Chelsea’s Character in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3: Aimee Lou Wood’s Manchester Accent
In the much-anticipated Season 3 of “The White Lotus,” the character Chelsea stands out, not only for her role but also for her distinct accent, which aligns with her British origins. Portrayed by Aimee Lou Wood, who hails from Manchester, Chelsea offers a unique perspective among the predominantly American cast.
Accent Decisions: A Creative Choice
During the casting process, Aimee Lou Wood revealed that creator Mike White had a clear preference for her natural accent over an American one. “I can do an American accent. But Mike just wanted my Manchester one,” Wood shared in an interview with The Sun.
Not Just an Accent: The Physical Differences
Wood also noted that she does not typically come off as American visually, attributing part of that perception to her teeth. “No Americans have my teeth. I think that genuinely is one of the things,” she explained.
Recollections from Acting Experience
Reflecting on her acting journey, Wood recalled an incident during a play in Chicago. “I played an American, and afterwards this guy in the bar, he was talking to me and he went: ‘I knew it. I knew it. Your accent was great but I knew you weren’t American. You just don’t look American,’” she said, providing a humorous insight into her experiences.
The Importance of Authenticity
Furthermore, Wood clarified that while she is capable of delivering a convincing American accent, White felt that adopting an American background for her character was unnecessary. “He just didn’t see why she needed to be American and why we needed to add that extra layer of distance between me and her,” she noted. Wood expressed gratitude for the decision, stating, “So he was like, ‘Let’s just make her from Manchester.’ And I was like, ‘Great.’”
Despite frequent questions about her ability to perform an American accent, Wood wants to set the record straight: “I need to correct this, guys! I can do an American accent! I swear!” She emphasizes her versatility as an actress while highlighting the personal connection she has with her character through her authentic accent choice.
Conclusion
As “The White Lotus” continues to captivate audiences, Chelsea’s character exemplifies a celebration of diversity in storytelling, showcasing not only the cultural richness of various accents but also the depth of its characters rooted in their backgrounds.