Olivia Colman recently shared some harrowing experiences she had with paparazzi in London, which ultimately led her and her family to relocate to the countryside. The Oscar-winning actress opened up in her cover story interview for British Vogue about the negative aspects of her growing fame and the toll it took on her and her family.
Colman and her husband Ed Sinclair made the decision to move back to her home county with their three children, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of London. “We never fell out of love with London. I love London, but it became difficult,” she shared in the interview. When asked to elaborate on what made it difficult, she revealed, “Just arseholes standing outside your front door, following you on the school run,” adding, “I was scared. At one point, there were two cars chasing us, and I was having a sort of meltdown, terrified. I was crying, and they were laughing.”
Before achieving widespread fame and winning an Oscar, Colman experienced a period of not working, which she found to be a valuable and grounding experience. However, her role in the popular television show, “Broadchurch,” catapulted her into the spotlight, making it increasingly challenging for her to navigate public spaces without being noticed and constantly photographed. “People taking what they think is a sneaky photograph; it’s always obvious, you always know, and it’s awful. Don’t do it,” she expressed, reflecting on the invasion of privacy she often experiences.
The actress also shared that she tends to limit her outings and social engagements to avoid unwanted attention, but acknowledges the importance of having a familiar space and supportive friends in her new community. “I don’t tend to [meet at restaurants],” Colman admitted. “Unless you can have a little quiet place. Because you know… people.” She laments that she genuinely enjoys interacting with people, “so long as they’re not dicks.”
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In the interview, Colman also expressed gratitude for the respite that her new countryside home provides, away from the prying eyes and relentless pursuit of the paparazzi. She cherishes the peace and privacy it offers her and her family, creating a safe space for them to enjoy their lives away from the pressures of fame.
Ultimately, Colman’s open and honest discussion about the impact of fame and paparazzi intrusion sheds light on the challenges faced by public figures and the toll it can take on their mental and emotional well-being. By sharing her experiences, she brings attention to the importance of respecting celebrities’ privacy and the impact of intrusive behavior on their lives.
