In a candid interview on BBC Radio 4’s *Desert Island Discs*, actress Kate Winslet opened up about the overwhelming fame that followed her role in the blockbuster film *Titanic*. Released on December 19, 1997, the film catapulted Winslet to international stardom, but it also marked the beginning of a challenging period in her life, characterized by relentless media scrutiny and personal struggles.
Winslet recalled the intense paparazzi attention that made her feel as if she was constantly being watched. “I didn’t want to be famous,” she stated, expressing the emotional toll that her newfound celebrity took on her. The actress described how her life was turned upside down, saying, “It’s not necessarily an easy path to walk and to stay sane and to hang on to your sense of self.” Despite the challenges, she acknowledged the incredible experience of making *Titanic*, while also revealing that she felt unprepared for the fame that accompanied it.
During the filming, director James Cameron encouraged Winslet to increase her physical stamina. She shared that although she was not in a good mental space regarding her body image, she embraced the discipline of working with a personal trainer, a practice she continues to forgo today. Winslet turned 21 while filming and believed she would return to a “normal life” post-release. Instead, she faced a barrage of negative press, with tabloids targeting her appearance and personal life.
“The British press started calling me awful, terrible, actually abusive names,” Winslet recounted. She described instances where paparazzi would follow her into shops, asking shopkeepers about her purchases, and even rummaging through her rubbish for shopping receipts to scrutinize her diet. “It was an utter disgrace and shame on every single one of them,” she asserted, expressing relief that such invasive practices have diminished over time.
The actress vividly recalled her feelings of isolation and fear during this tumultuous time. “I just felt like I couldn’t walk down the street without seeing myself on the cover of *The Sun* or *The Daily Mail*,” she said. The constant intrusion made her feel unsafe, leading her to dread sleeping at night as the paparazzi seemed to invade her life from all angles.
Winslet credited her close circle of friends and supportive neighbors for helping her navigate these challenges. “I had someone looking after me, and it meant the world to know that someone was there,” she explained. Their presence provided a buffer against the invasive media attention, allowing her some semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos.
Reflecting on her life post-*Titanic*, Winslet also addressed the paparazzi attention she faced after her divorce from filmmaker Sam Mendes in 2010. “I was being followed by paparazzi in New York City with my two small kids,” she recalled. During this period, she focused on protecting her children from the scrutiny. “You just keep your mouth closed, you put your head down, and you keep walking,” she advised. This experience reinforced her commitment to maintaining her privacy and that of her family.
Winslet’s resilience and determination to protect herself and her loved ones have shaped her approach to fame. As she embarks on a new chapter with her directorial debut, *Goodbye June*, which is currently in theaters and set for release on Netflix on December 24, 2023, she continues to navigate the complexities of celebrity life. The film, co-written by her son Joe Anders, features a talented cast including Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, Timothy Spall, and Helen Mirren.
Winslet’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal struggles that often accompany public success, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in the face of relentless media scrutiny.
