Olivia Cooke, the talented actress currently captivating audiences in the psychological thriller "The Girlfriend," has opened up about the less glamorous aspects of her profession, particularly those involving intimate scenes. While her character in the show may embrace casual encounters with newfound acquaintances, Cooke herself admits to feeling "mortified" when filming such scenes. This revelation offers a peek behind the curtain of a demanding and often misunderstood aspect of acting.
The actress, known for her role as the ambitious and cunning Alicent Hightower in "House of the Dragon," a prequel to the immensely popular "Game of Thrones" series, has become increasingly familiar with the demands of portraying intimate moments on screen. "House of the Dragon," famed for its elaborate sets, intricate plots, and, notably, its explicit content, often placed Cooke in situations requiring vulnerability and simulated intimacy. The series, deeply entrenched in a world of political intrigue and power struggles, used sexuality as another tool in its characters' arsenal, leading to numerous scenes of a sensual nature.
Cooke confessed that seeing upcoming racy scenes on the shooting schedule often fills her with dread. "It's odd, isn't it?" she mused. "It's an odd part of the job. You see it looming in the schedule, and you're like, 'Jesus Christ!'" Her career trajectory, particularly after turning 30, seems to have placed her in projects with more frequent and demanding scenes requiring her to delve into the realm of intimacy, creating a unique set of challenges and emotional hurdles to overcome.
The actress jokingly describes her current career phase as "the humiliation of Olivia Cooke," highlighting the inherent vulnerability and exposure involved in filming intimate scenes. While the end result may appear seamless and effortless on screen, the process is often complex, requiring a delicate balance of professionalism, trust, and emotional resilience.
To navigate these sensitive situations, Cooke relies on a close working relationship with her dresser, Alexandra Bland, whom she affectionately describes as having "seen it all." Bland's presence provides a sense of comfort and normalcy amidst the often-awkward circumstances. Having someone familiar and trustworthy on set can be invaluable, creating a safe space for Cooke to express any concerns or discomfort.
The actress further elaborated on the use of "intimacy garments," or "nudity covers," which are designed to protect the actors' privacy during filming. She describes these as "a bit of gusset with a silicon pad in it that you have to tape to yourself." The application process, however, can be far from glamorous. "It's really hard because it's got sticky on it, and it gets twisted, and the sticky gets stuck together, and it's hard to put on," she explained, revealing the often-unseen practical difficulties of maintaining modesty on set.
In a particularly humorous anecdote, Cooke recounted a moment of vulnerability when she struggled to apply the intimacy garment correctly. Despite her initial reluctance, she eventually sought assistance from Bland, leading to a moment of shared awkwardness and camaraderie. "So I bent over, and I’m spreading — it’s so mortifying," she confessed. "But rise above and disassociate — out of body . . . this is weird, this is odd." This anecdote illustrates the challenges actors face in balancing professionalism with the inherent vulnerability of their work.
Olivia Cooke's journey to stardom began in a former council house in Oldham, England. She started acting at the young age of eight and honed her skills at the Oldham Theatre Workshop, an institution renowned for nurturing the talents of numerous award-winning actors, including notable figures in the entertainment industry. Her early exposure to acting instilled in her a deep passion and commitment to her craft, setting the stage for her future success.
While studying for her A levels as a teenager, Cooke's talent was recognized, leading to her being cast in the BBC One series "Blackout" and the supernatural thriller "The Secret Of Crickley Hall." These early roles provided invaluable experience and exposure, paving the way for her subsequent breakthrough in the industry. The opportunity to work on prominent television productions at a young age served as a crucial stepping stone in her burgeoning career.
A pivotal moment arrived when she received a piggyback ride from a heartthrob actor during a Comic-Con event. This seemingly trivial event unexpectedly helped her secure a role in the US TV horror drama "Bates Motel" at the age of 18. The incident illustrates the often-unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, where chance encounters and unforeseen opportunities can significantly impact an actor's career trajectory.
Since then, Olivia Cooke has appeared in a diverse range of films, including the sci-fi adventure "Ready Player One" and the period drama "Vanity Fair." Her versatility as an actress has allowed her to explore various genres and characters, showcasing her ability to adapt and excel in different roles. These experiences have solidified her reputation as a talented and sought-after performer in the industry.
Despite her working-class background and distinct Mancunian accent, Cooke's talent shone through, enabling her to overcome any perceived obstacles. Her dedication to her craft and unwavering determination allowed her to break down barriers and establish herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment world. Her success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors from all walks of life.
Before landing her starring role in "The Girlfriend," Cooke appeared in "Thoroughbreds" alongside Anya Taylor-Joy, further demonstrating her ability to work with talented and acclaimed actors. "The Girlfriend" has quickly risen to the top of streaming charts, showcasing Cooke's ability to draw audiences in. She plays Cherry, a glamorous estate agent. Cherry captures the attention of Daniel, a medical student played by Laurie Davidson. The series explores a power struggle between Cherry and Daniel's weirdly possessive mother, Laura, played by Robin Wright.
The narrative unfolds with Cherry and Daniel engaging in intimate encounters shortly after meeting, including scenes witnessed by Daniel's mother. The series delves into the complexities of relationships and the dark undercurrents that can emerge when individuals vie for control and affection. The intensity of the storyline has resonated with viewers, contributing to the show's rapid rise in popularity.
Speaking on the Reign With Josh Smith podcast, Cooke revealed that she once sought revenge on her first love by dating his best friend. This personal anecdote provides insight into her ability to relate to the script of "The Girlfriend," which explores themes of revenge and obsessive behavior. It highlights how experiences can inform her portrayal of complex characters.
Currently, Olivia Cooke is in a relationship with "House of the Dragon" co-star Ralph Davis. Their connection blossomed after initially forming a friendship on set. This off-screen romance has captivated fans, adding another layer of intrigue to Cooke's personal life. Public interest in their relationship has further elevated Cooke's profile and visibility in the media.
Reflecting on "The Girlfriend," Cooke characterized it as "another Jeremy Kyle story," alluding to its relatable themes of conflict and familial tension. She observed that the series explores the complexities of human relationships and the extremes to which individuals may resort in their pursuit of love and control. The show delves into the darker aspects of human nature, making it a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience.
Despite her flourishing career, Cooke acknowledged that being thrust into the spotlight at a young age presented challenges. She struggled with recurring "intrusive thoughts" and OCD, leading to a "really scary time." This candid disclosure sheds light on the mental health challenges that can accompany fame and the importance of seeking support and guidance. Cooke's willingness to share her experiences helps to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage others to seek help when needed.
Cooke suspects that her working-class background might have hindered her progress had she not spent the initial phase of her career working in the US and Canada. She observed that the entertainment industry often favors individuals from privileged backgrounds, making it more difficult for those from lower socioeconomic classes to break through. Her success story serves as a testament to her talent, perseverance, and ability to overcome systemic barriers.
Olivia Cooke concluded by expressing that if her teenage self could witness her current career, she would be amazed and perhaps slightly disappointed about the size of her breasts. This lighthearted remark underscores her down-to-earth personality and ability to find humor in the face of fame and success. It serves as a reminder that, despite her accomplishments, she remains grounded and relatable.
Of her new role, she said: "It's very cool. If my 13-year-old or 12-year-old self saw that, they'd go into cardiac arrest. Like, it's wild. But I always wanted my boobs to be bigger, so she'd be disappointed with that!" Her comments encapsulate her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, highlighting her ability to embrace her individuality and navigate the pressures of the entertainment industry with grace and humor.