Jessie Buckley Opens Up About I'd Do Anything Experience and Personal Struggles
Oscar-nominated Irish actor Jessie Buckley has spoken candidly about her time on the BBC talent show I'd Do Anything, which launched her career as she competed for the role of Nancy in a West End production of Oliver! In a recent interview, Buckley addressed the criticism she faced over her appearance during the show, while also reflecting on her mental health journey and the transformative power of acting.
Addressing Appearance Criticism and Show Regrets
Speaking to Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, the 36-year-old actor from Killarney, County Kerry, acknowledged the difficult aspects of her I'd Do Anything experience. "I don't like that part of it," Buckley said, referring to the scrutiny of her appearance. "I think that was a young woman who's trying to discover her body and herself, like we all do. And I wish that hadn't happened."
Buckley explained that she felt pressured to conform to certain industry standards during the show. "I think I was putting a brave face on, because really what I wanted to do was sing and I wanted to act, and I wanted to be part of this industry, and all of a sudden you had to be a certain kind of person," she revealed. "And I just wasn't, I never will be. That's just not me."
Despite these challenges, Buckley expressed pride in her younger self. "I'm so proud of that girl. I think she did great and I don't regret any of it," she affirmed, demonstrating a nuanced perspective on her early career experiences.
Mental Health Journey and Acting as Salvation
Buckley also shared deeply personal details about her mental health struggles as a teenager, crediting music and theatre with helping her recovery. She described acting as "essential" and "like water to me," explaining how her passion for performance helped her overcome an eating disorder and depression during her school years.
"I didn't know how to be alive the way I wanted to be, and it was difficult," Buckley confessed. "But I do not for a second regret it, and I think I've been able to transform it and recognise our vulnerabilities as humans in the world."
The actor elaborated on this transformative process: "You can't walk through life not being affected, but you can transform that into something that allows you to be more human and alive in the way that you want to be."
Buckley recalled a pivotal moment after moving to London when she realized the importance of her artistic pursuits to her wellbeing. "I think there were moments where I was like, 'if I don't get better here, this music, this being part of theatre – I'm not going to be able to do this any more, and I probably won't survive'," she shared. "And that was the thing that turned it in my head, I was like, 'I don't want to sacrifice that, this is bigger than that', and won."
Current Success and Family Reflections
The interview comes during a successful awards season for Buckley, who has received numerous accolades for her performance as Agnes Hathaway (historically known as Anne Hathaway) in Chloe Zhao's adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel Hamnet. The Independent's review particularly praised Buckley's portrayal, with critic Clarisse Loughrey noting her ability to express "particular grief" with "earthiness and unfathomable depth."
During the Desert Island Discs episode, Buckley also spoke emotionally about her family, particularly her "extraordinary" mother Marina, who is "writing her own story right now at 60 years of age." Buckley's first song choice was a recording of her mother singing "O Holy Night" in church, highlighting their close bond despite her parents no longer being together.
Reflecting on her first stage performance, Buckley described the experience as "like drinking water," emphasizing how essential acting has become to her identity and wellbeing. Her journey from I'd Do Anything contestant to Oscar-nominated actor demonstrates both professional success and personal growth through challenging experiences.
