Amber Tamblyn Shares She Underwent Ear-Pinning Surgery at Age 12

Amber Tamblyn Shares She Underwent Ear-Pinning Surgery at Age 12

As a long-time admirer of Amber Tamblyn, reading about her personal journey with self-acceptance and body image resonated deeply with me. Like many women in Hollywood, she grappled with the pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty and desirability from a young age. Her story is a poignant reminder of how our experiences shape us, often leaving us with feelings of both triumph and regret.


Amber Tamblyn is sharing her truth.

In a new revelation, the actress from “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” disclosed for the first time that she had her ears surgically pinned back at age 12. To this very day, she continues to grapple with the implications of this decision.

In my childhood days, growing up in Los Angeles, I had ears that resembled a butterfly’s wings, as I penned in an opinion piece for The New York Times on October 20th. Occasionally, some of my schoolmates would tease me about them, and there were moments when I’d stand before the mirror, yearning for my ears to sit snugly against my head rather than sticking out as they did.

At age 41, she shared how landing the role as Emily Quartermaine on General Hospital at 12, which was her major break in Hollywood, triggered her to address her feelings of insecurity.

Tamblyn revealed that he chose to have ear surgery, which was something he hadn’t shared before. For years, his parents witnessed his personal struggle with embarrassment in private, recognizing his resilience as a strong child who could endure it. However, when he realized that instead of being judged on the playground, millions of people would be watching him on their TV screens, this new perspective significantly impacted him.

The actress, born to West Side Story star Russ Tamblyn and Bonnie Tamblyn, characterized herself as a passionate young feminist who vocalized her opposition towards the patriarchy, yet admitted to feeling like a contradiction for succumbing to it by opting for elective surgery.

She mused, “Why wouldn’t someone? The surgery seemed like a tool for self-defense against my own perceived disposability. It demonstrated that I grasped the task of assimilation—that I was willing to do whatever was necessary to blend in, avoid drawing attention, just as my ears once did.

Amber Tamblyn Shares She Underwent Ear-Pinning Surgery at Age 12

Joan of Arcadia’s star gave a nod to the movie The Substance, which features Demi Moore’s character – a 50-year-old actress – choosing an experimental drug that gives her a younger body and renewed attractiveness in Hollywood, as it mirrors her own internal struggles, having been involved with the industry since childhood.

For more than three decades, the duty I felt towards my profession as a performer and, more broadly, maintaining youthfulness, was consistently emphasized. Could I have been any less content if I resisted the urge to have my ears pinned back, if they were still protruding today? (Tamblyn’s words paraphrased)

She added, “I’m not sure yet—but what I can say is that I frequently ponder it, as well as my readiness to conform to the industry’s requirements.

Amber Tamblyn Shares She Underwent Ear-Pinning Surgery at Age 12

Tamblyn emphasized that she’s not implying plastic surgery is wrong or that everyone who chooses body alteration regrets their choice. However, she expresses concern in The Substance, warning us about potential destructive actions we might take in the pursuit of desirability.

In the end, the long-standing Hollywood actress expressed that she is quite satisfied with the course her career has followed, yet this contentment doesn’t entirely eliminate her intricate struggle with self-acceptance in an industry that has often given her conflicting signals.

In simpler terms, Tamblyn stated, “Just like anyone else, I too crave feelings of attractiveness and admiration, and sometimes I satisfy this desire. I do not offer any excuses for my actions, past or present.

She went on to say, “The way I relate to my body has transformed, it’s almost mended, as I’ve grown more guardian, empathetic, and truthful.

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2024-10-21 19:20