Brittany O’Grady on Owning Your Power and Overcoming Rejection
The entertainment industry is as rewarding as it is challenging. For actors like Brittany O’Grady—known for her roles in The White Lotus, Star, and The Consultant—navigating this world requires resilience, self-belief, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. In a revealing conversation on Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, Brittany opened up about handling rejection, standing up to bullies, and finding confidence in an industry that often tests self-worth.
The Power of Believing in Yourself
One of the most striking lessons Brittany shared was the importance of self-belief. From an early age, she found herself in front of cameras, booking roles in theater and television, yet still faced moments of self-doubt. “I feel responsible for people’s happiness,” she admitted, touching on the conditioning many actors experience—especially women—to be agreeable and accommodating.
Maria echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the importance of recognizing personal power. Using The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor, she reminded Brittany (and listeners), “You had the power all along. Just click your heels.” Learning to stand firm and trust in oneself, despite external pressures, is an invaluable lesson for anyone striving to make their mark—whether in Hollywood or beyond.
Handling Rejection and Industry Setbacks
Rejection is an inevitable part of an actor’s journey, but Brittany has learned to navigate it with perspective. “I do believe you’re meant to play certain characters,” she explained. “I usually find that I get a role that aligns with something going on in my life.”
She recalled one of the few moments rejection truly stung—auditioning for Dune and not landing the role. But rather than dwelling on disappointment, Brittany views each experience as a stepping stone. Instead of fixating on roles that didn’t materialize, she focuses on the belief that what’s meant for her will find her. This mindset is crucial for actors and anyone pursuing a dream in a highly competitive field.
From Bullying to Empowerment: Learning to Let Go
Brittany also shared her struggles with bullying, particularly in spaces where close-mindedness and elitism were prevalent. College was an eye-opening experience for her, exposing her to people with vastly different worldviews. “I used to let people’s ignorance really get the best of me. I felt like it was a reflection of me and my worth as a person.”
Over time, she’s learned a crucial lesson: healing isn’t about waiting for an apology or external validation—it’s about letting go. “I was so wrapped up in wanting someone else to change or say they were sorry. I put the responsibility on them to make me heal. But that’s my job.”
This realization is powerful. Whether dealing with workplace toxicity, personal relationships, or online criticism, taking control of your own healing process is essential. As Maria noted, “The more you learn to step into your power and address past wounds, the stronger you become.”
The Impact of Body Image and Social Expectations
Growing up in the spotlight, Brittany also faced scrutiny over her body. The transition from teenager to young woman was especially difficult under public gaze. “I have a curvier body, and I’m not going to be as petite as some models or actresses. There was a time when I really struggled with that.”
She’s not alone—many women, especially in entertainment, feel the pressure of unrealistic beauty standards. Brittany highlighted the shift in societal perceptions, noting that features once criticized, like thick eyebrows or curvier figures, are now sought after. But she emphasized an important takeaway: “We shouldn’t be having women’s body parts or body types be trends. We should embrace all shapes and sizes.”
Therapy, Healing, and the Path Forward
Like many, Brittany has turned to therapy as a tool for self-growth. “Therapy is great. It helps me take responsibility for my emotions and make sure I’m not harming other people because I’m going through something rough.”
Maria chimed in on the importance of different therapeutic methods, including somatic therapy, which helps process emotions through body awareness. These tools, combined with strong personal relationships, have allowed Brittany to work through past struggles and step more confidently into her future.
What’s Next for Brittany O’Grady?
With The White Lotus catapulting her career to new heights, Brittany is eager to take on roles that reflect her growth. “I really want to do a job that delves into empowerment,” she shared. While she loves dramas and romance, she’s even considering stepping into the world of superheroes—an apt choice for someone who’s learning to embrace her inner strength.
As she plans for her next chapter—both professionally and personally, with a wedding on the horizon—Brittany remains committed to growth, empowerment, and embracing all aspects of her journey.
For more healing and wellness tips, be sure to subscribe to Heal Squad with Maria Menounos via YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
