Olivia Colman has opened up about her discomfort with filming sex scenes, revealing that the experience often makes her feel as if she is being “unfaithful” to her husband, Ed Sinclair. The 51-year-old actress, known for her roles in popular series and films, shared her feelings during an appearance on Amy Poehler’s podcast, Good Hang.
Colman admitted that she struggles with scenes that require her to show skin or engage in intimate acts with other actors. “Anything where I have to show any skin, I don’t like,” she explained. “Pretending to have sex… I don’t like it. I feel like I’m being unfaithful.” Despite offers to use props like cushions or to wear jeans during such scenes, Colman stated, “I don’t want to do that.”
Support for Fellow Actors and the Role of Intimacy Coordinators
During the discussion, both Colman and Poehler expressed admiration for actors who handle intimate scenes with ease. Poehler remarked, “The people that are good at it, I’ll watch them all day long, and they’re comfy. But the on-screen orgasm…” To which Colman added, “No, absolutely not… Thank God for intimacy coordinators.”
Colman also reflected on her longstanding and supportive marriage. She described her husband as her “best friend,” adding, “I fancy him, which is quite nice.” The couple is set to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary next year. Colman noted that they are not prone to conflict, which she humorously suggested might not be “very healthy.”
While working alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in their recent project, The Roses, Colman found herself offering reassurance during more intense scenes depicting a couple facing marital challenges. “We had so much fun, but when it started to get a little bit more cruel to each other, he did go, ‘Can we pause for a minute? Are we OK?’” Colman recounted. She reassured him, “Yes, Ben, it’s all pretend. It’s all OK.”
Family Comes First for Colman
In a previous interview with My Weekly magazine, Colman expressed her unwavering commitment to her family, emphasizing that her children always come first. “My family is everything to me. I love my children so much. I love them more than anything in the world,” she stated. “As much as I love acting, I never want to miss out on their lives. Nothing comes before them.”
Colman’s candid remarks highlight the emotional challenges that accompany her profession, particularly regarding intimate scenes. Her dedication to her family and her honesty about her feelings towards on-screen intimacy resonate with many, revealing the personal struggles behind the glamorous exterior of acting. As she continues to navigate her career, her priorities remain clear: family first, followed by her passion for acting.
