Austin Butler Opens Up About Health Struggles Following Intense Role in Elvis
Austin Butler, the breakout star of Elvis, has garnered widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic. However, his meteoric rise to fame came with personal challenges, including health issues that arose after he immersed himself deeply into the role.
In interviews following the release of Elvis, Butler revealed that his intense dedication to embodying Elvis Presley left him dealing with physical and mental health repercussions. He spent nearly two years living as Elvis, honing the singer’s distinctive voice, movements, and persona. This level of immersion, while leading to an outstanding performance, took a toll on Butler’s body.
After filming wrapped, Butler was hospitalized for a virus that mimicked appendicitis, an inflammatory condition that affects the appendix and can cause severe pain. In his case, the illness came on suddenly, landing him in bed for a week, unable to walk or move due to the pain. Butler attributed the illness, in part, to the physical and emotional stress he endured while playing the legendary musician.
The physical challenges were exacerbated by the emotional weight of the role. Butler spoke candidly about the overwhelming pressure to do justice to one of the most iconic figures in music history. His devotion to perfecting the role left him emotionally drained, and the process of disentangling himself from the character proved difficult once filming ended. The 32-year-old actor shared that he struggled to regain his own identity after spending so much time in Elvis’s shoes, remarking that the lines between himself and the late singer had become blurred.
While recovering, Butler also reflected on the importance of mental health and self-care, particularly for actors who take on demanding roles. He acknowledged that his experience highlighted how crucial it is to listen to one’s body and prioritize well-being, regardless of external pressures.
Despite the health struggles, Butler’s performance as Elvis Presley was met with critical acclaim, earning him several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Though his experience came with a cost, Butler remains grateful for the opportunity and continues to be a rising star in Hollywood.
As he moves forward in his career, Butler has expressed that he is more mindful of maintaining balance in his life, taking time to recharge and ensuring that his health remains a priority, even amid the hectic nature of the entertainment industry.
