Erin Moriarty, known for her role as Starlight (Annie January) in the acclaimed Amazon Prime series *The Boys*, has recently shared a candid account of her struggles during the filming of the show’s second season. Appearing on the podcast *MeSsy with Christina Applegate & Jamie-Lynn Sigler*, Moriarty revealed the physical challenges she faced while shooting a critical intimate scene.
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The actress, now 32, disclosed that she was battling a severe staph infection during the filming of what she described as her first sex scene in the series. This revelation sheds light on the significant toll that her health issues have had on her work and personal life. Moriarty reflected on the mentality that drove her to prioritise her professional responsibilities over her health, even in the face of serious medical conditions.
Moriarty’s health challenges are compounded by her struggle with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. Since being diagnosed in June 2025, she has spoken openly about the persistent symptoms that include fatigue, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat. On the podcast, she revealed how this condition impacted her ability to perform at times, particularly during the demanding shoots for the series that wrapped up its five-season run in May.
Throughout the filming of the second season, Moriarty frequently pushed herself to meet the demands of her role. This pressure to perform at her best led her to neglect her own health concerns. “I had one night, for example, where I developed a really, really bad staph infection,” she shared, emphasising the severity of her situation. “It got so bad that I couldn’t even move my right arm during a night shoot.”
The actress recounted a particularly challenging night on set where she felt the weight of her health struggles. Despite having what she described as “a second head growing out of my armpit,” Moriarty still managed to complete the scene. “I told the production team, ‘Even if we wanted to go through with this, look at what I’m dealing with,'” she recalled, highlighting the conditions under which she felt compelled to perform.
Moriarty’s account is a powerful reflection on the pressure artists face in the entertainment industry, often feeling that they must “suck it up” to deliver their performance. She admitted that her determination to fulfil her professional commitments often meant placing her health on the back burner. “I can be in hell, I can be afraid that maybe I won’t wake up tomorrow,” she articulated, illustrating the extent of her struggle. “But I will show up to prove that I am a good sport and a good player.”
The staph infection Moriarty endured is a serious condition that can lead to more severe health issues if left untreated. Staphylococcus bacteria can cause blisters, boils, or sores on the skin, along with other symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. It is indicative of the physical strain that comes with the relentless schedule often expected of actors in high-pressure roles.
As Moriarty continues to navigate her health issues, she has expressed a desire to raise awareness around the importance of prioritising well-being over professional demands. Her shared journey is a reminder of the human experience behind the façade of televised performances, exposing the often unseen struggles many artists silently endure.
With her experiences now part of the public conversation, Erin Moriarty hopes to encourage greater compassion and understanding within the industry. By sharing her story, she not only sheds light on her own battle but also paves the way for others facing similar challenges to feel empowered to prioritise their health while still pursuing their passions.