Hannah Waddingham, known for her role as Unella in “Game of Thrones” and as Rebecca Welton in “Ted Lasso,” revealed on “The Late Show” that she developed chronic claustrophobia as a result of filming a waterboarding scene for the hit HBO series. The scene, in which her character is tortured by Cersei Lannister, involved Waddingham being strapped to a table for ten hours and actually waterboarded. The intense experience left her with strap marks all over her body and a lasting fear of confined spaces.
During the grueling filming of the waterboarding scene, Waddingham recalls feeling overwhelmed and physically uncomfortable. She was unable to lift her head or speak freely as she was being restrained and had liquid poured over her face. Despite the challenging conditions, she remained committed to giving her best performance and serving the story. The experience was so traumatizing that she likened it to the intensity of childbirth, making it one of the worst days of her life.
In a previous interview with Collider, Waddingham spoke candidly about the emotional and physical toll the waterboarding scene took on her. She described being bound to a wooden table with large straps for an extended period, while Lena Headey, who played Cersei, struggled to pour liquid in her face. Waddingham’s ability to project her voice was also affected by the strenuous scene, as she found herself unable to speak properly afterwards due to screaming through The Mountain’s hand.
Lena Headey, reflecting on the same scene in a separate interview, expressed empathy towards Waddingham and acknowledged the challenging nature of the filming process. She noted how the experience of being tied down for hours on end was particularly difficult for both actors, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and consent in intense acting scenes. The mutual respect and support between Headey and Waddingham during filming speaks to the professional dedication and camaraderie of the cast.
Despite the traumatic experience of filming the waterboarding scene, Waddingham’s resilience and commitment to her craft shine through. Her willingness to push herself to the limit in service of the story highlights the dedication and sacrifice often required of actors in demanding roles. The lasting impact of the scene on her mental and physical well-being serves as a testament to the intensity and realism that actors bring to their performances, even at great personal cost.
Overall, Hannah Waddingham’s candid revelations about her struggles with claustrophobia following the waterboarding scene offer a glimpse into the challenges and sacrifices that actors sometimes face in their pursuit of authenticity and compelling storytelling. Her honesty and vulnerability in discussing the traumatic experience provide valuable insight into the complexities of the acting profession and the toll it can take on performers’ mental and emotional health.
