Michelle Monaghan, the talented actress known for her captivating performances, recently opened up about her experience filming the third season of HBO's acclaimed series, The White Lotus. In an exclusive interview, Monaghan discussed the challenges she faced while transitioning to a blonde look for her character, Jaclyn, and the deeper themes explored in the show.
At 48, Monaghan has taken on the role of Jaclyn, a glamorous TV star who embarks on a trip to Thailand with her childhood friends, Laurie and Kate, played by Carrie Coon and Leslie Bibb, respectively. The transformation from her naturally dark brunette hair to a striking blonde was not without its worries. "I'm a dark brunette. And I knew that Mike really wanted me to be blonde. And I was like, 'Of course I'll do whatever you want.' But I was worried because I knew that I was going to have to go back to being brunette for a film afterwards," she revealed to People.
Monaghan's concerns were well-founded, as maintaining the blonde color during the filming in Thailand posed a significant challenge. Thankfully, celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham made several trips to Thailand to ensure Monaghan's hair remained vibrant and healthy throughout the production. "I don't know what we would've done there," Monaghan expressed, reflecting on the importance of Cunningham's support. "We were really grateful because my hair actually, despite it being treated so heavily, it maintained its health."
In The White Lotus, Jaclyn's character is not just about the glitz and glam; she represents a complex blend of insecurities and desires. Monaghan shared her thoughts on Jaclyn's motivations, especially regarding her actions in the latest episodes. After convincing her friends to go clubbing with wellness guru Valentin and his friends, Jaclyn ends up in bed with Valentin, leading to tension among the trio. "I think she got to a point on this trip where she was a little bit over the detox," Monaghan explained. "She needed some stimulation and she needed some validation, and she’s someone who needs that external validation and wasn’t getting it and went looking for it in all the wrong places."
This portrayal has sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some feeling betrayed by Jaclyn's actions and others cheering her on. "It’s so funny. Even a couple of my friends are like, 'Oh my God, I hate Jaclyn now.' And then I have friends that are like, 'Jaclyn, go get yours,'" Monaghan noted, emphasizing the relatable nature of the character's journey.
Monaghan's commitment to embodying Jaclyn extended beyond just her hair. During filming, she adhered to a strict beauty regimen, self-tanning every Sunday and sporting bright pink coral nail polish every week or two. "I committed to it every Sunday," she laughed, recalling how her friends would joke about her tanning routine while they enjoyed beach outings. "But once I put that tan on and then that blonde hair, I felt like I was inhabiting a very specific character."
In addition to her role in The White Lotus, Monaghan recently became the first-ever global ambassador for U Beauty, a skincare brand she admires. "Taking the partnership was a no-brainer, as I was already a huge fan of the brand and its approach to skincare at every stage of life," she said. Monaghan values the brand's philosophy of embracing aging rather than chasing youth, a sentiment she feels resonates with many women today. "Ageing isn’t linear; it’s different for everybody, and I feel like it’s really celebrating that. I honestly feel more in my skin now at this age."
Reflecting on the dynamics of female friendships depicted in The White Lotus, Monaghan highlighted the show's exploration of how insecurities can shape relationships. "There are those heightened qualities that Mike [White, the show’s creator] loves to lean into, which is kind of that toxic positivity that exists specifically within this friend group," she commented. She believes that the show serves as a mirror, prompting viewers to examine their own friendships and the pressures women face.
As the season unfolds, viewers can expect more intense moments and character development. Monaghan hinted at surprising twists in the story, particularly regarding Jaclyn's relationships with her friends. "Mike White just does it again in terms of the ending. The first half of the season is so strong, but Mike is so smart about pacing in the way that he sets up story and dynamics," she said. "You really feel so invested in each and every character, and then the payoff in the back half of the season, which just propels you into the finale, is just so intense."
In a world where social media often pressures women to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty and behavior, Monaghan's portrayal of Jaclyn resonates deeply. The character's journey reflects the complexities of modern womanhood, where the desire for validation can lead to unexpected choices. As viewers continue to tune in to The White Lotus, they are not just watching a story unfold; they are engaging in a dialogue about friendship, identity, and the pursuit of happiness.
With each episode, Monaghan invites audiences to explore the layers of Jaclyn's character, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences and the dynamics of their friendships. As the season progresses, fans eagerly await the revelations and transformations that lie ahead, all while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Thailand and the captivating performances of the cast.
