Aimee Lou Wood reveals how fame reshaped her life after The White Lotus

At 31, Aimee Lou Wood is experiencing a meteoric rise in Hollywood. Known for her role as Aimee Gibbs in Sex Education, the British actress now shines in the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus, which premiered in 2025 and has already become one of the year’s biggest hits. In a recent interview, she candidly shared the challenges and surprises of navigating fame, likening it to a wild binge: “It’s like going on a bender—you do it, accept the exhaustion, enjoy it, and process it later.” Born in Stockport, England, Wood reflected on how global recognition has altered her daily life and self-perception, especially after seven intense months filming in Thailand. The actress, who won a BAFTA in 2021, also addressed the American fascination with her natural teeth, a trait that’s become a hallmark of authenticity in an industry obsessed with perfect smiles.

Wood’s career began in theater, with roles in productions like Mary Stuart and People, Places and Things, before her screen debut in Sex Education in 2019. The Netflix series, which followed teens navigating sexuality and relationships, reached over 55 million households worldwide across its four seasons. Her portrayal of the lovable, awkward Aimee Gibbs earned critical acclaim and a BAFTA for Best Female Comedy Performance. Since then, she’s expanded her portfolio with films like The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021) and Living (2022), alongside stage work in Uncle Vanya and Cabaret. Now, in The White Lotus, she plays Chelsea, an optimistic, astrology-obsessed young woman facing personal dilemmas at a luxury resort. She described the filming experience as so immersive that it sometimes blurred the lines between herself and her character.

The leap from a budding actress to one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents hasn’t been without its toll. Wood admits fame brought a constant pressure to embody the “ray of sunshine” fans expected, a role that didn’t always match her reality. “I’m not the sun—I’m shy and sometimes sad,” she confessed. Her journey has also been shaped by personal struggles, including extreme shyness as a child and an eating disorder that kept her from dining with family. Recently diagnosed with ADHD and autistic traits, she’s found acting to be a way to channel her emotions and overcome insecurities. Her authenticity—from her imperfect teeth to her openness about mental health—has made her an icon for a generation that prizes individuality.

Rise of a British star

Born on February 3, 1994, Aimee Lou Wood grew up in Bramhall, a suburb of Stockport in Greater Manchester. The daughter of a Childline worker and a car salesman, she faced a turbulent childhood after her parents’ divorce. Her father, who battled alcohol and drug addiction, once vanished for weeks—like when he left for the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan without notice. Despite this, Wood found solace in theater and film, passions nurtured by her father on weekends and her mother during the week. At 16, she enrolled in Cheadle Hulme School, a private institution funded by her stepfather, where she began exploring acting despite being bullied for her accent and prominent teeth.

After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in 2017, Wood quickly caught the industry’s eye. Her debut in Sex Education marked the start of a promising career, but it’s her versatility that’s solidified her as a standout talent. In Living, she starred alongside Bill Nighy as a young woman bringing meaning to a dying bureaucrat’s final days. In The White Lotus, filmed at the Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand, she committed to seven months of intense work. The series, a satire of the elite at luxury resorts, features a star-studded cast including Walton Goggins, Blackpink’s Lisa, and Carrie Coon, placing Wood at the heart of a production she calls “a social experiment.”

Fame and the teeth that won the world

Aimee Lou Wood’s authenticity is a cornerstone of her success. Her natural teeth, far from Hollywood’s polished standard, have become a phenomenon in their own right. While filming The White Lotus, creator Mike White had her audition with both an American accent and her natural Manchester one. “No American would buy me with these teeth,” she joked, noting how her look clinched her role as Chelsea. The public response was swift—fans flooded social media with praise, and American dentists dissected her smile in videos, celebrating her defiance of traditional beauty norms.

The impact extends beyond aesthetics. Wood has received messages from young people who feel more confident in their own imperfections because of her. “It’s a moment of rebellion,” she said, recalling being nicknamed “Bugs Bunny” at school for her teeth. Today, she views them as a symbol of resistance in an age of filters and plastic surgery. This shift aligns with a broader trend—dentists note that patients increasingly favor subtle tweaks over drastic makeovers like the porcelain veneers popular in the ‘90s.

Seven months in Thailand: an intense dive

Filming The White Lotus was a singular experience for Wood. For seven months, she lived in isolation in Koh Samui, a setting she likened to The Truman Show. “It was claustrophobic but fascinating,” she said. The series, which delves into tensions between wealthy guests and resort staff, demanded she fully embody Chelsea, a young woman who arrives as a plus-one and struggles to fit into a hostile environment. The immersion was so deep that Wood once returned to London for five days to “remember who I was.”

