– Lindsey Shaw’s character, Paige, was written out of the later seasons of “Pretty Little Liars” due to her struggles with body image and substance use.
– Shaw revealed that she was called into the creator’s office and informed that she would be let go, not because of her acting, but because she needed someone to talk to about her issues.
– During her time on the show, Shaw used drugs for a whole season and struggled with maintaining a healthy weight, leading to her co-stars, including Shay Mitchell, stepping in to help her.
Full Story
Title: Lindsey Shaw Opens Up About Her Departure from “Pretty Little Liars”
Introduction:
In a recent episode of her podcast, “Ned’s Declassified Podcast Survival Guide,” Lindsey Shaw, known for her role as Paige McCullers in “Pretty Little Liars,” candidly discussed the reasons behind her character’s departure from the popular TV series. Shaw revealed that her personal struggles with body image and substance use significantly impacted her time on the show.
Struggles Behind the Scenes:
During her podcast episode, Shaw shared the distressing experience of being summoned to I. Marlene King’s office, the show’s creator, where she was notified of her release. She revealed that the decision was unrelated to her acting skills and more due to her personal issues. Shaw acknowledged that she did not have anyone to confide in, prompting King to urge her to seek support. Consequently, Shaw’s character was written out of the later seasons of “Pretty Little Liars.”
The Battle with Body Image and Substance Use:
Shaw disclosed that she battled with body image and turned to substance use for escapism during her time on the show. She admitted to relying on drugs for an entire season, using Adderall as a crutch to avoid addressing her relationship with food. The actress expressed her discomfort with her physical appearance, stating that being too skinny didn’t look good on her, and when she began gaining weight, it became equally challenging for her to cope.
Support from Co-Stars:
The situation escalated to a point where Shaw’s co-stars intervened to offer their help. Shay Mitchell, who portrayed Emily Fields, even provided her with protein powder and expressed concern for her well-being. Despite her struggles, Shaw’s character did make a brief comeback in the final season of the show when Paige and Emily decided to give their relationship another chance. Shaw expressed gratitude towards the writing team for recognizing the significance of her character and giving her an opportunity to say goodbye.
Conclusion:
Lindsey Shaw’s honest and vulnerable account sheds light on the personal battles she faced while working on the set of “Pretty Little Liars.” Her struggles with body image and substance use ultimately led to her character’s departure from the show. The actress emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support, and her co-stars’ intervention stands as a testament to the caring nature of the cast. Despite the challenges, Shaw expresses appreciation for the opportunity to return in the final season and bid farewell to the beloved character she portrayed.
