This post contains discussion of body image issues.
During a recent appearance on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, the actor revealed his own struggles with body image over the years and while in the public eye — and it was really, really refreshing.
“I still sometimes go to the gym and just feel very anxious,” he admitted. “I look at myself in the mirror and just go, ‘You don’t look good enough,’ or ‘You’re letting it go.'”
Luke also said he’s struggled with “terrible anxiety” as a result, especially in situations where he might be revealing more of his body in public — like the beach.
“I’ve been on a beach just recently, and I didn’t want to take my T-shirt off,” he said. “I don’t want to be in that place. I know I shouldn’t feel like that, but you know we are sensitive creatures, we’re very delicate.”
“As hard as I may look, I am quite delicate.”
Luke also remarked on how being photographed and filmed on a regular basis has contributed to his body image issues. “The terrible part of my industry is that you’re just reminded constantly of the decades of film you’ve done,” he said, “when you had not a crease on the face and not one gray stubble — whereas all my stubble is now gray.”
He also said that, if it weren’t for the physical expectations that his film roles sometimes require, he’d probably “let it all go.” “I wouldn’t care so much, but it is part of my job,” he explained. “I get cast in certain roles that require a certain amount of physical strength and aesthetic. It’s been good because it’s probably kept me on the straight and narrow.”
“I walk down the street or in a bar or in the gym and look at some guy, and he’s like super confident, and I’m just like ‘Wow,’ and it just seems effortless. When I do, it’s a whole lot of work when I have to present that.”
Luke also explained that he’s found his own ways to cope with things and, ultimately, find new ways of self-acceptance.
“I’m not massively confident about lots of things about me, but I’ve learned to deal with it, not ignore it and understand why and process it, but it doesn’t go away.”
Good on him for being honest about this stuff. Some men definitely find it pretty hard to do so! You can listen to the entire episode here.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline is 1-800-950-6264 (NAMI) and provides information and referral services; GoodTherapy.org is an association of mental health professionals from more than 25 countries who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy.
