Calista Flockhart, 59, reveals she thought ‘painful’ anorexia rumors while starring on Ally McBeal would ‘ruin her career’ at the time

Calista Flockhart has opened up as she addressed past anorexia rumors that surrounded her while she starred in hit series All McBeal.

The 59-year-old Golden Globe winner – who recently showed off her chic sense of style on Good Morning America – opened up about how the speculation had affected her at the time during an interview with The New York Times on Friday.

The star told the outlet, “I was an easy target, I guess. It was painful, it was complicated. I loved working on Ally McBeal, and it just made it sour.”

‘I was very sleep deprived and depressed about it. I really thought it would ruin my career,” Flockhart admitted.

“I didn’t think anyone would ever hire me again because they would just assume I was anorexic and that would be the end of it.”

Calista further recalled, “I had days where I was really hurt, ashamed, and furious. I was lucky that I had to work.’

She explained that she chose to shake off the rumors and stay positive. “I just put my head down. I always felt, ‘Calista, you’re a good person, you’re not mean to anyone,’ and I’m confident in that.”

The actress also explained to the publication that she thought the past situation would not happen in the present day.

‘Now they call it body shaming. I haven’t thought about it in a long time, but it’s really not okay to accuse someone of a disease that many people struggle with.’

Flockhart added, “I look back at pictures and I’m the same then as I am now, and no one says a word now.”

She also explained that when it comes to her own height of around 6 feet, her weight has always been at a healthy point.

Calista then said, “My mother is now 4-11 years old, and she weighed 93 pounds when she got married. Talk about a little elf. I only have small bones and I’m just lucky.’

In the past, the actress had made comments about her weight, including in an interview with People when she worked on Ally McBeal in 1998.

“I don’t think I know the exact definition of anorexia,” she had told the publication at the time.

‘But I eat. I eat normally. I eat what I want, whenever I want. I don’t have a fucked up relationship with food. Am I anorexic? I guess my answer would have to be no.”

She also explained that she had focused on a healthier diet that excluded junk food, and due to longer work days, the star had not stuck to her usual workout routine.

‘I think my body has changed from muscular to softer. I’m not saying people don’t see what they see.’

‘If I did that, it would indicate that I am crazy. I’m just saying it’s normal weight fluctuations. “I don’t look in the mirror that often, but when I do, I have to say, no, I don’t think I’m too skinny,” Calista said.

Flockhart played the titular role on the critically acclaimed legal comedy-drama from 1997 to 2002.

Notably, the hit show took home both Golden Globe and Emmy awards during its broadcast. In 2022, it was announced that a reboot for Ally McBeal is also in the works.

Calista – who is currently married to fellow actor Harrison Ford – has been busy in the industry, with his most recent project being Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.

The FX/Hulu limited series premieres later this month on January 31 and also stars Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Chloe Sevigny, Demi Moore, Molly Ringwald and Tom Hollander.

The official starting point follows: ‘Acclaimed writer Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) surrounded himself with a coterie of society’s most elite women – wealthy, glamorous socialites who defined a bygone era of New York high society – whom he nicknamed ‘the Swans ‘ gave.

Enchanted and fascinated by these doyennes, Capote introduced himself into their lives, befriended them and became their confidant, eventually betraying them by writing a thinly veiled fictionalization of their lives, revealing their most intimate secrets. .’

The show is based on the book Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Er, written by Laurence Leamer.

Flockhart played the role of Lee Radziwill, Jacqueline Kennedy’s sister, and began portraying her while she was traveling. Good morning America earlier this week.

“She was a pretty amazing woman. She was a New York socialite. She was at the top of her game. She was a fashion icon. She was rich. She was a princess. She was bred to marry well, to marry the right man, to marry a rich man.”

Calista added, “I think she lived in her sister’s shadow, and so she was a woman who spent a lifetime searching for her own identity, which she found in different ways. She was intelligent.’

And earlier this month, the star notably attended the Critics Choice Awards with her husband, Harrison Ford, who received the Career Achievement award.

As he tearfully accepted the award on stage, Harrison also paid a loving tribute to Calista, who he tied the knot with in 2010.

“I would like to thank my dear wife,” he said emotionally. “She supports me when I need a lot of support and I need a lot of support.”

The star also added, “I’m really excited to be here tonight to see what our company is changing and all the talented people getting opportunities that probably wouldn’t have existed early in my career.”

‘I’m very happy with that. I’m here because of a combination of luck and the work of great directors, writers and filmmakers.

I feel extremely happy. I am happy with this honor and appreciate it very much. I am grateful for all the good actors I have worked with.’

Ford concluded the speech with, “I’m very happy that I’ve had the opportunities that I’ve had and I’m grateful. Thank you. I won’t take any more of your time. Thank you.’

And while at the premiere of Feud: Capote vs The Swans on Tuesday, she responded to her husband’s sweet speech while chatting with People. ‘He is very supportive of me. It’s something mutual.’