Daisy Ridley, best known for her role as Rey in the “Star Wars” franchise, has recently revealed a personal health struggle that has surprised her. The actress admitted that she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, in September 2023. This diagnosis came after experiencing a series of symptoms that she initially brushed off as stress-related.
Ridley, 32, shared that her journey to the diagnosis was unexpected. She experienced hot flashes, a racing heart rate, weight loss, and fatigue, which she assumed were a result of her demanding acting roles. Reflecting on the time, Ridley said, “I thought, ‘Well, I’ve just played a stressful role; presumably that’s why I feel poorly,’” referring to her role in the 2024 film “Magpie.”
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to produce an excess of thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, a racing heart, weight loss, and hand tremors. Ridley’s doctor described her symptoms as feeling “tired but wired,” a sensation Ridley initially mistook for general irritation with the world.
The actress has since made significant changes to her lifestyle to manage the condition. Ridley has incorporated various health practices, including cryotherapy and acupuncture, into her routine. “I am not super strict about it, but generally cutting down on gluten makes me feel better,” she told Women’s Health. She also mentioned that she had not realized how poorly she felt before making these changes, and upon reflection, she wondered how she had managed her demanding career with such symptoms.
