Daisy Ridley, renowned for her role as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, unveils the profound impact of severe anxiety she endured during the filming of the iconic franchise.
In a candid interview with Inverse, Ridley reflects on the overwhelming pressure she faced when entering the Star Wars universe in 2015, emphasizing director J.J. Abrams’ guidance to comprehend the magnitude, equating it to a “religion for people.”
Amid the frenzy, Daisy Ridley maintained an outward appearance of coping well, concealing the internal struggle. She acknowledges the dichotomy between her perceived reality and the projected fantasy imposed by the public eye.
The actress describes the isolating toll of the job, highlighting the challenge of reconciling personal identity with the public’s expectations.
The adverse effects weren’t solely psychological; Ridley discloses the physical toll, sharing that the stress led to the development of “holes in her stomach wall” by the release of The Last Jedi in 2017. Stress ulcers, or peptic ulcers, characterized by open sores in the stomach lining, became a tangible manifestation of the mental strain.
This revelation prompted Ridley to prioritize her well-being, necessitating a six-month hiatus before returning to film The Rise of Skywalker, the trilogy’s concluding installment. The actress acknowledges the unexpected silver lining of the COVID-19 lockdown, providing a much-needed opportunity for reflection and processing.
As Ridley navigates the aftermath, her latest film, Sometimes I Think About Dying, created post-pandemic, emerges as a transformative project. The film, born from a collective post-lockdown enthusiasm, conveys a profound message about the paramount importance of human connection.
Moreover, Ridley’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complex intersection between fame, mental health, and the quest for authentic self-discovery.
