The actress, who is starring in the new Apple TV+ movie ‘Outcome,’ said that constant public scrutiny can feel “debilitating”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Laverne-Cox-Outcome-premiere-040926-cb35ed25ddf842c0902cbe5d2a4ab19e.jpg)
Credit: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Laverne Cox revealed that she finds fame to be a “lonely” experience, but she explained why the “sacrifice” is worth it
- The actress also shared that the constant scrutiny from being in the public eye can feel “debilitating” at times
- The Orange Is the New Black alum caught up with PEOPLE exclusively at the premiere of her Apple TV+ movie, Outcome
Laverne Cox is getting candid about the “loneliness” of a career in the spotlight — as well as why her work makes it worth it.
The actress, 53, caught up with PEOPLE exclusively at the premiere of her new Apple TV+ movie, Outcome, a Jonah Hill-directed dark comedy starring Keanu Reeves. During the conversation, Cox said she resonated with the film’s themes, which center on fame, loneliness and disconnection.
“It hit close to home in a way that was scary and frightening,” Cox explained. “The overawareness that Reef [Reeves’ character] has about how, [with] every interaction, people are going to perceive him in a certain way and then go and talk about it.”
“I’ve always had that awareness, too, and it’s debilitating. It really can be,” she continued, adding, “So it’s like, how do you give yourself permission to just be?”
“Right now, I’m just me, but I also don’t go out much. I have to be really careful. If I can’t get there, I don’t go out … it is lonely,” Cox said, adding that she’s been single “for two years.”
Credit: Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty
However, the Orange is the New Black alum went on to say that for her, the satisfaction she gets from her work makes the sacrifices worth it.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“I just had the most amazing experience on Soapbox with David Duchovny and the amazing cast. I just had this amazing experience shooting a film. So the loneliness feels like a sacrifice for the work,” she explained.
She added, “When I’m on set, I’m not lonely at all. All the preparation and all the sacrifices I’ve made are worth it when I’m on set and I’m ready to go and take direction and live truthful in the imaginary circumstances of the character.”
Cox also shared that her busy schedule — and immense work ethic — can mean she misses out on day-to-day connections.
The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!
Credit: Cindy Ord/Getty
“When I’m working I don’t ever really hang out. I just finished a movie in L.A. and the wrap party was Friday, and I was going to go and I was so tired — I had to fly the next day — and I missed the wrap party. It’s hard,” she said.
“Even when I was younger, when I have to work, I’m very focused. Even when I’m not shooting, I’m preparing for the next day. I’m just making sure I’m rested … so my voice and my body is ready to go. I’m very committed, and when I’m working I’m working,” Cox added.
Outcome premiered on Apple TV+ on April 10.