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'I destroyed myself. Now I am almost an invalid because of it': Former heartthrob pays the price for 'ideal' looks
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Culture & Society

'I destroyed myself. Now I am almost an invalid because of it': Former heartthrob pays the price for 'ideal' looks

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Actor Rupert Everett revealed that his pursuit of a "perfect body" led to permanent physical consequences.
  • Everett admitted to years of intense weightlifting without proper preparation, including neglecting stretching, which caused lasting tendon damage.
  • He now lives a quieter life, focusing on walks and enjoying his marriage, a stark contrast to his past insecurities and body-building efforts.

Actor Rupert Everett has disclosed the severe and permanent physical toll his lifelong quest for a "perfect body" has taken on him. Now 67, Everett, who achieved peak fame in the 1990s, revealed in a recent interview with The Guardian that his pursuit of an "ideal" appearance has left him "almost an invalid."

I destroyed myself. Now I am almost an invalid because of it.

โ€” Rupert EverettDescribing the permanent physical consequences of his pursuit of an ideal body.

Everett recounted years of rigorous weightlifting without adequate preparation, admitting he consistently skipped crucial exercises like stretching because he found them tedious. This neglect, he explained, resulted in permanently damaged tendons. "I think my end will be musculoskeletal," he candidly stated, reflecting on the long-term consequences of his intense focus on physical perfection.

His insecurities stemmed from his teenage years when, before a growth spurt to 193 cm at age 15, he felt like a "freak." This insecurity led him to wear fake muscles, including a padded bodysuit with inserts for his buttocks, calves, and shoulders, even during filming, unbeknownst to directors. While he eventually replaced these artificial enhancements with real muscle, his "Hollywood years" of achieving his desired physique were brief.

I think my end will be musculoskeletal.

โ€” Rupert EverettReflecting on the long-term health issues stemming from his past fitness regimen.

Despite attaining the look he sought, the underlying insecurity persisted, influencing his career choices. "Even my work boiled down to trying to be attractive," he explained. His life today is markedly different; he has traded the gym for walks with his Labrador and, after marrying his husband Henrique, has embraced a more peaceful existence.

Even my work boiled down to trying to be attractive.

โ€” Rupert EverettExplaining how his insecurities influenced his career choices during his peak fame.

"I could happily sit and just watch the spring," Everett concluded, indicating a profound shift in his priorities from external validation and physical striving to a more contented and present life. His journey highlights the potential dangers of extreme body image pursuits and the eventual search for peace and self-acceptance.

I could happily sit and just watch the spring.

โ€” Rupert EverettExpressing his current contentment and shift in priorities towards a quieter life.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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