In a candid new interview, acclaimed actress Olivia Colman has shared personal insights into her gender identity, expressing that she has always "felt sort of nonbinary." The 52-year-old star, renowned for her roles in The Crown, The Favourite, and Heartstopper, opened up about her lifelong sense of not aligning strongly with traditional femininity.
Olivia Colman's Reflections on Gender Identity
Olivia Colman explained that throughout her life, she has often engaged in discussions where she articulated her nonbinary feelings. She stated, "I've never felt massively feminine in my being female." The actress further described how she relates to her husband, saying, "I've always described myself to my husband as a gay man. And he goes 'yeah I get that'. And so I do feel at home and at ease."
Nonbinary is a term used to describe a gender identity that exists outside the conventional male and female binary. Colman added to Them magazine, "I don't really spend a whole lot of time with people who are very staunchly heterosexual," highlighting her comfort in queer spaces.
Connection to Her New Film Role
Her comments coincide with her starring role in the new queer film Jimpa, where she portrays a mother who travels abroad with her nonbinary child to visit their gay father. In this project, the mother-of-three, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2019, acts alongside John Lithgow, adding depth to her exploration of gender themes on screen.
The Story of Her Hidden Oscar
Beyond her personal revelations, Olivia Colman also discussed the unconventional storage of her Oscar trophy. She previously confessed on The Graham Norton Show in December 2022 that the award had only been displayed for a year before being tucked away in a cupboard. When asked about its location, she sheepishly admitted, "It's in the cupboard," explaining, "It feels a bit ostentatious to have it out. So I have it in the cupboard so I can go, 'Hello!'"
Colman elaborated, "It should be out. It was out for the first year, but I think then after that you should crack on, forget it happened and keep working," reflecting her humble attitude towards her achievements.
Relocation Due to Damp Conditions
However, in August of last year, she revealed on the SmartLess podcast that the Oscar had to be moved from the cupboard due to dampness in her historic home, which dates back to the 1600s. Her handyman, Darren, discovered the issue and insisted on rescuing the trophy. Colman recalled, "He opened the cupboard and went, 'Are you f***ing kidding? You know it’s damp in here?'"
As a result, the Oscar now resides on a bookshelf, but discreetly hidden behind a book. She said, "I’ve now got it on a bookshelf, but behind a book, so that I know it’s there and I can say 'Hello' to him," maintaining her preference for avoiding showiness while keeping the award safe from moisture damage.
This blend of personal honesty and practical anecdotes showcases Olivia Colman's down-to-earth personality amidst her stellar career and evolving self-understanding.
