Your Friends & Neighbours star Olivia Munn has revealed how her cancer scars left her feeling ‘insecure’ while filming recent sex scenes.
The actor, 44, underwent a series of surgeries last year – including a double mastectomy – after being diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2023.
The Predator star initially shared news of her condition on Instagram, posting footage of herself in the hospital as she prepared for surgery.
This came accompanied with the caption: ‘I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I hope by sharing this it will help others find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey.’
Less than a week after her final operation, Olivia went on to film the Apple TV+ comedy/drama Your Friends & Neighbours, where she stars opposite Jon Hamm, who plays a disgraced hedge fund manager turned burglar.
And, in doing so, Olivia was forced to confront her self-consciousness about her surgery scars for the show’s sex scenes.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Olivia said: ‘I was really nervous about doing any sex scenes because I have a lot of scars.
During her treatment, Olivia underwent a total of five surgeries – which included a double mastectomy, an oophorectomy and a partial hysterectomy.
After taking a week to recover, she went on to film her part in Your Friends & Neighbours, where she plays recent divorcee Sam Levitt.
‘Scars that can be seen in clothing and scars that you wouldn’t know unless I was completely nude.’
Of her character’s relationship with the show’s lead (played by Mad Men man Hamm), Olivia said: ‘She wants something so much more from him than he’s willing to give and their only connection is through sex.
‘I really wanted that to be portrayed. I wanted the sex scenes to feel like sex scenes — I wanted them to feel visceral and intense and not hold back at all.’
This presented a challenge for Olivia, who was left with a sense of vulnerability after her recent surgery.
‘I did feel insecure, but each time I did it, I felt better,’ the X-Men: Apocalypse star revealed.
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Speaking about the diagnosis last year, Olivia said: ‘In February of 2023, in an effort to be proactive about my health, I took a genetic test that checks you for 90 different cancer genes. I tested negative for all, including BRCA (the most well-known breast cancer gene),’ she began.
‘My sister Sara has just tested negative as well. We called each other an high-fived over the phone. That same winter I also had a normal mammogram.
‘Two months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer.’
After sharing her story on social media, Olivia was supported by some of Hollywood’s biggest name – including comedian partner John Mulaney, 42, with whom she shares son Malcolm.
‘Thank you for fighting so hard to be here for us. Malc and I adore you. ❤️,’ the SNL star wrote on Instagram.
Among those sharing messages of support, The Office star Mindy Kaling also posted: ‘I love you. ❤’
‘Your experience is so powerful to share!’ said Sex and the City actress Kristin Davis. ‘Sending you so much love and strength , so grateful you found out early and can only imagine the emotional roller coaster you have been on ♥️’
Magic Mike hunk Matt Bomer added: ‘You are so strong Olivia! Grateful you found this early. Sending you love always.’
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