Anya Taylor-Joy’s Emotional Response To A Reporter’s Question About Her Unique Eyes

In Hollywood, where appearances often feel like currency, Anya Taylor-Joy stands out—not just for her immense talent but also for her striking, unconventional beauty. 

From her breakout role in The Witch to captivating audiences as Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit, the 28-year-old actress has solidified her place as a global star. However, fame doesn’t come without its challenges, particularly regarding public scrutiny.

While many admire Taylor-Joy’s unique features, not everyone has been kind. Even during her rise to stardom, the actress faced hurtful comments about her looks. 

Though she’s known for her grace and wit, her recent reflection on these experiences reminds us that celebrities, no matter how poised, are human too. 

Yes, that’s right. Even someone as celebrated as Taylor-Joy isn’t immune to hurtful remarks about their appearance—a lesson she learned early on, thanks to social media trolls and even a well-meaning reporter.

While promoting M. Night Shyamalan’s Split, Taylor-Joy sat down with W Magazine for an interview that took an unexpected turn. The journalist complimented her “beautiful eyes” before awkwardly adding, “They’re so far apart. Did that make you self-conscious as a kid?”

The question opened the door to a heartfelt moment as Taylor-Joy recounted the challenges of growing up with a unique appearance. 

Before she took Hollywood by storm, Anya Taylor-Joy haunted us with her chilling performance in The Witch.

A24

She recalled being tagged in a cruel Facebook meme comparing her to a fish, an experience that left her avoiding mirrors for years. 

“I was really upset about it,” she admitted, “so I kind of stopped looking in mirrors for a very long time.” The reason? So she wouldn’t have to “deal with her face.” “Unfortunately, y’all do,” she joked.

Taylor-Joy also shared how her eye placement impacted her childhood, particularly in sports. Playground wisdom dictated that if you wanted her to catch a ball, you had to throw it at the side of her head. 

“If you just threw it straight here, I’d be like, ‘Oh my God. What? What happened?’” she quipped, turning a sore subject into something to laugh about.

Embracing Uniqueness and Self-Acceptance

Dr. Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance in overcoming societal pressures related to appearance. She notes that owning your uniqueness is crucial for mental well-being. In her TED talk, Cuddy asserts that power poses and positive self-affirmation can significantly improve self-esteem, particularly in high-pressure environments like Hollywood.

By reframing how we view our own differences, we can cultivate resilience against external criticism. Cuddy's work demonstrates that embracing our unique traits, like Taylor-Joy's striking eyes, can empower us to thrive rather than conform.

Anya Taylor-Joy Reflects on Overcoming Self-Consciousness Over Her Appearance

Warner Bros. Pictures

Despite such challenges, she noted that as her face has matured, her features have grown into proportion. “My face has grown a bit more, and I’m a bit less awkward,” she said. She also added that she grew two inches last year and is still figuring out what to do with her ever-lengthening limbs.

What Taylor-Joy might have once viewed as a flaw is now part of her allure, helping her land roles that celebrate her individuality. With upcoming projects like The Gorge and Sacrifice, she continues to prove that being different isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder that beauty is deeply subjective, shaped by personal perspectives and cultural influences rather than a fixed standard. Confidence, too, is not an overnight transformation but a journey of self-discovery and growth, marked by ups and downs that everyone experiences—even those who seem effortlessly poised and glamorous.

Even the brightest stars, like Anya Taylor-Joy, encounter moments of self-doubt and insecurity, proving that no one is immune to the complexities of self-perception. However, as Taylor-Joy has so gracefully demonstrated, the most important lesson lies in embracing and celebrating the qualities that make you uniquely yourself. It is in this self-acceptance that true confidence and beauty are found.

Furthermore, celebrity culture often magnifies insecurities around physical appearance, as noted by renowned psychologist Dr. Barry Schwartz. In his research, Schwartz highlights the paradox of choice, explaining how excessive options can lead to dissatisfaction and anxiety regarding personal identity.

When individuals like Taylor-Joy face scrutiny, they may internalize societal ideals of beauty, which can lead to self-doubt. To counteract this, Schwartz encourages developing a clear personal standard for success and worth that isn’t dictated by public opinion, fostering a healthier self-image.

Solutions & Coping Strategies

In conclusion, the journey toward self-acceptance in a judgmental industry is complex yet vital. Experts like Dr. Kelly McGonigal advocate for understanding the psychological impact of external validation and suggest cultivating self-compassion as a remedy. McGonigal’s research indicates that self-compassion not only fosters resilience but also enhances overall well-being. By embracing their distinctiveness, individuals can resist negative societal pressures and flourish both personally and professionally. Ultimately, the key lies in redefining beauty standards through self-love and acceptance.