Elizabeth Banks recounted a harrowing experience that occurred while filming her upcoming movie, Skincare. The Emmy-nominated actress shared details of a life-threatening choking incident that she described as “scary” and “terrifying.”
During a conversation with Good Morning America, Banks revealed that the choking episode happened when she was alone in her trailer, eating lunch. The food, a small green pea, became lodged in her throat, leaving her unable to breathe and in a state of panic. “I threw the door open, couldn’t make any noise, was so afraid,” Banks said, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Fortunately, help arrived in the form of Julius, a crew member on the film set. Banks signaled for assistance, and Julius performed the Heimlich maneuver twice before successfully dislodging the pea. “His name is Julius. He is my guardian angel. Julius, I love you. Saved my life, literally on the set,” Banks expressed gratefully. She emphasized the importance of learning the Heimlich maneuver, noting that it can be a crucial life-saving technique. “A lot of people think, ‘I’m gonna crack a rib or hurt someone.’ They’re dying, so crack their rib if you have to,” she advised.
Banks’ new film, Skincare, directed by Austin Peters and set to premiere on August 16, stars Banks alongside Lewis Pullman and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez. The thriller delves into the life of Hope Goldman, a celebrity aesthetician whose skincare line faces unexpected threats. Banks described her character as someone struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving world, facing challenges from a younger generation more attuned to social media and modern trends.
The film, which Banks describes as “ripped from the headlines,” reflects her own experience of navigating an industry that continuously shifts. “She’s just like a little, you know, opened a shop 25 years ago and really gets taken advantage of by young people who are like, ‘You need to be on Instagram and you need to do it this way,’” Banks explained.
