Emily Blunt has revealed that when she stutters it feels like there is an “imposter” living inside her.
The Mary Poppins Returns actress developed a speech impediment during her childhood and admitted she still sometimes finds it difficult to keep her words from “sticking,” especially when she’s nervous or under pressure.
The 40-year-old actress said on stage at Variety’s Power of Women gala in Los Angeles on Thursday: “Some words stick, the phone is a little nightmare…”
“The environment challenges me when I am afraid or under pressure to persuade or persuade. For example, never ask me to suggest anything to you.”
“A stammerer is like an impostor who lives in your body.” Who doesn’t pay rent? And completely misrepresents you as a person.’
Speaking up: Emily Blunt revealed that stuttering is like “an impostor living in your body” as she spoke on stage at Variety’s “Power of Women” gala in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Emily was honored at the gala with Wells Fargo’s Power of Women Alumni Award for her work with children at the American Institute for Stuttering, and she admitted she was “grateful” to shine a light on the organization.
She said, “I’m grateful to shed light.” [stuttering] Because it is a disability that very often lives in the shadows alongside its friends: fear, shame and humiliation.”
Emily – who has starred in critically acclaimed films such as Oppenheimer and A Quiet Place – urged people to stop assuming that stuttering is due to a nervous disorder or mental health problem.
Pointing out that around 80 million people around the world are affected, she said: “This is wrong. It’s neurological, it’s biological, it’s often hereditary and it’s not your fault.”
After reflecting on her 17-year association with the institute, the “The Devil Wears Prada” actress urged people to “be patient” when speaking to those with communication difficulties.
She said: “The next time you meet someone who stutters, know that every word they say takes effort and courage.” Look them in the eyes, be patient.
“Don’t tell them to slow down, breathe or spit it out.
“It’s a neurological thing, it’s kind of a motor pathway thing.” Don’t finish her sentences. They know what they want to say, they have so much to share. Just be patient.’
Honored: Emily was honored at the gala with the Power of Women Alumni Award from Wells Fargo for her work with children at the American Institute for Stuttering
Emily looked sensational at the event as she slipped into a white sequined dress with statement feather sleeves.
The mother-of-two previously admitted she would immediately reject a script if she saw three very specific words because she knows the role will be “stoic.”
Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: “It’s the worst thing when you open a script and read the words ‘strong female lead’.
“That makes me roll my eyes – I’m already out.” I’m bored.
“These roles are written in an incredibly stoic way, you spend the whole time acting tough and saying tough things.”
Emily, who was promoting her role as Lady Cornelia Locke in The English at the time, said she loved playing a character with a “secret” instead.
Amazing: Emily – who has starred in critically acclaimed films such as Oppenheimer (pictured) – called for people to stop assuming that stuttering is due to a nervous disorder