Kate Winslet has opened up about the challenges of sudden fame following her role in Titanic, a film that premiered on December 19, 1997. In a candid discussion on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, she detailed the overwhelming experiences that accompanied her rise to stardom. Winslet recalled being relentlessly pursued by paparazzi and even having her phone tapped, which significantly impacted her mental well-being.
Reflecting on the period, Winslet stated, “I didn’t want to be famous. I really didn’t. I know it sounds so daft, but it’s not necessarily an easy path to walk and to stay sane.” The fame she achieved from Titanic, which starred her alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, transformed her life in ways she had not anticipated. While she expressed gratitude for the film and its success, she admitted that the accompanying pressures were daunting.
During production, Winslet faced scrutiny regarding her body image, compounded by the expectations set by director James Cameron. He urged her to enhance her physical stamina, leading to her hiring a personal trainer for the first time. “I actually loved the discipline of it,” she remarked, although she was merely 21 at the time and hoped to return to a “normal life” after filming.
Unfortunately, the British press soon turned their attention toward her private life. Winslet described the invasive tactics employed by the media, stating, “[They] started calling me awful, terrible, actually abusive names. Going into shops and asking shopkeepers what I’d bought. Going through my [trash] bins to look for my shopping receipts.” She condemned these actions as disgraceful, expressing relief that such practices are less common today.
“I just felt like I couldn’t walk down the street without seeing myself on the cover of The Sun or The Daily Mail. It was horrific,” she explained. The intense scrutiny left her feeling isolated and fearful, unable to find solace even in her own home. “There were people tapping my phone. They were just everywhere. And I was just on my own. I was terrified to go to sleep… It really was quite scary.”
Despite the challenges, Winslet found support in her close friends and kind neighbors, who played an essential role in protecting her from the media frenzy. “I had someone looking after me and it meant the world to know that someone was there,” she shared.
Winslet also reflected on the paparazzi attention she received after her divorce from filmmaker Sam Mendes in 2010. She recounted being followed in New York City with her young children, who were unwittingly caught in the spotlight of media speculation. “You just keep your mouth closed, you put your head down, and you keep walking. And you try and put your hands over your children’s ears,” she recalled.
Now, as Winslet embarks on her directorial debut with Goodbye June, which is currently in theaters and will be available on Netflix on December 24, she continues to navigate the complexities of fame while reflecting on her journey. The film, which features a cast including Toni Collette and Helen Mirren, is a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her growth both as an actress and a director.
Winslet’s experiences serve as a reminder of the intense public scrutiny faced by celebrities and her resilience in managing the pressures of fame.
