Florence Pugh opened up about the challenges of being a young woman in Hollywood, describing the experience as "exhausting" but empowering in an interview.

The actress discussed how the Me Too movement shaped her need to advocate for herself and prioritize mental health.

Florence Pugh also discussed the emotional toll of intense roles such as "Midsommar" and her pride in performing.

During an appearance on the "Reign With Josh Smith" podcast, Pugh opened up about her struggles as a young woman in Hollywood.

The 29-year-old actress, who made her screen debut in the 2014 drama The Falling at the age of 18 and has since risen to prominence as one of the industry's most in-demand stars, reflected on how she got into the entertainment world by coincidence with the rise of the Me Too movement.

This moment, she explained, reinforced the importance of standing up for yourself.

"It's very hard. And it's exhausting. It's really, really tiring," Pugh said. Daily Mail. “Young women in this industry have so much to fight for and protect and defend and then shout about it. It's really, really hard. It's an experience and it makes you assert yourself. It forces you to understand yourself. "

Pugh added that she's learned to prioritize her well-being, saying, "Now I can just take care of myself, take care of my heart and that's where I'm at right now. I wouldn't change a thing. I'm really proud of the things I've done pledged."

Reflecting on the progress made for women in the industry, Pugh acknowledged the improvements but emphasized the continued need to fight for fairness and equality.

"We're in a time that's definitely better for women, but that doesn't mean you don't have to constantly fight for the things you believe are right," she noted.

The actress continued, "I've always been proud of the way I've stood up for myself, whether it's on Instagram or in interviews. I've always been proud of the way I'm not afraid to speak up for myself."

Pugh also revealed how important it is for her to determine her own mental health, especially after taking on emotionally demanding roles.

Reflecting on her experience filming the horror film Midsommar, the 29-year-old admitted that the role left her feeling drained, describing it as a form of self-inflicted strain.

"Protecting myself is something I had to learn how to do," she shared. "There were some roles that I gave too much, and after that I was broken for a long time."

She continued: "Like when I did Midsommar, I definitely felt like I kind of abused myself in the places that I got to. The nature of discovering these things is that you have to say, 'Okay, well I can' don't do it again because it was too much."

Despite the charge, Pugh said she was proud of her performance: "And then I look at that performance, and I'm really proud of what I did, and I'm proud of what came out of me. So no regrets."

Pugh discussed her decision to shave her head for her role in "We Live in the Time," where she plays a woman battling ovarian cancer alongside Andrew Garfield.

"If I couldn't shave my head, I wouldn't have accepted this film. I think it's so important that I do it," she said. Cover Media. "If you lend yourself to a story like this, if you lend yourself to a cancer story like this, I couldn't not do it."

The "Black Widow" star described the scene as a touching and tender moment in the film.

Pugh explained: "The scene was always a very beautiful scene... This couple was making it a beautiful act that their daughter could remember and it didn't have to be a sad thing. The sun was about to come out. a chair outside."

She added: "They wanted to have biscuits and tea and they all wanted to shave mum's hair and wanted to collect it. I added the collection because I wanted to keep my hair this time."

During the conversation, Pugh also revealed that working on "We Live In Time" was just as emotionally intense for her and Garfield during filming as it was for viewers watching the final product.

She shared that many of the scenes "really hit (her) in the heart." However, she had to hold back her tears to stay true to her character, Almut, who remains a constant source of strength throughout the film.

"There were certain things that would happen just because they were so emotional, and we'd be having an emotional conversation within the scene, and (director) John (Crowley) would come in and say, 'No, no, no, Florence, you can't go here cry,' Pugh recounted.

The actress continued: "I'd be like, 'What?! This is heartbreaking!' And he said: 'No, you are the pillar of the family, but not for you, and then, hopefully, it will hurt the soul.'