A Brie-lliantly Marvellous Super Hero
Health Today Malaysia|April 2019

Through winning an Oscar just before her 27th birthday, Brie Larson instantly became a household name. The best is yet to come; Brie is excited to bring female empowerment to the silver screen and that’s exactly what she’ll be doing when Captain Marvel – Marvel Studio’s first standalone female superhero movie – hits our cinemas.

Hannah May-Lee Wong
A Brie-lliantly Marvellous Super Hero

The world watched as Brie Larson accepted her Academy Award for best actress in 2016. It was her first nomination and her first win. Many of us (who are less acquainted with the world of indie films) had not heard of Room (2015), the movie she had won the prestigious award for. Though it wasn’t a giant summer blockbuster, Brie’s portrayal of “Ma” in Room put her on the map and paved the way to the start of an amazing career in Hollywood.

As with many things in life, the road to anything good is never easy. Brie’s captivatingly convincing portrayal of a kidnap victim living in dire circumstances comes from a place of first-hand experience. No, she was never kidnapped. But the inspiration to take on this role was drawn from a childhood spent living with a single mother, in a tiny studio apartment.

GROWING UP TOUGH

Though it is not revealed in her dainty, elegant stature, Brie comes from a background far from growing up with the silver spoon. Brie, currently 29, was born Brianne Sidonie Desaulniers to parents Heather and Sylvain Desaulniers, two chiropractors who were living in Sacramento, California. At the tender age of seven, her parents went through a difficult divorce – an event which would take her father out of the picture for years. When Room was released, she hadn’t seen or spoken to him in a decade.

Brie found support and solace in her closeness to her mother. As soon as Brie knew she wanted to pursue acting, her mother packed their bags, with Larson’s little sister Milaine in tow, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue the big dream. She says in an interview with Elle magazine, “My mom always felt like she was a creative person and her parents wouldn’t allow her to have that kind of life. So when I got interested in acting, she was like, ‘Okay, let’s make this happen.’”.

This story is from the April 2019 edition of Health Today Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2019 edition of Health Today Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HEALTH TODAY MALAYSIAView All
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
Health Today Malaysia

When Depression Strikes Teenagers

It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2018
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
Health Today Malaysia

5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics

If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2019
Internet Safety For Children
Health Today Malaysia

Internet Safety For Children

There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2019
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Health Today Malaysia

A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?

Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2019
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Health Today Malaysia

Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities

Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2019
The Fertility Revolution
Health Today Malaysia

The Fertility Revolution

A pioneer in Malaysia's fertility treatment offers his insight on two revolutionaryadvances that made a big difference in bringing hope to many couples who are unable to conceive naturally.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2017
6 Skin Myths Debunked
Health Today Malaysia

6 Skin Myths Debunked

A pimple has erupted on your nose (oh, horrors). Family members and friends are quick to give you well-meaning advice, while the internet abounds with ‘effective’ tips and solutions. But how do you know if any of that information is true?

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2017
Addiction: What You Don't Know
Health Today Malaysia

Addiction: What You Don't Know

Addictive behaviours have been described as one of the greatest scourages of humankind. In order to treat it, we have to first understand what courses it.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2017
Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!
Health Today Malaysia

Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!

With the third Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok set to open in just a few weeks, we turn our attention to the big, blond, easy-on-the eyes star – Chris Hemsworth.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2017
Battling Two Cancers
Health Today Malaysia

Battling Two Cancers

Being diagnosed with liver cancer was bad enough, but as he was fighting for recovery, Mohd Salleh Yusof was struck by lung cancer as well. Determined to enjoy life to the fullest, Salleh shares his experience with HealthToday.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2017