This Famous Actress Was Criticized for Her Look & Had Plastic Surgery at 25 That She Regretted – Photos

Even A-list stars are not immune to scrutiny and bodyshaming in Hollywood, and this acclaimed actress learned that early in her career.

This movie star was faced with harsh criticism over her appearance, leading her to make choices she would later regret. But over time, she has embraced aging and rejected further cosmetic procedures. Today, comfortable in her own skin, she has built a career defined by her talent, resilience, and creative vision.

Hollywood Legacy, but on Her Own Terms

This actress was just 19 when she made her big-screen debut in John Carpenter's 1978 horror classic "Halloween." She proceeded to display her comedic skills on the ABC sitcom "Anything But Love.

The movie star also starred in box office hits, including 1983's "Trading Places," 1988's "A Fish Called Wanda," and 2003's "Freaky Friday."

She is the daughter of prominent movie stars, but has built a career that is widely recognized on its own merits. While she acknowledges that being born into a famous family has given her certain advantages, she emphasizes that such benefits can only take one so far.

The Oscar-winning actress said that when the cameras start rolling, skill, dedication, creativity, and art are what truly matter. Over decades in the industry, she has embraced the label of "artist," highlighting her work as an actor, writer, director, and producer.

"And I didn't know I was an artist originally, but I know I'm a creative person. I'm an ideas girl, and I've been an ideas girl from the beginning. I'm a marketing whiz. … I've written books for children, I've written screenplays, I have directed. I am producing," she stated.

She Clapped Back at Nepo Baby Critics

Now, she noted that her creative achievements define her legacy more than her family name. Though she recognizes the impact of her family’s legacy, she stresses that her accomplishments are the result of her own talent, perseverance, and hard work.

"The current conversation about nepo babies is just designed to try to diminish and denigrate and hurt. For the record, I have navigated 44 years with the advantages my associated and reflected fame brought me, I don't pretend there aren't any, that try to tell me that I have no value on my own," she wrote in a post on Instagram.

The actress also pointed out that assumptions about nepotism equating to a lack of talent are unfounded. She emphasized that many born into prominent families are dedicated to their craft, proud of their lineage, and confident in their right to succeed on their own abilities.

A Cruel Comment That Left a Scar

By the mid-1980s, the actress already had a well-established acting career. Around that period, she starred opposite John Travolta in the film "Perfect."

She reflected on the role, "I took it very seriously as an actor, and of course, I look really good in a leotard. And believe me, I have seen enough pictures of me in that leotard, where even I go like, really, come on."

Despite that confidence, she recalled a painful experience on set involving a cinematographer who openly criticized her appearance. According to the actress, he bluntly said one day that he was not going to shoot her because her eyes were puffy.

They were shooting a courtroom scene under harsh, unflattering fluorescent lighting, which made her puffy eyes more noticeable. "I naturally had puffy eyes. If you see photographs of me as a child, I look like I haven't slept," she explained.

She was 25 at the time, and she said the cinematographer's comment was deeply embarrassing. Feeling mortified and ashamed, she underwent plastic surgery to fix the puffiness after filming wrapped.

The decision did not sit well with her, as it was not something she wanted to do at 25 or 26. "I regretted it immediately and have kind of sort of regretted it since," she declared.

The Plastic Surgery Changed Everything

Following the surgery, she began taking painkillers and developed a dependence on opiates. "They gave me Vicodin as a painkiller for something that wasn't really painful," she noted.

The actress also drank, though not excessively or in a public way. She described herself as quiet and private about it, but very dependent on alcohol.

While she has now been sober for 26 years, the movie star admitted that in the beginning, she was reluctant to acknowledge that she was struggling with addiction.

Over the years, her regret for undergoing plastic surgery has also grown, and she has since become a vocal advocate. The actress encourages women to embrace themselves as they are and reminds them that they are gorgeous and perfect without changing anything.

