Olivia Munn has bravely opened up about her internal struggles while filming intimate scenes after undergoing breast cancer treatment. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, published on Friday, she delved into her emotional journey of portraying numerous sexual encounters with Jon Hamm in their new series, "Your Friends & Neighbors," amidst the visible reminders of her battle – her scars.
"The prospect of engaging in any sex scenes filled me with immense anxiety," Munn confessed. "My body bears countless scars, some visible even through clothing, others concealed unless I'm completely nude." The actress noted how these scars served as constant reminders of her journey.
In this TV venture, marking Hamm's triumphant return to a leading role, Munn's character Sam and Hamm's Coop share a complex friends-with-benefits relationship. "She yearns for something far deeper from him, yet their sole bond stems from their physical intimacy," Munn elaborated. "I was adamant that this dynamic be authentically portrayed. I craved for those scenes to exude rawness, intensity, and unbridled passion."
However, stripping down for the camera proved to be an emotionally charged endeavor for Munn. "Admittedly, I felt insecure initially, but with each take, I grew more comfortable," she shared candidly.
Flashing back to March 2024, Munn revealed that she had silently battled Stage 1 breast cancer for ten months. Her treatment journey included a double mastectomy, lymph node dissection, reconstructive surgery, and a hysterectomy. Reflecting on these grueling experiences, Munn emphasized, "Enduring a year-long cancer fight and undergoing five surgeries was never about being remembered as a sick person. It was about emerging victorious and reclaiming my normalcy."
