Jodie Comer speaks out on the challenges of fame and personal space invasion

Liverpool-born actress Jodie Comer has candidly expressed her concerns about the invasive nature of fame and the extreme lengths some people will go to intrude on her personal space.

Jodie Comer, 31, has seen her star rise dramatically since her breakthrough role as Russian assassin Oksana Astankova, known as Villanelle, in the hit BBC series Killing Eve.

Following this success, she has taken on significant roles in historical film The Last Duel, alongside Adam Driver and Matt Damon, and in the action comedy Free Guy with Ryan Reynolds.

In a revealing interview with Elle UK, Jodie discussed the impact of fame on her life.

Jodie Comer on the cover of Elle UK’s July/August issue (Elle UK/Cass Bird/PA)

“It’s probably a load of crap, but I don’t believe [fame] changes people,” she said. “It’s just a magnifying glass that almost feeds a monster. I love acting. I’ve had some amazing experiences. And, yes, these opportunities are huge and glossy, but they’re so far from the life that I live. Going to things for the sake of it and losing my anonymity – I really don’t enjoy that. In fact, it makes me incredibly anxious.”

Reflecting on the invasiveness of fame, Jodie added: “I’ve had moments in my life where I don’t think you can underestimate the lengths people will go to invade that space. I think it’s important as an actor that people connect with the work and not ‘Oh, did you know yesterday she had eggs for breakfast?'”

Jodie’s latest project is The Bikeriders, set in the 1960s, where she stars alongside American actor Austin Butler and British actor Tom Hardy. She plays Kathy, the wife of a rider, and narrates the film, while Butler portrays her husband Benny.

Jodie Comer said her one-woman play, Prima Facie, was a ‘huge catalyst’ for her confidence (Elle UK/Cass Bird/PA)

Recounting her experience on set, Jodie said: “It was all men, and I could feel myself shrinking, but not because of anything that was being done. It was fascinating to witness myself doing it. I had to have a word with myself.

“Women have become integral to my life over the last few years,” she shared. “I think it’s all about surrounding yourself with people who can see something within you that you can’t.”

Her powerful performance in the one-woman play Prima Facie, which won her a Tony Award last year, has had a profound impact on her self-perception. The play follows a British defense lawyer who becomes a witness after being sexually assaulted. In 2023, Comer also received the best actress prize at the Olivier Awards.

Discussing the influence of the play, Comer said: “I’m seeing tiny changes in people after being able to speak to loved ones about what they’ve gone through. However, it is hard to see, when there is very little positive news being reported.”

Jodie Comer won Olivier and Tony Awards for her one-woman play Prima Facie (Elle UK/Cass Bird/PA)

Jodie Comer added:

“Growing up, I had a very unhealthy relationship with my body, and I’ve always had a tendency to hide it. Anything revealing or that showed my arms just wasn’t in my comfort zone. I went through periods of being consumed by what people thought of me – less so now, because I’m much more focused on myself. I do think the play (Prima Facie) was a huge catalyst for that confidence. It was the first time I’d truly respected my body, or at least fully took time to care for and nurture it. I was so grateful for what it was enabling me to do, and that bled into all aspects of my life. It taught me grace.”

The July/August issue of Elle UK, featuring Jodie Comer’s full interview, is on sale from June 20 and available here.

The Bikeriders hits cinemas on June 21.