Acclaimed actress Emily Blunt took center stage at Variety’s Power of Women event on Thursday, sharing a deeply personal reflection on her lifelong journey with stuttering. The star of “Mary Poppins Returns” opened up about the ongoing challenges she faces, especially when nerves and pressure trigger the return of certain speech impediments.
Honored for her dedicated advocacy with the American Institute for Stuttering, Blunt poignantly described the experience of living with a stutter as akin to harboring an “imposter” within, one that fails to pay rent and fundamentally misrepresents one’s true identity.
“A stutter is like an imposter living in your body. Who doesn’t pay rent. And completely and utterly misrepresents who you are as a person,” reflected Blunt.
Grateful for the opportunity to shed light on the isolating and often misunderstood experience of stuttering, the 40-year-old actress underscored the importance of challenging prevailing perceptions. Blunt passionately advocates for recognizing stuttering not as a mere psychological or nervous condition but as a neurological one, affecting 80 million people globally and frequently having hereditary roots beyond individual control.
Having collaborated extensively with the American Institute for Stuttering, Blunt delivered a compelling message on how society can better support those who stutter. Her advice included urging people to be patient during conversations and to maintain meaningful eye contact.
“Next time you meet someone who stutters, know that every word they say takes effort and courage. Look them in the eye, be patient,” she emphasized.
Blunt also dispelled common misconceptions, discouraging people from suggesting individuals slow down, breathe, or finish their sentences. She stressed that those who stutter are fully aware of what they want to express and urged, “It’s a neurological thing, it’s sort of a motor pathway thing. Don’t finish their sentences. They know what they want to say; they have so much to share. Just be patient.”
Emily Blunt’s candid revelation and advocacy efforts serve as a powerful catalyst for greater understanding and empathy toward individuals navigating the complexities of stuttering. Her call for patience and awareness resonates as a beacon for fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
