Actress Ali Larter may exude confidence as Angela Norris in Paramount+’s hit series “Landman,” but behind the scenes, she’s battling the same insecurities many women face when it comes to showing skin on camera.
The 49-year-old star recently opened up about the reality of filming bikini scenes—and her candid honesty is refreshingly relatable.
Spoiler alert: even Hollywood stars dread swimsuit scenes.
But Larter’s approach to overcoming those fears—through discipline, nutrition, and ultimately self-acceptance—offers valuable lessons for anyone struggling with body confidence.
The Truth About Bikini Scenes: No Actress Actually Wants Them
During a recent interview with People magazine, Larter shattered any illusions about actresses eagerly anticipating swimsuit scenes.
I don’t think there’s an actress alive that’s like, ‘Woo! Got a bikini scene!’ Nobody wants to do it.
She described these scenes as “the hardest” part of her job, admitting they’re “definitely my least favorite.” The vulnerability required goes far beyond simply wearing less clothing—it’s about exposing oneself to judgment while fighting internal battles most viewers never see.
I’ve got to spend all this time fighting off my own insecurities, my own anxiety, to be able to put on that bikini and walk into these scenes.
This raw admission highlights how universal body image struggles are, regardless of profession, age, or appearance.
Her Intense Fitness Routine: Early Mornings and Strategic Training
Larter doesn’t pretend her physique comes effortlessly. In fact, she’s remarkably transparent about the work required to feel camera-ready.
I’ll tell you what. I work really hard, OK? I’m not pretending that I don’t.
Her weekly routine starts brutally early—4:30 a.m. on Mondays for a 30-minute run. While that might sound modest compared to marathon training sessions, consistency matters more than duration for maintaining fitness, especially as we age.
The Power of Protein: Larter’s Nutritional Strategy
Beyond cardio, Larter credits her physique largely to nutrition—specifically, protein intake.
I try to eat very clean, but I eat. I’m one of those protein mommies. I eat so much protein all day long. It works for me.
This approach aligns perfectly with current nutritional science. Adequate protein consumption becomes increasingly important after 40, helping preserve muscle mass, support metabolic health, and promote satiety.
Key benefits of prioritizing protein include:
- Muscle preservation: Counteracts age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia)
- Metabolic support: Protein has higher thermic effect than carbs or fats
- Appetite regulation: Keeps you fuller longer, reducing cravings
- Recovery enhancement: Supports tissue repair after workouts
Larter’s self-described “protein mommy” identity reflects growing awareness among women that adequate protein—often 0.7-1 gram per pound of body weight—is essential for body composition goals.
Confidence Over Perfection: The Real Secret to Looking Good
Despite all her physical preparation, Larter identifies something more powerful than any workout routine: confidence.
In the end, anytime you have to put on a bathing suit and walk in front of anybody, it’s really difficult. When I look around, the sexiest women I know are the women that own it.
This observation cuts to the heart of body confidence. While physical fitness matters, how you carry yourself matters more. Larter channels this mindset into her character work.
Part of getting there with Angela is owning it.
This acting technique doubles as life advice: confidence isn’t about achieving physical perfection, but about accepting yourself and moving through the world with self-assurance.
What She Actually Prefers on Set
Given her discomfort with bikini scenes, what does Larter actually enjoy filming? Her answer reveals what draws many actors to their craft in the first place.
She prefers filming “a real, honest quiet exchange between Angela and Tommy,” referring to scenes with co-star Billy Bob Thornton. Their characters—a divorced couple who rekindled their romance during season one—provide opportunities for emotional depth that revealing clothing simply can’t match.
This preference underscores an important point: substance over appearance. Even for someone whose profession occasionally requires physical display, meaningful connection and authentic storytelling remain the priority.
Practical Takeaways from Larter’s Approach
What can everyday people learn from Larter’s experience preparing for and coping with body-focused scenes?
- Consistency beats intensity: Regular 30-minute workouts trump sporadic marathon sessions
- Prioritize protein: Especially crucial for women over 40 maintaining muscle mass
- Eat clean, but eat: Restrictive dieting isn’t sustainable; nourishment matters
- Acknowledge insecurities: Even successful people struggle; you’re not alone
- Own your presence: Confidence transforms how others perceive you
- Focus on what matters: Physical appearance is just one small part of who you are
About “Landman” and What’s Next
“Landman” wrapped its second season on January 18, with season three already confirmed. The Paramount+ series follows Tommy, a high-level oil company employee played by Thornton, navigating the rough-and-tumble world of West Texas oil rigs.
Alongside Larter and Thornton, the cast includes Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chavez, Kayla Wallace, and Demi Moore. All episodes are available for streaming on Paramount+.
Larter’s candid discussion about body image challenges offers a refreshing counterpoint to Hollywood’s typically polished public image. Her willingness to discuss both physical preparation and emotional struggles provides a more complete—and helpful—picture for anyone working on their own fitness journey or battling similar insecurities.