Keri Russell Critiques Hollywood’s Beauty Standards and Plastic Surgery

Keri Russell is taking a unique approach in an industry often characterized by unrealistic beauty standards.

The 49-year-old actress shared her thoughts on the pressures of achieving perfection in Hollywood, as well as the rising fascination with cosmetic surgery — particularly among women.

“It’s such a strange thing,” she remarked in an interview with People, which was published on Sunday, October 19, while discussing her role in The Diplomat. “Everyone has an opinion about how you look, how you dress, how your hair is.”

As U.S. Ambassador Kate Wyler in the series, Russell relates to the scrutiny surrounding her character’s appearance. “It’s just part of our society. But I actually find it quite enjoyable; it’s like a fun challenge to play with,” she noted, explaining that she appreciates how Kate reacts to societal expectations about her style, calling it fresh and “delightful.”

“I love how cranky she is about it and how she consistently challenges people on it, often bluntly. I really enjoy that,” Russell continued, commending her character for prioritizing her professional obligations over comments on her appearance.

During the interview, Russell mentioned that she and her friends frequently discuss beauty standards in Hollywood, acknowledging that seeking surgical enhancement has become a widespread trend.

“Plastic surgery is really trending right now — among men, women, and even those in their 20s. It’s everywhere,” she articulated. “We’re bombarded with images of movie stars looking incredible, even if they’re in their 50s or 60s.”

Seeing herself on The Diplomat, Russell described it as an enlightening experience.

“When I watch the show, I think, I don’t look like that, you know,” she said. “I like how I appear on the show, and it’s surprising to feel that way, as if it’s unusual to look like that, but it is.”

A particularly noteworthy scene in season 3 features Kate confronting her secret service agent, tasked with being her body double, who sports a noticeably untidy appearance. “It’s not like I don’t wash it. I do. And I comb it,” Kate tells the agent. “It’s a style,” she insists.

“That style is: not looking like you’ve spent hours [on your hair], because some people have more important things to focus on. It’s not: couldn’t get the top down on the convertible,” Kate affirms.

Russell previously shared that this specific scene brought her immense joy, especially since her character waited for the right moment to express her thoughts. She also praised Kate’s “frankness” and “assertiveness.”

“The way it was directed, with Kate observing, observing, observing, and then finally — she knows she shouldn’t speak up, but she decides, ‘I’m going to say something. I need to clarify this for you,’” the actress explained in a separate interview published on October 17.

Russell added, “I adore this writing. That’s all [creator] Debora [Cahn].”