Olivia Cooke, the British actress known for her role as Alicent Hightower in HBO’s series House of the Dragon, has expressed her concern about the pressure women face in the entertainment industry, especially regarding sex scenes. In a recent interview with The Paper, Cooke addressed the stigma surrounding actresses who set boundaries in their performances, revealing that they are often labeled as “difficult” or “sluts” when they advocate for their comfort and well-being.
Calm down, woman, it’s nothing
Cooke emphasized the importance of women feeling empowered to speak about their own experiences on set, especially in a field where vulnerability is the norm during the filming of intimate scenes. She stated that this labeling often discourages actresses from expressing their concerns and setting boundaries, which could lead to uncomfortable or unwanted situations.
The actress shared that this type of pressure is not only harmful on a personal level but also contributes to a culture of silence that can affect the quality of work and the emotional health of the performers. In her opinion, a change in social perception regarding women’s autonomy on the filming set is necessary. Cooke seems to be calling for a transformation in the way the industry treats actresses and their right to say “no”.
With House of the Dragon gaining popularity, its message resonates even more, highlighting the need for an open conversation about respect and ethics in acting during sensitive scenes. Cooke joins several voices in the industry that are fostering a necessary dialogue on these issues, which could lead to a better working environment for future generations of actresses.