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White Lotus' Belinda star issues powerful 4-word statement over weight loss - The Mirror


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EXCLUSIVE: White Lotus' Belinda star issues powerful 4-word statement over weight loss

Emmy-nominated actress Natasha Rothwell opens up exclusively on body image, behind-the-scenes fun on The White Lotus, her thoughts on the next season and her pride at being 'neurospicy'

Natasha Rothwell was one of the only stars whose character won over viewers of the racy luxury resort series The White Lotus. We met Natasha’s character, kind-hearted spa manager Belinda Lindsey, in Hawaii in the first series. Then Belinda checked in as a guest for the third series, which was set in Thailand, as she recovered from being let down by Jennifer Coolidge’s larger-than-life heiress Tanya McQuoid.


Natasha, 45, who has also appeared in Wonka and Wish , has been nominated twice for an Emmy for her portrayal of Belinda in the HBO hit. Here, the actress opens in an exclusive chat with OK! about being “neurospicy” and what it’s really like to work with the legendary Ms Coolidge.


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Hi, Natasha. We loved the third series of The White Lotus . What’s it like to be part of the show?

It’s changed my life. It’s a joy to play a character people root for. Hotel staff come up to me and go, “Belinda! We were rooting for you!”

Have you got used to that level of fame?


I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it. I’m introverted, I love people one-on-one, but big groups make me nervous. But I love it, I don’t take it for granted. I love [her White Lotus co-star] Jason Isaacs and we often talk about the reactions we get out and about. People go up to him and scream, “What was wrong with you?!”

What was Jennifer Coolidge like to work with?

Incredible. When I found out she was going to be playing opposite me, I just thought — I’m going to be working with Stifler’s mom from American Pie . My mind was blown. “Bend and snap” from Legally Blonde! She’s an icon, so funny and warm, so deserving of all her accolades. I told Mike [White, The White Lotus creator] I’ve no idea what the plans are for series four, but my passport is up to date.


How does it feel to be an Emmy nomineetwice?

I just feel lucky to do what I love for a living. I don’t do it for the accolades, they’re just a wonderful byproduct. When I found out, I cried big cartoon tears, you know the ones that go off to the side?!


Who’s your big acting inspiration?

Meryl Streep, she’s a legend. I’d love to pick her brains. She’s living a beautiful teenage romance with Martin Short and I love it — I’d like to gossip with her about it.

You call yourself ‘neurospicy’. How has ADHD shaped you?


I was only diagnosed last summer, but, looking back, my whole life has been an expression of ADHD. Many people who have anxiety and depression, as I do, have ADHD as well — because you don’t fit into the world, and you don’t know why. But I’ve gone from feeling ashamed of some of my struggles, to taking pride in them. It’s a superpower.

I also know my hyperfocus, say on a script, means I can sometimes forget not only to move, but to eat. But I have two wonderful dogs that remind me to get outside. Wilson, who’s eight, and Lloyd who I adopted recently. They ground me. They don’t care if I missed a line or got a bad review, they just love me unconditionally.

Can you tell us about your campaign with ASICS?


It’s called Everyday Escape. It’s about how just 15 minutes of daily movement is scientifically proven to deliver more lasting mental wellbeing benefits than a week at a luxury retreat. I’m so proud to be an ambassador. I’m a woman of colour, plus-size — not many companies have the courage to put someone like me in a key role. But health and wellness are size-inclusive.

Mental health is important to you, isn’t it?


It is. I talk openly about anxiety, depression and ADHD. So often we can think that in order to address those issues, you have to buy into the wellness industry and include a plush resort in your prescription plan. You don’t! I didn’t have someone that looked like me saying that, when I was younger. I thought I had to be dangerously skinny to be healthy or desirable. Today, I know I’m healthy — and beautiful.

But you’ve felt that intense pressure…

Oh, it’s a constant battle. I’ve tried so many ridiculous faddy diets… but none of them worked. It’s a privilege to have had a therapist and mental health resources for 20-plus years, to help me fight that continuous assault against who I am. When you’re in a body not seen regularly on film and TV, it makes you feel like there’s something wrong with you. You can turn into yourself, and feel unworthy, less than.


You’re based in Los Angeles, where physical perfection is king…

I mentor a lot of young actors and I tell them: be yourself and find your tribe. You just have to step out of your comfort zone and find them. I was born in Kansas, but my dad was in the air force, so we moved around a lot. I met so many different people, cultures, saw so many different body types. I had a wonderful upbringing, it showed me how beautiful and diverse the world is.

How do you fit movement into your daily life?


I’m so busy — some days on set can be 18 hours long. Sometimes all you have is 15 minutes, so I leave my trailer, get my headphones on and, as the kids say, “Touch grass”.

This campaign challenges the luxury wellness culturewhich The White Lotus explores so brilliantly...


These retreats reveal more about what’s ailing you than treating it. They aren’t the antidote, but they often highlight the problem. There’s a big conversation today about how the system is making you sick, then trying to sell you the cure. It’s important to know that health and wellness isn’t classist.

So what’s next for you?

I’m working on an adaptation of the viral TikTok series, Who The F *** Did I Marry? I’m recreating that, starring and executive producing. I’m excited.

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Speaking of marriage, is there a special someone?

No, I’m single. So if you know someone, let me know… Maybe a nice 'English bloke'? I’ll take applications!

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