The cast dynamic added to the experience. Walton Goggins, playing Rick, Chelsea’s older, grumpy boyfriend, provided a compelling contrast. Blackpink’s Lisa, meanwhile, surprised Wood with her down-to-earth nature despite her global fame. “I didn’t grasp her scale until I saw her face on T-shirts in the mall,” Wood admitted. She also leaned on advice from Leo Woodall, a former White Lotus co-star, to stay grounded amid the pressure. The result is a season that peaks in its 90-minute finale, packed with twists.

• Highlights from the shoot:
  • Seven months of isolation in Koh Samui.
  • A quick London trip to reconnect with herself.
  • Bonding with a diverse, high-profile cast.

From shyness to self-discovery

Aimee Lou Wood’s life hasn’t always been about the spotlight. As a child, she was so shy she barely spoke, a trait she now links to her recent ADHD and autistic diagnoses. “I was almost mute, so anxious,” she revealed. An eating disorder further isolated her, forcing her to eat alone while her mother left food around the house. Acting became her outlet, letting her express what she couldn’t in words. “On stage or in front of a camera, I could be someone else,” she said.

This path of self-discovery continued into adulthood. After Sex Education’s success, Wood grappled with insecurities about her appearance, once “desexualizing” her style to avoid attention. Therapy helped her unravel these patterns and embrace her identity. Today, she cherishes the freedom to be herself, unbound by others’ expectations. “I want to be vulnerable and bare my soul,” she said, underscoring her drive to grow as both an actress and a person.

Timeline of a soaring career

Aimee Lou Wood’s journey is one of grit and talent. Key milestones include:

• 2016-2017: Theater debut in Mary Stuart and People, Places and Things.
• 2019: Breaks out with Sex Education on Netflix.
• 2021: Wins BAFTA for Best Female Comedy Performance.
• 2022: Stars in Living with Bill Nighy.
• 2023: Shines as Sally Bowles in Cabaret on the West End.
• 2025: Joins The White Lotus season 3.

New projects on the horizon

Beyond The White Lotus, Wood is tied to projects set to cement her status. In BBC Three’s Daddy Issues, released in 2024, she plays Gemma, a pregnant young woman leaning on her bumbling father, portrayed by David Morrissey. In Netflix’s upcoming Toxic Town, slated for 2025, she takes on another maternal role, showcasing her range. “Suddenly, all my offers are for moms,” she quipped, noting her shift from teen to adult characters.

She’s also eyeing a break after years of nonstop work. “I haven’t stopped since drama school,” she said. Taking time for herself feels “subversive” at this career high. For now, her authenticity and skill keep her in the spotlight, proving she doesn’t need to fit a mold to shine.

Cultural impact of a unique smile

Aimee Lou Wood’s teeth aren’t just a feature—they’re a cultural shift. In a world selling perfection, her choice to keep them natural challenges norms and inspires fans. “People tell me they feel okay being themselves because of me,” she said. This mirrors a larger trend—dentists report clients now seek distinctive smiles, moving away from the uniform white veneers that once ruled Hollywood.

Her smile’s buzz has had quirks, too. After TikTok fans commented, Wood cautioned against DIY mimics like filing teeth for gaps. “I hope no one tries that,” she said, concerned for their safety. The phenomenon highlights her influence, reaching beyond acting into self-esteem and identity.

Versatility in the spotlight

Wood’s ability to shift genres is a major strength. In Sex Education, she brought humor and warmth to Aimee Gibbs, while in The White Lotus, she layers Chelsea with optimism and vulnerability. On stage, her Sally Bowles in Cabaret was “chaotic and fierce,” demanding an emotional intensity that left her drained. “I wasn’t acting—I was screaming and breaking down,” she recalled.

Off-screen, her choices reflect balance. Despite fame, she finds joy in mundane tasks like folding clothes over chasing glamour. “Sometimes that feels more rewarding,” she said. Her humility and Stockport roots keep her relatable, even amid Hollywood’s dazzle.

What’s next

With The White Lotus season 3 wrapping in April 2025, Wood gears up for more. The 90-minute finale promises a standout, and she’s eager for fans to see the plot unravel. “It’s tough keeping it all in,” she said, excited for reactions. Meanwhile, Toxic Town and Daddy Issues signal she’s not slowing down—until her planned hiatus.

From a shy Manchester girl to a global star, Wood has used acting to connect and express. Her story shows success doesn’t demand perfection, but truth. With each role, she proves she’s just getting started.