Sophie Turner said she was pressured to lose weight while filming Game of Thrones
Sophie Turner has spent the past eight years growing up in the public eye as Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones. And as an actress on one of the most popular shows in television history, she has faced an intense level of scrutiny—and not just from fans. Recently, Turner shared that she was pressured to lose weight while working on the series.
In a new interview with Marie Claire Australia published on May 1st, the 23-year-old actress opened up about the way fame took a toll on her mental health and self-image. She told the magazine that the changes she experienced while going through puberty were particularly difficult to deal with.
"I have experienced mental illness firsthand and I’ve seen what it can do to the people around [the sufferers] as well," she told Marie Claire. "My metabolism suddenly decided to fall to the depths of the ocean and I started to get spotty and gain weight, and all of this was happening to me on camera."
She said that certain television executives pressured her to lose weight—but luckily, she had a quality therapist on her side.
"Everyone needs a therapist, especially when people are constantly telling you you’re not good enough and you don’t look good enough," she said. "I think it’s necessary to have someone to talk to, and to help you through that."
Turner has discussed her struggles with mental health in the past. On the April 16th episode of Dr. Phil’s podcast, Phil in the Blanks, she revealed that the pervasive negative comments from Game of Thrones fans contributed to her depression and even led her to have suicidal thoughts.
We’re glad Turner had support to help her through what sounds like an extremely difficult period in her life, and we’re also applauding her candor on these issues. The more that people have open, honest dialogues about mental health and seeking help, the better.
