Christina Ricci Opens Up About Learning to Love Herself More: ‘It Doesn’t Matter If I’m Beautiful or Not’ (Exclusive)

Christina Ricci Shares Insight on Embracing Inner Beauty

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, actress Christina Ricci opened up about her journey towards caring less about her external appearance and focusing more on her true self. Ricci, 45, discussed how she has learned to separate societal beauty standards from her identity, a perspective she aims to instil in her 3-year-old daughter, Cleo. Speaking at a Yellowjackets season 3 event at the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, Calif., Ricci expressed, “I view myself as a face and a brain. I don’t think about my body. I don’t think about what other people think of me.”

Ricci reflected on the importance of self-acceptance and individuality, noting how her daughter Cleo responded to being called ‘cute’ by asserting her true identity. Through encouraging her daughter to focus on inner qualities such as strength, intelligence, and humour, Ricci emphasised the need to break away from society’s fixation on external appearances. She highlighted the impact of societal pressure on women to conform to beauty standards, stating, “We can’t focus on what’s really important when we are preoccupied with our appearance.”

The award-winning actress, known for her roles in various films and TV shows, also shared insights into her early career experiences and the challenges she faced growing up in the spotlight. She recounted instances where she felt uncomfortable due to the emphasis on her physical appearance during costume fittings and the scrutiny she endured from others on set. These experiences contributed to her evolving perspective on beauty and self-worth, shaping her approach to body image and self-esteem.

Beyond her personal struggles with body image, Ricci candidly discussed the negative impact of external influences on her perception of beauty during adolescence. She recounted facing pressures to alter her appearance to appear less ‘womanly’ as she matured, revealing the discomfort and unease these experiences instilled in her. Ricci’s openness about her past struggles with body image sheds light on the pervasive societal norms that shape individuals’ perceptions of beauty and self-worth.

As a mother of two, Ricci is committed to fostering a healthy relationship with food and body image for her children. Reflecting on her own battles with an eating disorder during puberty, she emphasised the importance of promoting a positive and balanced approach to nutrition and self-care within her family. By advocating for a healthy mindset around food and self-image, Ricci aims to empower her children to develop a strong sense of self-worth independent of external influences.

In her journey towards self-acceptance and inner beauty, Christina Ricci serves as an inspiration for many navigating societal pressures and standards. Her resilience and authenticity in sharing her experiences with body image issues underscore the importance of embracing individuality and self-love. By prioritising inner qualities and self-expression over external appearance, Ricci’s story resonates with those seeking empowerment and confidence beyond conventional beauty ideals.