Chris Pine shares personal journey dealing with acne: A candid conversation

Chris Pine had to develop a strong sense of resilience while navigating his way through Hollywood, especially during the early stages of his career when he struggled with acne.

During a recent episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Pine opened up about his experiences with acne, describing it as a significant challenge he faced during his teenage years and after college. He expressed frustration at the common misconception that acne is only a problem for teenagers, emphasizing that for him, it was a deeply distressing and emotionally draining issue.

"It was a tough time in my life, but it's my own story," he shared. The topic came up when the podcast host, Josh Horowitz, brought up a question about comments made by "The O.C." casting director Patrick Rush in Alan Sepinwall's 2023 book, "Welcome to The O.C.: The Oral History."

In the book, Rush shared that Chris Pine auditioned for the role of Ryan Atwood in the series. However, Rush felt that Pine's "really bad skin" at the time was a major obstacle. The role of Atwood was eventually given to actor Ben McKenzie, who portrayed the character during the show's run from 2003 to 2007.

Pine openly expressed that he believed Rush did not need to mention this in the book.

"I can see why they preferred to have attractive people doing attractive things, and having bad acne wasn't a priority," he mentioned. "I don't want to say I'm happy I didn't get that opportunity... but I'm fine with it."

Pine, however, is more than fine. He went on to have a thriving career in Hollywood, taking on the role of Captain Kirk in the revamped "Star Trek" series and starring in well-received movies such as "Don't Worry Darling" and "Hell or High Water."

He shared that he will always remember the challenges he faced to reach where he is today.

"I understand how difficult and sad it can make you feel," he mentioned. "But remember, there is always hope for a better tomorrow."

Editor's P/S:

Chris Pine's candidness about his struggles with acne is both inspiring and relatable. His experience underscores the often overlooked emotional toll that skin conditions can take, especially in the superficial world of Hollywood. Pine's resilience and determination in the face of adversity serve as a reminder that setbacks can ultimately lead to growth and success.

The casting director's comments in the book highlight the unfortunate reality that physical appearance can still be a barrier to opportunities in certain industries. While the entertainment industry has made strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity, it's clear that more work needs to be done to challenge narrow beauty standards and create a truly equitable environment for all. Pine's story empowers individuals to embrace their differences and pursue their dreams regardless of the challenges they may face.