The 39-year-old British celebrity has a hereditary disorder called neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), which causes tumors—which are usually benign—to form along your nerves.
“There are two ways to lose your anonymity in a society – to either become famous or have a disfigurement so I’ve kind of shot myself in both feet a little bit on that one,” said Pearson, who made his acting debut in the 2013 film Under the Skin.
He claimed that anyone who chooses to take a “vow of almost noble silence” in order to avoid a “politically correct minefield” could end up doing more harm than good, but he wants to promote acceptance of his illness.
He continued, “Kindness goes a long way.”
In the drama A Different Man, he co-stars with Sebastian Stan of Marvel. The story follows an actor with NF1 who successfully undertakes a medical trial to remove the tumors on his face.
The A24-produced movie examines self-confidence and social standards in an effort to provide a forum for candid and open dialogue.
