Aimee Lou Wood is a name many recognize from the hit Netflix series Sex Education. She became famous for playing Aimee Gibbs, a cheerful yet complex teenager navigating friendships, relationships, and personal struggles. The show was a massive success, reaching millions of viewers worldwide and earning Wood a BAFTA award. However, despite her rising fame, she often finds herself questioning what she truly wants from life. She describes herself as a “sad and shy” person who sometimes feels more satisfaction from simple tasks like folding laundry than from the glamour of the entertainment industry.
Wood has a unique way of fully immersing herself in her roles. She becomes so deeply involved in her characters that people around her sometimes struggle to differentiate between Aimee the actress and Aimee the character. Even her co-star, Suranne Jones, noticed this and gifted her a bag with the letter “A” on it as a reminder of her true self. Wood admits that her imagination and reality can sometimes blur, making it difficult to separate her personal life from her work.
Now 30 years old, Wood is at a point in her career where she wants to take more control over her choices. She wants to be in the driver’s seat rather than just going along with whatever comes her way. Sitting in a quiet café in London, dressed in a stylish yet casual outfit, she reflects on her journey so far. She has always been passionate about acting, but with fame and success also come challenges she never anticipated.
Since her breakthrough in Sex Education, Wood has taken on diverse roles that showcase her talent beyond comedy. She starred alongside Bill Nighy in Living, a touching film about a dying man rediscovering meaning in his life. She also played the fierce and unpredictable Sally Bowles in the West End revival of Cabaret, receiving praise for her powerful performance. Each role has pushed her further, but none have been as intense as her latest project.
Wood is now part of The White Lotus, a widely acclaimed series created by Mike White. This season takes place in Thailand and follows a new set of wealthy vacationers whose lives unravel in unexpected ways. While she is excited about the show, she admits that filming was extremely demanding. The emotional depth required for her character was overwhelming at times, making it difficult to step away from the role even when the cameras were off. Though she appreciates the experience, she wouldn’t describe it as “fun” in the traditional sense.
In addition to The White Lotus, Wood is set to appear in Toxic Town, a gripping drama based on true events. The story revolves around the Corby toxic waste scandal, one of Britain’s worst environmental disasters. Between 1985 and 1997, harmful chemicals from a decommissioned steel plant contaminated the town, leading to a significant increase in birth defects. Despite the severity of the situation, the issue remained largely unnoticed by national media. Many people, including Wood’s own mother, had never even heard of it before she joined the project.
The drama focuses on the mothers who fought tirelessly for justice, refusing to stay silent while their children suffered. Jodie Whittaker and Wood play two of the central characters—two women from different backgrounds who form an unexpected bond through their shared struggle. Wood’s character, Tracey Taylor, is based on a real person who worked in Corby and was directly affected by the contamination.
Before filming began, the cast did not meet the real individuals they were portraying. The director, Minkie Spiro, wanted them to approach the roles with fresh perspectives rather than preconceived notions. However, when Wood finally met the real Tracey Taylor, she instantly recognized her. Tracey’s strong moral compass and natural leadership were evident, and Wood felt a deep responsibility to do justice to her story.
One of the most heartbreaking scenes in the series was also one of the most difficult for Wood to film. In this moment, Tracey, who has just given birth, realizes something is terribly wrong with her baby. Despite being weak and in pain, she drags herself across the hospital floor, desperate to get help. The scene required multiple takes, each one emotionally exhausting. If it had been a fictional story, Wood admits that she might have hesitated to go through the intense emotions repeatedly. However, knowing that this was a real tragedy pushed her to give everything she had. She felt a duty to honor Tracey and all the mothers who fought for justice.
Wood’s commitment to her roles is undeniable, but she is also learning to set boundaries. Acting can be emotionally draining, and she realizes the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life. She wants to be able to step away from her characters when filming ends and reconnect with herself.
Despite the challenges, Wood is incredibly grateful for the opportunities she has had. She knows that her career has been filled with fortunate moments, from landing Sex Education right after drama school to working with talented filmmakers and actors. At the same time, she is aware of the pressures that come with success. She sometimes wonders if she is making the right choices, but she trusts that as long as she follows her instincts, she will find her way.
