The acclaimed series The White Lotus boasts a talented ensemble cast, with its actors and actresses delivering captivating performances.
However, one of them, Aimee Lou Wood, who portrayed the fan-favorite character Chelsea, claimed that HBO, the network behind the show, was initially reluctant to cast her.
During an interview with GQ magazine, the Sex Education star stated that Mike White, the creator of the show, had to advocate for her inclusion in the cast, engaging in a “fight” with the network.
Aimee Lou Wood “It was honestly from the nicest place, but my little head goes: ‘HBO didn’t want me,” the 31-year-old actress recalled her initial reaction after a producer informed her of the situation.
“And I know why HBO didn’t want me, it’s because I’m ugly. Mike had to say, ‘Please let me have the ugly girl!'” she stated, revealing her internal thoughts at the time. “That was the thing that was in my head.”
Later in the interview, Aimee expressed her frustration with the intense focus on her teeth following her rise to fame in The White Lotus.
“The whole conversation is just about my teeth, and it makes me a bit sad because I’m not getting to talk about my work,” she continued, highlighting the shift in focus away from her acting.
“It makes me really happy that it’s symbolizing rebellion and freedom, but there’s a limit,” the actress added, acknowledging the positive interpretations of the attention. “They think it’s nice because they’re not criticizing.”
Aimee concluded by questioning the gendered nature of the commentary, stating, “And, I have to go there… I don’t know if it was a man would we be talking about it this much? It’s still going on about a woman’s appearance.”
