Published May 15, 2019

Jameela Jamil: be Courageous by Being You with Lewis Howes

Jameela Jamil shares her journey of overcoming adversity, advocating for mental health, and challenging societal norms on body image and privilege, all while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and empowerment.
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Episode Highlights

  • Childhood Struggles

    opens up about her challenging childhood marked by severe health issues and bullying. She shares how being deaf until the age of twelve and enduring multiple surgeries isolated her, leading her to find solace in television. This isolation and trauma, however, became a source of strength for her later in life.

    I think trauma is something that can hurt you, but it can also really, truly chisel you into something interesting and strong and durable.

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    Jameela emphasizes the importance of transforming trauma into something positive, using her own experiences to help others 1 2.

       

    Career Journey

    Jameela's career journey from the UK to the US was filled with hurdles and unexpected turns. She candidly discusses her initial reluctance to enter show business and how a chance encounter led her to a successful career in television. Her role in "The Good Place" exemplifies breaking representation barriers in the media.

    It's just great to see a South Asian woman whose main storyline isn't about being a South Asian. It's just sort of. It's not really important to my character.

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    Her adaptability and willingness to embrace new opportunities have been key to her success 3 4.

       

    Health Challenges

    Health scares have played a pivotal role in Jameela's life, pushing her towards her goals. A major breast cancer scare prompted her to move to America and pursue a new career path. She reflects on how these experiences have shaped her resilience and determination.

    I'd walk in front of that car again. I think it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

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    These health challenges have contributed to her empathetic and driven nature, making her a stronger individual 2 5.

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