In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Erin Moriarty, the actress widely recognised for her role as Starlight in the Prime Video series “The Boys,” opened up about her struggles with Graves’ disease during the filming of the show’s fifth and final season. The autoimmune disorder took a significant toll on Moriarty, affecting both her physical health and mental well-being, thereby hindering her ability to fully engage with her character.
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At 31 years old, Moriarty reflected on her journey through the filming process, revealing that she found herself “really, really, really struggling to get through” the demanding shoot. The challenges posed by Graves’ disease left her feeling disconnected from her character, Annie January, which she described as a painful experience. “It did lead to me not being as present for Annie during this final season as I would’ve hoped,” she lamented, concerned that she was failing both her character and the audience.
The actress’s difficulties soared during the early episodes of the season, stating, “It was like I was offline for the first six to seven episodes, and then I came back online.” Only towards the end of the series did she begin to feel more like herself again. Moriarty’s revelation of her diagnosis last June marked the beginning of her journey towards understanding and managing the condition, which disrupts thyroid function and can lead to symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat.
Moriarty expressed the importance of discussing autoimmune diseases publicly, particularly in light of her own experiences. Despite coming from a family of medical professionals, she noted that symptoms she initially attributed to stress and fatigue went unexamined until she eventually sought a diagnosis. “If I hadn’t chalked it all up to stress and fatigue, I would’ve caught this sooner,” she shared in a past Instagram post.
After beginning treatment, Moriarty experienced a notable improvement in her health. “Within 24 hours of beginning treatment, I felt the light coming back on,” she recalled optimistically. However, the timing of her diagnosis coincided with filming, ultimately becoming a challenging aspect of her professional life. “I wish I could have used it to enhance or to relate to her weariness,” she explained, but the reality was that she faced significant difficulties during that period.
Reflecting further on the impact of her illness, she noted, “I wasn’t able to transcend the physical and mental toll that this disease took on me until episode seven. It’s a testament to how profoundly impactful these autoimmune diseases can be, and I don’t think that people are aware to the degree that they can be.” With regret, Moriarty admitted that instead of enhancing her performance, she had simply been focused on managing each day.
Throughout this ordeal, Moriarty felt fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive cast and crew. Nevertheless, she acknowledged the fear and anxiety that often accompanied her struggles. As a devoted fan of “The Boys,” she admitted that she has chosen to refrain from watching the final season for the sake of her mental health. “It’s really important for me at this moment in time to put my psychological health above all other things,” she asserted.
In a broader context, Moriarty’s experience underscores the critical importance of awareness and understanding regarding autoimmune disorders. Her willingness to speak out serves as an important reminder of the challenges faced by many suffering from similar conditions. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others to advocate for their health and seek assistance when needed.
As the final season of “The Boys” draws to a close, fans and viewers alike can appreciate the depth and dedication Moriarty brought to her character, even in the face of adversity. Her journey serves not only as a testament to her resilience but also as a poignant message about the significance of health and well-being in both personal and professional spheres.