Adrien Brody Reveals PTSD and Eating Disorder Following Extreme Weight Loss for 'The Pianist'

The Oscar-winning actor opened up about the long-term physical and mental toll of his method preparation for the 2002 Holocaust drama.

Adrien Brody lost 30 pounds and dropped to 129 pounds through a near-starvation diet to portray Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman in 'The Pianist'.
The actor disclosed that the transformation led to PTSD, insomnia, panic attacks, and an eating disorder lasting over a year.
Brody described the experience as a profound exploration of emptiness and hunger, which impacted him spiritually and emotionally.
His method acting for other roles has also included extreme measures, such as wearing real braces, staying in a straitjacket, and consuming insects for authenticity.
Brody, who became the youngest Best Actor Oscar winner at age 29, is now gaining recognition for his role in 'The Brutalist', with speculation about another potential Oscar nomination.