Why Lily James quit Instagram – the Rebecca, Yesterday and Cinderella star talks body positivity and being a role model: ‘I worry about a level of self-obsession that can become so destructive’
- The British actress became a princess to a generation after her breakout role in Disney’s live-action Cinderella – but worries about fans who look up to her
- James took three months off Instagram during the filming of Netflix’s Rebecca: ‘I wanted to disconnect, I think that this period did me a lot of good’
British actress Lily James, known for her roles in TV series Downton Abbey, Disney movie Cinderella and the Netflix film Rebecca turns 32 on April 5. Here the star talks to STYLE about being a role model to young girls, and reveals why she steers away from social media.
If I am to be a role model to young girls, I want it to be something healthy because I worry about a level of self-obsession with perfection that can become so contagious and so destructive. I want to be a positive influence
She studied psychology and philosophy
“I’m very curious about human psychology, and acting requires you to be constantly trying to understand your character’s personality and understand their thinking and motivations.”
She thrives on the intensity of her performances
“I want to be pushed beyond my limits, going to dark extremes that take you to places that you’re scared to explore but are exciting at the same time. It’s not easy but I don’t know any other way of working that brings me to where I feel I need to go.
“I’m naturally inclined to want to push myself as hard as possible to the point where I feel exhausted from doing as many takes as possible. I remember I kept asking to do more takes on Cinderella because I didn’t believe in myself. I couldn’t see what Kenneth Branagh could see. I still struggle with that tendency, I think it’s to do with control and, as an actor, you have to let go of that control. Being self-critical like that is almost like vanity.”
She does not think of herself the way the public does, as a beauty icon
“It’s sort of bizarre to me to even associate myself with that. I’ve really tried to be true to myself. And I know that I’m flawed, and I know that I’m not perfect … I think it all comes from within. Beauty is much more than just how you look or posing in a photo. It’s about your essence. If I am to be a role model to young girls, I want it to be something healthy because I worry about a level of self-obsession with perfection that can become so contagious and so destructive. I want to be a positive influence.”