Leo Woodall believes 'being objectified can mess with your head'
The White Lotus star Leo Woodall has opened up about the dark side of fame - admitting it is "hard to navigate" because "being objectified can mess with your head".
Leo Woodall believes fame is "hard to navigate" because "being objectified can mess with your head".
The 29-year-old actor was thrust into the spotlight when he landed a role in the second series of TV drama The White Lotus in 2022 and went on to land a role in Netflix hit One Day and comedy movie Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - and he admits being treated as "superimportant" can have negative consequences.
He told The Times newspaper: "Being objectified can mess with your head a bit. But just being an actor and getting treated as if you’re superimportant is hard to navigate. I’m not saving lives, am I?
"Bonkers stuff like people you don’t know screaming your name, saying they love you and want to marry you. You cannot let that noise - good or bad - get in your head, otherwise you become ... a k***head."
Woodall went on to reveal one of the worst moments since he shot to fame came when he was in Canada earlier this year for the Toronto International Film Festival and was having lunch with his mother Jane at a restaurant.
He explained a fan came up to him and asked for a picture even though the pair were having an emotional heart-to-heart conversation and his mother was visibly upset.
Woodall told the publication: "This woman came over and said: 'I can see that you guys are having a really emotional moment and I hate to do this, but can I get a picture?'
"But she saw and was peeking over my shoulder going: 'Are you OK? You must be really proud of your son.' I mean, some people forget themselves. They forget you’re just human."
The actor also insisted he doesn't like being stared at when he takes public transport in London, adding: "When it’s hot and sweaty [on the London Underground] and I realize people are looking at me, I find that hard.
"I mean, is it because they liked something I was in, or have I just got something on my face?"
Woodall is dating actress Meghann Fahy after meeting her on the set of The White Lotus and he insisted their relationship helps keep him grounded.
He added: "Oh yeah, we do it for each other. You have to. And family, friends … The people around you day to day, they have to be real with you."
