Did Florence Pugh Endure Depression for 6 Months After ‘Midsommar’?
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Synopsis
Florence Pugh reveals the dark side of acting, sharing her struggles with mental health after filming 'Midsommar.' Discover how the role affected her life and her commitment to choosing healthier projects in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Florence Pugh faced significant mental health challenges due to her role in ‘Midsommar’.
- She underwent a six-month period of depression after filming.
- Pugh plans to avoid similar emotionally taxing roles in the future.
- The transition from ‘Midsommar’ to ‘Little Women’ was emotionally overwhelming for her.
- Her experience highlights the need for mental health awareness in acting.
Los Angeles, Nov 12 (NationPress) Hollywood actress Florence Pugh faced significant challenges while filming the horror classic ‘Midsommar’. She disclosed that she battled with depression for a span of six months following the completion of the movie.
Pugh has candidly expressed her decision to avoid similar roles in the future, as she felt that portraying the character Dani—a grief-stricken American woman experiencing a psychological breakdown—took a toll on her mental health, according to reports from ‘Variety’.
During her appearance on ‘The Louis Theroux Podcast’, she shared that the emotional strain from filming ‘Midsommar’ resulted in a prolonged period of depression. She stated, “I just can’t exhaust myself like that because it has a knock-on effect. I think ‘Midsommar’ made me sad for like six months after and I didn’t know why I was depressed. I got back after shooting ‘Little Women’, which was such a fun experience and obviously a completely different tone from ‘Midsommar’. So I think I shelved all of that. And then when I got home for Christmas, I was so depressed and I was like, ‘Oh, I think that’s from ‘Midsommar’’, and I didn’t deal with it and I probably shouldn’t do that again.”
According to ‘Variety’, ‘Midsommar’ was the second feature film directed by Ari Aster, the mind behind ‘Hereditary’. The role required Pugh to portray a character enduring a deeply traumatic phase in her life, and she committed fully to Dani’s emotional turmoil.
“I had never seen that level of grief or mental health in the way that was being asked of me on the page. For that, I really put myself through it. In the beginning, I imagined hearing the news of one of my siblings passing away, and as we progressed in the shoot, it became necessary to visualize the coffins. By the end of the shoot, I was envisioning my entire family’s funeral,” she elaborated.
After ‘Midsommar’ concluded, Pugh immediately transitioned to the set of ‘Little Women’ in Boston. The Oscar nominee found herself overwhelmed with emotions during this shift, even breaking down in tears on her flight to the ‘Little Women’ set.
Point of View
Florence Pugh's candidness about her mental health challenges highlights the often unseen struggles faced by actors in emotionally demanding roles. Her experience serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of mental well-being in the entertainment industry.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact did 'Midsommar' have on Florence Pugh's mental health?
Florence Pugh revealed that filming 'Midsommar' led her to experience depression for six months due to the emotional demands of her role.
Why has Florence Pugh chosen to avoid similar roles in the future?
Pugh expressed concerns over the toll such roles can take on mental health and emphasized the need to protect her well-being.
What was the nature of Pugh's character in 'Midsommar'?
Pugh portrayed Dani, a character grappling with immense grief and a psychological breakdown, which required a deep emotional commitment.
How did Pugh transition between filming 'Midsommar' and 'Little Women'?
After finishing 'Midsommar', Pugh immediately began filming 'Little Women', which offered a stark contrast in tone and emotional experience.
What did Pugh learn from her experience filming ‘Midsommar’?
Pugh learned the importance of managing her emotional health and has since been more cautious about the roles she takes on.
