Amanda Seyfried disclosed her decision to decline a television series role due to its frequent intimate scenes during a discussion with Alec Baldwin at the Hamptons International Film Festival in East Hampton, New York. The actress explained she feels increasingly uncomfortable performing such scenes as she matures. “I passed on a show where I would have to have sex all the time because of the sex. Doesn’t matter who it’s with… I’m uncomfortable with it,” Seyfried shared, as reported by People Magazine.
Many actresses in the industry, like Gina Gershon, echo Seyfried’s concerns. Gershon turned down a lead role in the 1981 film “Friday the 13th Part 2” because her character was required to appear topless, explaining that the nudity felt exploitative.
Seyfried, now 40, reflected on feeling pressured earlier in her career to engage in scenes she found uncomfortable. In a 2022 interview with Porter magazine, she discussed participating in scenes without underwear at the age of 19 out of fear of upsetting others and losing her job. “I didn’t want to upset anybody and I wanted to keep my job,” she admitted.
Amanda Seyfried’s perspective has shifted with motherhood, prompting her to establish firmer boundaries both personally and professionally.
Actresses such as Christina Ricci and Keira Knightley have described similar challenges. Ricci faced a legal threat for refusing to perform an intimate scene in a particular way, while Knightley now incorporates a no-nudity clause in her contracts, especially after becoming a mother.
Conversely, Sydney Sweeney of “Euphoria” chose not to reduce nudity in the show’s third season, believing the explicit scenes were essential to her character’s development.
Hollywood is increasingly recognizing the need for protections during the filming of intimate scenes. Intimacy coordinators, a relatively new role that gained traction when HBO committed to having them on set in 2018, help ensure consent and establish expectations for scenes involving simulated sex, genital contact, or nudity. Jessica Steinrock, an intimacy coordinator, emphasized their role in providing safety and a framework for these scenes.
The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) mandates advance notice of expected nudity or simulated sex acts and written nudity riders at least 48 hours prior to filming. They also introduced a collective bargaining agreement for intimacy coordinators by 2025.
Seyfried, who has two children with actor Thomas Sadoski, stated that her role as a mother influences her decision-making. “I have kids now who are paying attention to what I do, and so I have to be less of a pushover,” she explained.
Associate editor CJ Womack, part of Fox News Digital since 2026, highlighted how journalism impacts culture and politics. With a degree in Political Science and Journalism from Long Beach State University, he continues to offer insights on media dynamics. News tips can reach him at [email protected].