At the L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth Celebration on Nov. 21, the actress shared her experience with PEOPLE, revealing how she once felt pressured to meet the high standards of Hollywood. She recalled a moment when a tight-fitting dress made her feel uncomfortable, even though it looked great. “I woke up and I just knew it was not the right thing for me,” MacDowell said. “I wanted to wear something that was comfortable. And, of course, I shamed myself for not being able to fit into this dress.”
MacDowell admitted that she used to feel she had to maintain an unrealistic image, but now she’s done. “I’m too old to starve myself for 5 lbs. nonstop. I just can’t do it anymore,” she explained. She refuses to “stuff” herself into clothes and then feel bad about it. Instead, she embraces the freedom that comes with accepting herself as she is.
Reflecting on her time away from Hollywood, MacDowell shared that she feels better about her appearance when she’s at home in Montana. “When I'm at home, I feel skinny,” she said, noting that the pressure in Hollywood can be overwhelming. “The expectations are beyond anything that anybody can accomplish unless you're completely devoted to being skinny.”
MacDowell emphasizes that she values other aspects of life more than focusing on body image. “I want to learn about birds, I want to walk on the beach, and I want to read books,” she said. “I want to work out, but I don’t want that to be the only thing. I'd rather have the 5 lbs. on me and wear something that fits.”
The actress also spoke about the negative effects these societal pressures can have, especially on younger generations. “My grandniece was anorexic at 12, and it’s all from expectations she sees on social media and in the world,” MacDowell revealed. “It was a really hard battle for her, but she's doing fantastic now.”
MacDowell’s message is clear: societal beauty standards are harmful, and it’s important to embrace who you are, no matter what the world expects.