Rebel Wilson: The Truth About Sacha Baron Cohen! Trauma Was The Reason I Couldn't Lose Weight!

Added: May 6, 2024

Growing Up

Wilson talks about her humble beginnings, growing up in a suburban Australian family that sold pet products at dog shows. Shedescribes her father as someone who struggled with emotional issues after the sudden death of his father when he was 18. This trauma manifested in anger and financial abuse towards Wilson and her mother.

Wilson's mother, a school teacher, played a significant role in her life, providing love and support. However, Wilson also experienced emotional abuse from her father, who would make hurtful comments and engage in financial mismanagement. These experiences led Wilson to struggle with feelings of not being good enough and seeking validation through achievements.

Struggles with Self-Worth and Body Image

Wilson opens up about her struggles with self-worth and body image, attributing them to her upbringing and lack of emotional expression within her family. She shares how she used food as a way to cope with low self-esteem and feeling unworthy. She also discusses her physical appearance, including a "snaggle tooth," and how it affected her confidence and social interactions during her teenage years.

Turning Point and Self-Discovery

The actress reflects on the darkest period of her life at the age of 13 when she felt unlovable and unworthy. She describes feeling isolated and struggling with self-esteem issues. She experienced a turning point when she realized she needed to break out of her shell and overcome her shyness. She credits motivational tapes and strategies for helping her build confidence and social skills. She also reflects on her early experiences in drama classes, which boosted her self-esteem and eventually led her to pursue acting as a career.

Wilson highlights the importance of creative expression as a tool for self-discovery and finding one's voice. She encourages individuals facing similar challenges to pursue creative outlets for personal growth and healing.

Life-Changing Experience in South Africa

Wilson's experience as a youth ambassador in South Africa exposed her to a different world filled with violence and danger. The challenges she faced, including carrying a baton for self-defense, opened her eyes to the harsh realities of the world. It was during this time that Wilson contracted malaria, leading to a vision that she was meant to become an actress.

Wanting to Become a Mother

Wilson talks about how she initially focused on her career and achieved success in the entertainment industry, but eventually felt a strong desire to become a mother. This led her to seek advice from a fertility doctor, who pointed out that her health was a crucial factor in her ability to conceive.

She describes how the doctor's blunt assessment of her health status served as a wake-up call for her. Despite her successful career and financial stability, she realized that her weight and unhealthy eating habits were impacting her overall well-being. This realization, coupled with her desire to have a child, motivated her to make a change in her lifestyle.

Challenges and Obstacles

Wilson acknowledges the challenges she faced in embarking on a journey to improve her health. She mentions previous attempts at dieting and temporary weight loss, only to regain the weight later on. Additionally, she highlights the pressure from her team and contractual obligations in the entertainment industry that discouraged drastic changes in her appearance. Despite these obstacles, she remained determined to prioritize her health and well-being.

Support and Guidance

Wilson credits Anne Hathaway for introducing her to a doctor who provided valuable guidance and support in her health journey. With a focus on emotional processing and setting clear goals, she embarked on a year dedicated to improving her health. The onset of the pandemic provided her with a unique opportunity to focus solely on her well-being without the distractions of a busy work schedule.

Challenging Experience with Sacha Baron Cohen

Wilson candidly discusses a challenging professional experience with comedian Sacha Baron Cohen on the set of the movie "Grimsby." She recounts feeling humiliated and degraded during the filming process, leading to feelings of shame and regret for not standing up for herself. The actress acknowledges the importance of setting boundaries and advocating for oneself in difficult work situations.

Personal Growth and Priorities

As Wilson navigates her career and personal life, she grapples with finding a balance between work and family. She shares her desire to prioritize quality time with her loved ones, especially her daughter and partner. She acknowledges the need to reassess her work commitments and make changes to ensure she can spend more time with her family.

Reflections on Success and Self-Worth

Throughout the podcast, Wilson reflects on her journey from a shy, insecure individual to a Hollywood star. She acknowledges the trade-offs and sacrifices she has made in pursuit of success and personal fulfillment. The actress emphasizes the importance of self-worth and self-acceptance, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys and celebrate their achievements.