“Game of Thrones” star Lena Headey says she has lost out on acting gigs for not “flirting” with the casting directors.
Headey was interviewed for Net-a-Porter by “Thrones” co-star Maisie Williams, who spoke with Headey about actresses feeling immediately judged by their looks.
“I’m happier now I’m older, playing women who aren’t expected to be beautiful,” the 43-year-old “300” star replied. “That pressure has gone for me. [Male] actors can be ‘interesting,’ but there’s a real pressure on women to be beautiful and skinny.”
Headey, who reprises her role as Cersei Lannister when the blockbuster HBO series returns for Season 7 on July 16, pointed out that she received a dispiriting piece of information in her earlier years from an industry professional.
“When I was in my twenties and doing a lot of audition tapes in the States, a casting director told me, ‘The men take these tapes home and watch them and say, who would you f–?’” the British actress continued. “I’ve never played the game of going in [auditions] and flirting. I’ve never done it.”
Williams asked whether Headey thinks this stance has kept her from getting some roles, and Headey didn’t mince words when answering: “Yes, and I’m very happy I didn’t.”
Headey added that male stars appear to be granted more credibility when they offer opinions about Hollywood projects, whereas women, not so much.
“Male counterparts can say the same thing [I just did], and everyone’s like, ‘Oh, that’s a great idea,’ and I’m like, ‘I just said that 19 times, but you chose not to listen or take it on board,’” she said.