Actress Kristen Stewart has revealed that her portrayal of Princess Diana in the 2021 film “Spencer” continues to have a profound and lasting emotional impact on her. In a recent interview, Stewart stated she remains affected by the role, specifically mentioning an inability to drive around Paris, the city where Diana died in 1997.
Lasting Impact of a Demanding Role
The actress described the psychological weight of embodying the late Princess of Wales for the biographical drama. Stewart’s comments highlight the intense and sometimes lingering effects that immersive acting roles can have on performers, even years after filming has concluded. The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, focused on a critical weekend in Diana’s life as she decided to end her marriage to Prince Charles.
Stewart’s performance was widely acclaimed, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The process, however, involved deep research and an emotional commitment to capturing Diana’s mannerisms, voice, and state of mind during a period of personal crisis.
Avoiding Paris as a Personal Response
A specific and poignant detail shared by Stewart was her continued aversion to driving in Paris. Princess Diana was killed in a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris on August 31, 1997. Stewart indicated that her connection to the role has made being in the city, particularly in a vehicle, an emotionally charged experience.
This admission provides a rare window into how actors process traumatic historical material long after a project wraps. It underscores the personal cost that can accompany critically praised performances based on real-life figures, especially those who met tragic ends.
Broader Context for Actor Well-being
The phenomenon of actors struggling to separate from a demanding role is not uncommon in the film industry. Professionals often discuss the challenge of “de-rolling” after portraying characters experiencing significant trauma. Stewart’s candid revelation adds to a broader conversation about the mental health and support systems for performers taking on such intense biographical projects.
Her experience with “Spencer” mirrors accounts from other actors who have played historical figures under distress, reporting lasting feelings of sadness or anxiety linked to their characters’ fates.
Looking Ahead for Stewart
Following her work on “Spencer,” Kristen Stewart has moved on to other projects in different genres. However, her recent statements confirm that the experience remains a significant part of her professional and personal history. Industry observers note that such transformative roles often become defining moments in an actor’s career, with effects that resonate for years.
As Stewart continues her acting career, the insights gained from portraying Diana are likely to inform her approach to future roles. The industry continues to evaluate protocols for supporting actors during and after the filming of emotionally grueling narratives based on real events.
Source: Mashable
