During a recent interview on NPR’s All Things Considered, actor Timothée Chalamet, 29, opened up about the physical transformations he undergoes for his roles. Chalamet revealed that for a recent project, he had to gain 20lbs to better embody the character he was playing.
Chalamet shared that early in his career, he received advice that in order to become a major movie star, he needed to make significant changes to his body. He recounted how when auditioning for popular franchises like The Maze Runner and Divergent, he was often told that he didn’t have the “right body” for the roles. His agent even suggested that he needed to put on weight to fit the industry’s standards.
Despite facing pressure to conform to certain physical ideals, Chalamet has always been committed to fully immersing himself in his characters. Whether it’s through physicality or behavior, he is dedicated to doing the work necessary to bring authenticity to his performances.
Last year, there was a trend among young male fans who were inspired by Chalamet’s slender physique, referring to themselves as ‘Noodle Boys‘. This phenomenon highlighted the impact that Chalamet’s portrayal of characters has had on his audience, influencing not only their admiration for his talent but also their perception of body image.
Chalamet’s willingness to share his experiences with body image expectations in the industry sheds light on the pressures that actors face to conform to certain standards. Despite these challenges, Chalamet remains focused on his craft and is dedicated to pushing boundaries in his performances.
