When was the last time a simple compliment had the power to totally change your day? Have you ever been in a state of self-doubt, only to be lifted by the unexpected kindness of co-workers? That is exactly the touching story Anne Hathaway told about her time on the set of Gary Ross’ Ocean’s 8, a film about a group of female thieves.
It would seem that the glamour of the A-list cast, which featured Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, and Rihanna, would eclipse one’s own insecurities. However, Hathaway’s candid recounting of the ‘comments’ when she was feeling insecure about her weight speaks volumes about the supportive spirit among these leading ladies.
Previously, during her appearance on The Ellen Show, Hathaway discussed her experience filming Ocean’s 8 and how comments from Bullock and Rihanna boosted her confidence.
Anne Hathaway Found Family in Ocean’s 8 Co-Stars
During her 2018 visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Anne Hathaway talked candidly about her decision to resume acting in Ocean’s 8 for the first time since the birth of her son in 2016.
The Oscar-winning actress acknowledged that, despite having “come to terms with the pressure” stars face to maintain a specific weight, she was still a little self-conscious while filming the all-female heist film.
The mother of two further explained:
“I don’t beat myself up about any of that stuff anymore, but after I had my son, the weight was really slow to come off and so I was a different size than I normally am.”
She was relieved of her fears, though, when she arrived on set with co-stars Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling, Awkwafina, and Helena Bonham Carter. Thus, Hathaway learned how supportive her co-stars were. In her words:
“I walked on the set, and my weight’s a little up and I’m just aware of it…and I’m in my jeans, and I’ve done my best and I’m gonna love myself no matter what. And Sandy Bullock looks up and goes, ‘You look good mama.’ And then Cate Blanchett’s like, ‘Nice jeans, Hathaway.’
Yet praise continued after that. Then there was Rihanna, the pop star famous for her killer curves, who complimented Hathaway on having an as* like hers. Hathaway was surprised by the comment, but it was one that truly made her day:
“Rihanna looks up and goes, ‘Damn girl, you got an a*s’. And I, of course was freaked out and loved it so much and I was like, ‘Really?’ And she goes, ‘You got an a*s like me.’ And I can honestly say I’ve never had that experience on a film set before.”
“They were just so beautiful, and it was just great to be surrounded by that much love and understanding”, added Hathaway.
Hathaway and her husband, Adam Shulman, welcomed their second son in November 2019.
Anne Hathaway’s Bold Statement on Body Image
Anne Hathaway said she desires that her body be an expression of herself and her alone. Speaking to Hoda Kotb on Today, the actress said she is “happy” with her “body”. She shared:
“It sounds kind of sad to say; I just wanted to enjoy my summer and let everyone know that I’m living in my body and I’m happy with my body, and if my body is different than what you’re used to, or what you think it should be, that’s [your experience]. My experience is mine, and I’m loving it.
When Kotb asked Hathaway if she usually gets unsolicited comments about her body, the Ocean’s 8 star replied with conviction, “Yes”! The actress further added:
“All the time, and in the ways where it’s overt and people say things to you and then there’s kind of micro ones.”
In an earlier interview with Glamour, Hathaway stated that she “did not feel like dealing with the pregnancy rumors”.
On the professional front, the actress is working on a couple of projects: David Robert Mitchell’s Flowervale Street and David Lowery’s Mother Mary.
Ocean’s 8 can be rented on Apple TV.
