Laverne Cox says fame can be “lonely” at times.
Laverne Cox has confessed that she finds fame to be ‘lonely’ at times
The 53-year-old actress appears in Jonah Hill‘s new dark comedy movie Outcome alongside Keanu Reeves and Cameron Diaz and explained how the film’s themes of celebrity and disconnection “hit close to home”.
Laverne told People: “It hit close to home in a way that was scary and frightening. The overawareness that Reef (Reeves’ character) has about how, (with) every interaction, people are going to perceive him in a certain way and then go and talk about it.”
The transgender star added: “I’ve always had that awareness, too, and it’s debilitating. It really can be. So it’s like, how do you give yourself permission to just be?
“Right now, I’m just me, but I also don’t get out much. I have to be really careful. If I can’t get there, I don’t go out… it’s is lonely.”
However, Laverne says her social life “sacrifices” are worth it because she gets to do acting work on fascinating projects.
The Orange Is the New Black star said: “I just had the most amazing experience on Soapbox with David Duchovny and the amazing cast. I just had this amazing experience shooting a film. So the loneliness feels like a sacrifice for the work.
“When I’m on set, I’m not lonely at all. All the preparation and all the sacrifices I’ve made are worth it when I’m on set and I’m ready to go and take direction and live truthful in the imaginary circumstances of the character.”
Cox explained that her busy schedule means that she often misses out on the chance to socialise.
She said: “When I’m working I don’t ever really hang out. I just finished a movie in LA and the wrap party was Friday, and I was going to go and I was so tired – I had to fly the next day – and I missed the wrap party. It’s hard.
“Even when I was younger, when I have to work, I’m very focused. Even when I’m not shooting, I’m preparing for the next day. I’m just making sure I’m rested… so my voice and my body is ready to go.
“I’m very committed, and when I’m working I’m working.”
