Scarlett Johansson, 41, opens up about the intense scrutiny women faced over their appearance at the dawn of her Hollywood career. She describes feeling typecast as the ‘bombshell’ and reveals how she battled image anxiety, often rising early to conceal acne before arriving on set.
Harsh Industry Pressures in the Early 2000s
Johansson explains that young women in the spotlight during the early 2000s endured a particularly tough environment. ‘It was a really harsh time,’ she states. ‘Women were just pulled apart for the way they looked in a way that was socially acceptable at the time.’
Acting opportunities for women her age were limited, leading to repetitive roles. Johansson notes she frequently landed parts as ‘the other woman, or the side piece, the bombshell.’ A prime example is her role as Anna in the 2009 film He’s Just Not That Into You, where her character engages in an affair with Bradley Cooper’s Ben.
Long-Standing Skin Struggles
Johansson’s concerns about her skin date back to age 12, during production of the 1998 drama The Horse Whisperer. She recalls a makeup artist pointing out a blemish on her forehead, calling it ‘Mount Vesuvius.’ ‘As a pre-teen adolescent you’re so self-conscious,’ she says, ‘and you’ve got a makeup artist pointing it out… That’s just awful.’
These experiences left her hyper-aware on set. ‘You do feel self-conscious,’ Johansson shares. ‘I felt like I had to wake up and cover all this acne before I got to work, which is a lot of effort… It weighs on you. I know how debilitating it can be to feel self-conscious about the quality of your skin.’
Empowering Her Daughter and New Ventures
Now, Johansson runs The Outset, a skincare line tailored for sensitive skin. She applies these lessons to her daughter Rose, who turns 12 this year. ‘I always say to her… be gentle on yourself… be gentle on your skin,’ Johansson advises.
