Kate Winslet reveals first intimate experiences with women shaped her breakout role

"I'd kissed a few girls, and I'd kissed a few boys." Oscar winner Kate Winslet has shared a rare glimpse into her formative years, revealing that her earliest explorations of intimacy were with women. This candid reflection sheds new light on the authenticity she brought to her legendary film debut decades ago.

Kate Winslet first intimate experiences and the Heavenly Creatures connection

Speaking on the Team Deakins podcast, Winslet disclosed that her "first intimate experiences" as a young teen were with girls. She described herself at that stage as "curious" and not "particularly evolved in either direction," a fluid perspective that helped her navigate the intense psychological landscape of her 1994 breakthrough film, Heavenly Creatures.

In the Peter Jackson-directed thriller, Winslet starred as Juliet Hulme, one half of a dangerously obsessive teenage friendship. Winslet noted that she "profoundly understood" the intense connection between the two female leads because of her own real-life experiences with vulnerability and personal connection during her adolescence.

From Teen Star to Directorial Debut in 'Goodbye June'

Now, over 30 years since her debut, Winslet is stepping behind the camera for her directorial debut, Goodbye June. The project is a family affair, featuring a screenplay by her 22-year-old son, Joe Anders. Starring alongside Helen Mirren, Winslet balanced the dual roles of lead actress and director during an intense seven-week shoot for the Netflix production.