Actress Tracey Gold has shared her heartbreaking journey of struggling with anorexia as she recalled her time on the hit TV show “Growing Pains.” The 55-year-old reflected on her experience during an episode of Let’s Be Clear With Shannen Doherty, where she opened up about the challenges she faced as a child actor, particularly with the character she portrayed on the show.
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Back in 1985, Gold landed the role of Carol Seaver on Growing Pains, marking a significant milestone in her acting career. However, as time went on, the atmosphere on set shifted, and Gold found herself becoming the target of fat jokes within the script. Despite her best efforts to brush off the remarks initially, things took a darker turn when she returned to work after a summer break and noticed the jokes becoming harsher and more hurtful.
Feeling uncomfortable with the situation, Gold finally mustered the courage to approach the writers and express how the jokes were affecting her. However, her attempts to negotiate were met with dismissive responses, with the writers suggesting that the teasing was part of the dynamic between siblings and not intended to be taken seriously. This left Gold feeling vulnerable and exposed, as the jokes began to impact not just her character on the show, but her own self-image as well.
The pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty in Hollywood only intensified as Gold was instructed by producers to lose weight. Subsequently, she was put on a dangerously low-calorie diet, which led to significant weight loss. Despite receiving compliments on her appearance, Gold struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, questioning whether she had been accepted only after changing her physique to fit the industry’s standards.
The toxic environment on set, coupled with the constant scrutiny of her body, took a toll on Gold’s mental and emotional well-being. As the show progressed, so did her battle with anorexia, culminating in her seeking inpatient treatment for the eating disorder. Gold’s story sheds light on the harmful effects of body shaming and the importance of mental health support in the entertainment industry, where young actors are particularly vulnerable to such pressures.
Despite the challenges she faced during her time on Growing Pains, Gold acknowledges that her struggle with anorexia was a personal journey, and she does not hold the producers or writers solely responsible for her illness. She emphasises the need for actors, especially child performers, to have a safe and supportive environment where their well-being is prioritised over appearance and stereotypes.
Looking back on her experience, Gold hopes to raise awareness about eating disorders and the damaging impact of body image ideals perpetuated in the media. By sharing her story, she aims to encourage others facing similar struggles to seek help and speak out about their own battles with mental health issues. Ultimately, Tracey Gold’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity, both on and off screen.