Aimee Lou Wood Shares Support from Angelina Jolie on ‘Anxious People’ Set
Aimee Lou Wood has opened up about finding her voice after confronting a "mean and unfunny" Saturday Night Live impression of her. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the star of The White Lotus and Sex Education described a challenging moment while filming Anxious People, directed by Marc Forster and co-starring Angelina Jolie.
On-Set Experience and Asking for Respect
Lou Wood recalled feeling overwhelmed during an emotional scene when multiple crew members were shouting directions at her. She requested “one direction, one voice, and no hand movements in her line of sight.”
“I’ve spent years feeling unable to say anything like that for fear of seeming argumentative – but now I feel like I can take ownership of what I need to thrive, and tell people what won’t work for me,” Lou Wood said.
She noticed Angelina Jolie’s encouraging thumbs-up in response, saying, “She’s possibly the most famous woman ever, but she’s so normal.”
Reflection on Speaking Up
Wood compared this moment to her experience addressing the Saturday Night Live parody, which had felt like “breaking a pattern” of not defending herself against childhood bullies.
The April SNL sketch humorously portrayed her character Chelsea from White Lotus Season 3, featuring Sarah Sherman with exaggerated buck teeth. This impression followed Wood’s candid remarks about being tired of discussions regarding her teeth.
Key Points
- Aimee Lou Wood confronted unhelpful SNL parody and gained confidence in speaking out.
- She requested clear, respectful direction on the Anxious People set and was supported by Angelina Jolie.
- Wood’s journey involves reclaiming her voice to establish her boundaries and needs on set and beyond.
Author’s summary: Aimee Lou Wood found empowerment by asserting herself on set, with support from Angelina Jolie, and overcame past fears of speaking up against unkind portrayals.