US actor Ron Perlman once found himself ugly and awkward - Ron Perlman reveals how acting helped him shed self-doubt and literal masks
Ron Perlman, renowned for his roles in Hellboy and The Name of the Rose, has openly discussed his lifelong battle with self-consciousness. The actor once felt 'ugly and awkward' but now embraces his identity—both on and off screen—without the need for masks or disguises.
As a young man, Perlman admitted he couldn’t stand himself. His insecurities about his appearance led him to rely on elaborate costumes and prosthetics in early roles. Acting became a form of therapy, allowing him to step away from his own self-doubt and into different characters.
Perlman’s shift reflects a broader change in his career and personal life. He no longer needs masks to perform, whether in blockbusters or indie films. His story highlights how acting can transform not just a role, but the actor themselves.
