When actress Karen Gillan considers a new movie or TV role, she starts by taking an academic-style deep dive into the character's psyche. (Who are they? What motivates them? What hurt have they experienced?) Then she asks herself this question: Do I want to know what it's like to carry that pain? If the answer is yes, she'll sign on to the project. If it's no, she'll pass. That admirable curiosity about other people's lived experiences is what led her to arguably her best-known part to date: Guardians of the Galaxy's tortured bionic antihero Nebula (a role she reprises in this summer's Thor: Love and Thunder).
My favorite thing about playing Nebula is exploring what it feels like to be the scapegoated sibling within a toxic family dynamic, says the 34-year-old. Before I even got the role, that drew me to it. There's a lot of material there.
Nebula's familial situation is a far cry from what Karen experienced, growing up as the only child of two very supportive parents. Karen has been laser-focused on acting since age 13, when she filmed homemade horror movies and wrote letters to agents from her bedroom in Inverness, Scotland-a part of the country known for rolling green hills and medieval ruins. She later enrolled in the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London for a short time and landed her first breakthrough role as Amy Pond in the beloved U.K. television series Doctor Who. Though she's filming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in Atlanta when we speak, she lives in Los Angeles, wants to move to New York, and has never truly felt at home since she was a kid.
This story is from the July - August 2022 edition of Women's Health US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July - August 2022 edition of Women's Health US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Angel Reese Manifested the Life of Her Dreams
The college basketball phenom knows what she wants and how to get therewith epic focus, drive, and determination.
Living in the Age of Özempic
Game-changing weight-management drugs are finally going mainstream. But as with any buzzy health topic, with the fascination come plenty of myths and misunderstandings. WH has the expert info for determining whether one of the next-gen meds is right for you.
LETTUCE LEVEL-UP
Salad is a staple yet deserves more glory than it often gets. We gussied up all kinds of greens for tastier plates that'll soon be in your meal rotation. Goodbye, basic bowls....
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for you.
Nerve Flossing
The technique's purported payoff? Smooth, pain-free mobility.
Gut Feelings
A rising interest in the microbiome means an old-school health hack is making a major comeback. Here, how to supplement with fiber in 2024.
Sip Smart Strategies
Experts read the tea leaves for you and share tips for getting the most health perks and flavor from each and every cup.
SWEAT TEST: OsteoStrong
Meet the wellness center for all ages that claims to strengthen your frame in just minutes a week.
Mile Markers
Running is bigger than ever. And as it continues to become more accessible and inclusive, now's your time to hit the road with this no-BS guide.
Beauty MVPs
The WH team selected and sweat-tested the best products for your active lifestyle.