believed she had ruined 'Star Wars.' However, with the passage of time, she has gained more perspective and grace for herself and the role she played. Now, she can recognize her younger self and reflect on how much she has grown since then.
Apart from anxiety, Ridley also shared that she was managing other health issues, including endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS, which has affected many women, caused hormonal imbalances that resulted in skin problems for the actress. It's worth noting that other celebrities, including Bebe Rexha, Sasha Pieterse, and Lea Michele, have openly discussed their struggles with PCOS.
While the stress of being part of the 'Star Wars' franchise weighed heavily on Ridley, she revealed that she experienced a sense of grief when the final film was released in 2019. The subsequent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to confront her feelings and emotions, as the resulting lockdown compelled her to pause and reflect. Ridley acknowledged that her time in isolation was unexpectedly helpful in processing everything she had been through.
Recently, Ridley starred in a new film called 'Sometimes I Think About Dying,' a romantic comedy that explores the journey of a socially awkward woman trying to connect with a friendly co-worker. The experience of making this film post-lockdown had a significant impact on Ridley's perspective. She expressed that the film's message is rooted in the importance of human connection, as it highlights the fact that we are all battling our own demons that may not be visible to others. Responding to life's challenges with kindness, grace, and warmth, Ridley believes, is the best approach we can take.
Ultimately, being human can be uncomfortable and incredibly tough at times. Nevertheless, Ridley believes that making an effort and trying is a form of success. Her journey through the 'Star Wars' franchise and subsequent self-reflection have allowed her to grow and gain a greater understanding of herself and the importance of compassion in our interactions with others.
