Olivia Munn, famed for her roles in The Newsroom and X‑Men: Apocalypse, has again bravely shared her personal journey. On the June 30 episode of the Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard podcast, the 44‑year‑old actress revealed how dating Chris Pine sparked her struggle with trichotillomania—a little-known hair-pulling disorder.
What is trichotillomania?
This condition is classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the DSM‑5. Sufferers feel uncontrollable urges to pull out hair—on the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. In Olivia’s case, she started pulling her eyelashes.
The moment that triggered it
Olivia Munn shared the turning point in her relationship with Chris Pine (late 2009–early 2010): paparazzi caught her leaving his home in a goofy 1970s-style blue prom dress from The Daily Show wardrobe. She had purposely worn it to be on a “worst dressed” list.
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In shock, she read harsh online comments, like “Who carries a clutch during the day?” Within hours, Olivia felt a burning need to pull her eyelashes—a moment of pain and fleeting relief, followed by regret.
The deeper roots: OCD and anxiety
Olivia Munn has long been open about her OCD and anxiety, which she traces back to her childhood. Growing up in a large, mixed family and facing a turbulent upbringing led to her seeking safety and control. She has said,
“My OCD comes from a place of needing to feel safe.”
She’s also spoken about using hypnotherapy to help manage her hair-pulling, a method she found valuable in past interviews.
Still friends with Pine
Now married to comedian John Mulaney (with two young children), Olivia Munn stressed that she and Chris Pine remain on friendly terms. She praised him as “amazing” and recently reunited with him at SNL 50, recalling a warm airport lounge catch-up.
Why this matters
- Trichotillomania awareness: Olivia’s openness helps normalize discussion around lesser-known mental health disorders.
- Mental health & fame: She highlights how public scrutiny—especially via online comments—can trigger or worsen anxiety-related habits.
- Power of vulnerability: Her story shows viewers that therapy (including hypnotherapy) can be a path to healing.
