Ridley’s Revelation about the Impact of ‘Star Wars’
In a recent interview, ‘Star Wars’ actress Daisy Ridley, 31, revealed the immense pressure she felt after joining the iconic franchise. She described ‘Star Wars’ as more than just a role in a movie, but a religion for people that changes things on an inconceivable level.
The Battle with Normalcy and Isolation
Ridley admitted that while she appeared to be coping fine, she was struggling internally with the abnormality of her newfound fame. She explained that her normal was not normal to others, leading to a sense of isolation. The projection of others’ expectations onto her created a wrestle between reality and fantasy, where she yearned to be seen as a separate human being.
The Physical Toll of Anxiety
The severe anxiety Ridley experienced during the premiere of ‘The Last Jedi’ in 2017 took a toll on her physical health. She developed holes in her stomach wall due to the stress. In a shocking revelation, she shared that her body was not absorbing any nutrients, leading to weight loss and fatigue. She described herself as a ghost.
A Breakthrough in Lockdown
The release of ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ in 2019 coincided with the onset of the global pandemic. The subsequent lockdown provided Ridley with an unexpected opportunity to face her anxiety and process her emotions. She described the stillness and solitude as incredibly helpful in her journey of self-discovery.
Ridley’s Journey to Healing and Growth
The actress expressed her gratitude for the quiet period after the ‘Star Wars’ frenzy, as it allowed her to grieve and reflect. It became clear that she had not properly processed the intense experiences she had gone through. Through this period of introspection, Ridley found a path to healing and growth.
With her candidness, Daisy Ridley shines a light on the challenges faced by individuals navigating fame and the toll it can take on mental and physical well-being. Her journey serves as a reminder that even those who seem invincible on the big screen are, at their core, human beings facing their own battles.