Aimee Lou Wood Shares Support from Angelina Jolie on 'Anxious People' Set
Aimee Lou Wood has opened up about how she found her voice, especially after criticizing a “mean and unfunny” impression on Saturday Night Live. In a Harper’s Bazaar interview, the White Lotus and Sex Education star recounted a moment on the set of Anxious People, directed by Marc Forster and co-starring Angelina Jolie.
During an emotional scene, Lou Wood felt overwhelmed by crew members shouting directions, which caused her to panic. She requested “one direction, one voice, and no hand movements” within her sight to help her focus.
“I’ve spent years feeling unable to say anything like that for fear of seeming argumentative – but now I feel like I can take ownership of what I need to thrive, and tell people what won’t work for me,” Lou Wood said.
After speaking up, Lou Wood noticed Angelina Jolie quietly giving her a thumbs up.
“When I spoke up, all I could see was Angelina giving me a thumbs up. She’s possibly the most famous woman ever, but she’s so normal.”
Connection to 'Saturday Night Live' Experience
Lou Wood also reflected on the catharsis she felt after addressing the SNL sketch that parodied her character Chelsea from White Lotus. During an April episode, the show mocked her with a portrayal involving buck teeth by Sarah Sherman. Lou Wood explained that speaking out on SNL was like breaking a long-standing pattern of not standing up to bullies from her childhood.
“The intervention was akin to breaking a pattern of not standing up to childhood bullies.”
Summary
Aimee Lou Wood has reclaimed her confidence by setting boundaries on set and speaking out against unfair portrayals, supported notably by Angelina Jolie’s encouragement.