Rupert Everett's is "almost crippled" after his pursuit of a Hollywood leading-man physique.

The actor, writer and director, 67, made the comments while opening up about the long-term physical consequence he has faced after years spent building the muscular image that helped define his brief period as a major film heartthrob.

On an interview with The Guardian, during which Rupert reflected on fame, ageing and the pressures of appearance during the height of his career in the 1990s, he said about chasing the perfect body: "I ruined myself. Now I'm almost crippled as a result."

Rupert added: "I could never be bothered to do all those things, like stretching, which were necessary for lifting weights, because your tendons get tighter and tighter.

"So boring. I didn't do any of that. So now my demise will be musculoskeletal, I think."

Recalling being regarded as one of cinema's most attractive stars, Rupert added: "I was wonderful-looking at one point. I had muscles. Everything."

But he admitted: "It was quite short-lived. I call it my Hollywood year."

Despite the attention he received during the period, Rupert said feelings of insecurity remained a constant part of his life.

He added: "Even work was about cruising, really. Trying to be attractive.

"Which obviously came from the feeling of not being attractive enough."

Discussing his obsession with self-image, Rupert added: "My vanity for me wasn't about 'Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?'

"Vanity is often a feeling of deep insecurity rather than feeling how fabulous I am."

Rupert said his lifestyle has changed significantly in recent years.

He no longer spends time in the gym and instead relies on walking his Labrador for exercise.

The actor also reflected on how far removed he now feels from the nightlife and club culture that once played a major role in his social life.

Rupert married his husband Henrique, a Brazilian accountant, in 2024 after many years together.

Speaking about his younger self, he said: "I always thought when I was still clubbing and hanging out that I'd be one of those 75-year-olds in a tie-dye T-shirt at raves."

He added he is now not even "remotely interested" in that lifestyle.

Rupert said: "Well, I'm hardly interested in anything anymore.

"I'm interested in dust particles and things like that.

"I could quite happily sit just watching spring."

Rupert became internationally known through films including My Best Friend's Wedding, in which he starred opposite Julia Roberts as George Downes, the witty "gay best friend" confidant who became one of the most memorable characters in the romantic comedy.

He also remains famed for his turns in productions including An Ideal Husband, The Importance of Being Earnest, Shakespeare in Love and the voice role of Prince Charming in the Shrek franchise.

More recently, Rupert has continued acting, writing and directing while speaking openly about ageing and life away from the Hollywood spotlight.