Madelyn Cline, star of Netflix’s hit show Outer Banks, recently opened up about the scrutiny she’s faced regarding her changing appearance over the years. In an interview with Allure, Cline discussed the impact of growing up in the public eye and how fans often fixate on her body and appearance.
The Public’s Focus on Body Image
When asked about how her body image has evolved since the series premiered in 2020, Cline joked, “[My body image] is my Roman Empire. People love to pay attention to weight specifically.
It’s very bizarre to me.” Playing Sarah Cameron, a wealthy teen from North Carolina, Cline’s character has gone through various personal experiences, and as a result, her appearance has naturally changed over the seasons.
The actress, now 27, acknowledges that factors like stress, breakups, and food habits have influenced her appearance, and she believes these are simply a part of life. She added, “From season to season on Outer Banks, my appearance has changed with lots of factors: stress, breakups, healthy or unhealthy habits with food.
It’s normal life.” However, Cline also humorously pointed out that the camera picks up every detail, adding, “The camera, swear to God, picks up everything. Like, damn. Can I not be on my period? Can I not have a beer the night before?”
Struggles with Imposter Syndrome
Cline also spoke candidly about battling imposter syndrome, admitting that it sometimes clashes with her desire for success. She joked, “It causes a little Menty B [mental breakdown] every now and again. I have these crazy anxieties, and I get freaked out.”
Despite these feelings, Cline shared that she’s learned to manage her insecurities and not overthink things. “I do have imposter syndrome. And that’s just very human, but also, I can do it. I’ve gotten this far. I can’t think too hard about it because then I’ll get really existential and treat myself badly,” she explained.
She added that time has helped her manage the internal friction, saying, “The only thing that can smooth the friction is time.”
Overcoming Disordered Eating
Cline has been open about her past struggles with disordered eating. In a 2020 interview with Women’s Health, she revealed how, as a teenager, she began overexercising in an attempt to achieve a certain body image. “I worked out multiple times during the day.
All I knew was I wasn’t achieving a particular body image, and so I was angry. I was harming myself and starving myself in the process of trying to achieve that,” she shared.
Reflecting on how difficult it was to idolize a body type that wasn’t hers, Cline added, “That’s an awful place to be, especially as a teenager, when you’re idolizing a certain body type and you can’t achieve it. There’s nothing wrong with that, you’re just not built that way, and that’s okay. That’s perfectly fine.”
Support from Her Family
Cline credited her mother with helping her recover from these struggles. She recalled, “My mom was a wonderful help in that. She would stand there in the mirror with me and we would list out things that I liked about my body.”
This practice of positive reinforcement helped Cline grow to love her body, particularly appreciating her curves and hips. Over time, she said, “I became so much happier.”
Current Relationship Status
As for her love life, Cline confirmed that she is currently single. Due to her demanding travel schedule and career commitments, she said it has been difficult to prioritize dating. However, Cline also shared that she’s focused on experiencing life on her own terms before diving into a relationship.
“I want to experience this life on my terms first, before I do all the relationship stuff,” she explained. “When I go to work, I get pretty locked in, and I get really, really overwhelmed sometimes when the priorities start stacking up and I’m trying to figure out where to put my energy.”
Upcoming Projects
Fans of Cline will be excited to know that she has several exciting projects ahead. Later this summer, she’s set to appear in The Map That Leads to You, a romance adapted from the novel of the same name.
Additionally, Cline will be featured in the latest installment of I Know What You Did Last Summer, a continuation of the popular slasher franchise.
Madelyn Cline’s openness about her struggles with body image, imposter syndrome, and disordered eating serves as an empowering message for others who face similar challenges. As she continues to rise in her career, she emphasizes the importance of self-love and taking time to prioritize one’s own mental and emotional well-being.
