Demi Moore's latest film role in "The Substance" has come with its share of physical challenges. The actress recently revealed that she struggled with shingles and lost 20 pounds while filming the horror movie. Moore shared her experiences with the Los Angeles Times, highlighting the demanding nature of the role, which required her to portray a 50-year-old celebrity grappling with the effects of an experimental drug that temporarily rejuvenates her appearance.
Demi Moore's latest role in the horror film "The Substance" has been a physically demanding undertaking. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, the actress revealed that she battled shingles and lost 20 pounds while filming, highlighting the intense nature of the project.
Demi Moore Battles Shingles and Weight Loss While Filming 'The Substance'
Moore plays a 50-year-old celebrity in the film, who discovers an experimental drug that allows her to temporarily restore her youthful appearance. However, the drug comes with severe physical consequences. During the first week of filming, while her co-star Margaret Qualley was filming, Moore developed shingles, a painful viral infection that causes a rash.
"And I then lost, like, 20 pounds," Moore added.
Demi Moore Battles Shingles and Weight Loss While Filming 'The Substance'
Qualley, who portrays Moore's clone in the film, also commented on the toll the role took on Moore's health. "Oh, yeah, I had crazy acne for a full, long-ass time," she said.
Moore emphasized the importance of fully committing to a role, even when it takes a physical toll. "You have to walk away feeling that you put it all on the table," she said. "It called for it and it’s what you want to bring to it."
Demi Moore Battles Shingles and Weight Loss While Filming 'The Substance'
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. It typically manifests as a painful rash that wraps around one side of the body.
In addition to her physical struggles, Moore also opened up about the challenges she has faced in Hollywood as an aging actress. She recalled a time when she felt out of place after starring in "Charlie's Angels" at the age of 40.
Demi Moore Battles Shingles and Weight Loss While Filming 'The Substance'
"I didn't feel like I didn’t belong. It’s more like I felt that feeling of, ‘I’m not 20, I’m not 30,’ but I wasn’t yet what they perceived as a mother," she told Interview magazine.
Moore further explored the issue of age discrimination in Hollywood during a chat with Kelly Ripa on the "Let's Talk Off Camera" podcast. "When I hit 40, I feel like they didn’t know what to do with me," she said.
Moore noted that streaming services have begun to recognize the large demographic of women over 30 who want to be represented in entertainment, but she emphasized the need for continued progress in breaking down age stereotypes in the industry.
Through her role in "The Substance" and her candid discussions about the challenges she has faced as an aging actress, Demi Moore continues to advocate for inclusivity and authenticity in Hollywood.