Filters, Fakeness, and the Disfigurement of Women

This year, the actress at the center of this story, Jamie Lee Curtis, continued her campaign against plastic surgery by attending a Guardian photoshoot wearing oversized plastic lips and a blond wig. She was emphatic about having her ideas accurately interpreted.

So, ahead of the meeting, she sent an email through her publicist. In it, she explained the thinking behind the shoot, "The wax lips is my statement against plastic surgery. I've been very vocal about the genocide of a generation of women by the cosmeceutical industrial complex, who've disfigured themselves. The wax lips really sends it home."

The "Halloween" star acknowledged that using the word "genocide" is extremely strong and risks causing offence, given its proper meaning. Still, Curtis said she believes it accurately describes what is happening.

The actress deliberately chose the term because of its weight, arguing that society has effectively erased one or two generations of natural human appearance. In her view, the widespread use of chemicals, surgical procedures, and fillers has led to the disfigurement of predominantly women.

These women are altering how they look, a trend Curtis said is further fueled by AI and filter-driven beauty standards. The movie star noted that filters make altered images appear "better" at first glance, but stressed that what is perceived as better is ultimately fake.

Curtis added that recent media coverage has highlighted numerous examples, though she declined to name anyone.

Does Her Anti-Surgery Stance Create Awkwardness?

Given the strength of her views on cosmetic surgery, Curtis was asked whether younger women ever feel judged around her, or if it makes things awkward.

She dismissed the idea outright, "No. No. Because I don't care. It doesn't matter. I'm not proselytising to them. I would never say a word. I would never say to someone: what have you done? All I know is that it is a never-ending cycle. That, I know. Once you start, you can't stop. But it's not my job to give my opinion; it's none of my business."

A Moment of Creative Rebirth

When she turned 65 two years ago, Curtis said that the age was her moment of reflection and excitement. "I feel more excited, more turned on creatively. I have a new book, I'm heading to go make a movie. I got to be in a TV show. I'm having a creative time," she said.

The actress had also become far kinder to herself, embracing her appearance and fully owning her thoughts and feelings. To her, this is the essence of maturity — acknowledging and taking responsibility for what she thinks and feels.

Curtis strived to speak honestly and with intention, making sure her words carried meaning without being harsh. This approach reflected how she was navigating and growing into her older age.

Her fans have also praised her authenticity and her embrace of natural beauty. One admirer shared, "I always thought that she was gorgeous, and she still is! ❤️" Another fan expressed appreciation for her outspokenness, "She is great! Love her speaking up when so many girls want to be part of the plastic people..."

A follower admitted surprise at the fact that she underwent plastic surgery at 26, "Wow!! Did not know that... that unbelievable." And another simply celebrated her enduring appeal, "Still beautiful."

Almost Five Decades In – And Still Stunning

Now, nearly five decades into her career and having turned 67 in November 2025, Curtis still looks magnificent, even after deciding against further plastic surgery.

She reflected, "My parents were both known first and foremost for being beautiful. And talented. Neither one of them wanted to acknowledge the deep, dark, truthful mirror of aging, and so they both tried to fend it off."

By contrast, she has embraced the aging process fully, suggesting that part of the secret may be that she simply doesn't care. Career-wise, Curtis has continued to grow.

Oscar, Emmy, and Now a Political Dramedy

She won her first Academy Award in 2023 for her role as a dour IRS auditor in the surreal comedy "Everything Everywhere All at Once." This win was followed by an Emmy the next year for a dramatic guest-starring role on "The Bear."

Jamie Lee Curtis's willingness to stretch herself onscreen has made her a favorite of some of Hollywood's most successful directors. In late 2025, she appeared among an all-star ensemble in James L. Brooks' political dramedy "Ella McCay."

The film also stars Emma Mackey, Ayo Edebiri, Kumail Nanjiani, Albert Brooks, and Woody Harrelson. According to Curtis, it centers on an "idealistic young politician" (Mackey) who wants to "do good in the world."

She plays the title character's aunt, stepping in to support her after her mother dies. Her growth as a performer has been remarkable to witness. Despite her fame, the values Curtis has embraced over time remain at the core of who she is today.