Titanic launched Kate Winslet’s career, transforming her overnight into a huge Hollywood star. Unfortunately, many made inappropriate comments about the actress’s body, damaging her self-confidence.
Aged 21 at the time of the film, Kate Winslet’s body was judged at the film’s premiere and became a subject of jokes following a quip by comedian Joan Rivers: “If she had lost a few pounds, Leo [DiCaprio] could have fit on the door that served as her lifeboat.”
Now 45 years old, with an Oscar and numerous nominations, Kate Winslet spoke about this trauma:
“People were talking a lot about my weight. And I was asked to talk about my physical condition. Well, that’s when I got this label of being outspoken and courageous. But no, I was just defending myself.”
“Those comments damaged my self-esteem. I didn’t want to go to Hollywood anymore. I remember thinking, ‘My God, if that’s what they’re saying about me in England, what’s going to happen when I get to the States?’ Plus, it interferes with your image of beauty [which is still developing at 21]. I felt very alone. For the simple reason that nothing can really prepare you for… that,” Kate concluded.