Florence Pugh recently opened up about the unusual experience of shaving her head for her role in the movie We Live in Time, calling it a “bizarre” and slightly traumatic event. The 28-year-old actress had to cut her hair for the film, a love story with Andrew Garfield that spans over a decade, following a couple dealing with a life-changing medical diagnosis.
In a candid interview with British Vogue, Pugh shared that shaving her head wasn’t just a physical change but also triggered emotional reactions. She explained, “In many cultures, hair is considered very personal. It holds memories, dreams, and history, so shaving it off felt strange.” Pugh, known for her roles in Oppenheimer, Dune: Part Two, and Little Women, added that her head became extremely sensitive afterward. “People kept wanting to touch it, and it felt very ‘alive.’ My body reacted to the change; I was cold all the time.”
Interestingly, it was her co-star Andrew Garfield who actually shaved her head for the scene. Although nervous, Garfield said it was a special moment, admitting, “What if I messed up and ruined the head of one of the best actresses of our generation? But, it turned out to be a beautiful, intimate moment, and thankfully, she has a very nicely shaped head!”
Pugh reflected on how the timing of the role aligned with a period of personal growth. “I was going through a lot of changes in my life, and it felt fitting to change my appearance as well,” she said. “Looking back, that summer marked the start of me evolving into something new.”
During the interview, Pugh also mentioned that she’s in a new relationship but chose to keep the details private. “We’re figuring things out, but this time I’m not rushing. I want it to be real and genuine without forcing anything,” she explained.
Pugh’s previous relationship with actor Zach Braff had drawn attention due to their 21-year age difference. In a 2021 interview, she had defended their relationship, saying, “It’s my life, and I’m not living it to please others or make headlines.” Reflecting on it now, she added that their relationship had been private until the public scrutiny became overwhelming. “When things got nasty, it took a toll on us and our families. That’s when I had to speak up. It’s hard to watch people say terrible things about someone you care about. I needed to address it because relationships in the public eye are tough.”