Actor Joshua Jackson revealed the challenges he faced gaining weight for his latest role in *Karate Kid: Legends*. The 46-year-old, known for his recent work in *Doctor Odyssey*, plays Victor, a former heavyweight boxing champion and pizzeria owner. To portray Victor authentically, Jackson gained 20 pounds, increasing his weight from 175 to nearly 195 pounds.
Jackson told the *Today* show on May 27 that bulking up was tougher than expected. “I was eating 4,000 calories a day,” he said. Despite the difficulty, he enjoys the training involved in preparing for new roles, though he notes it is harder now at age 45 than when he was younger.
Previously, Jackson gained weight for his role as Christopher Duntsch in the Peacock series *Dr. Death*, going from 160 to 190 pounds. He also suffered a serious back injury after that project, which he attributed to the mental stress of portraying the corrupt neurosurgeon. Jackson said a disc in his back exploded, leaving him unable to walk for six weeks.
While acknowledging that the physical toll of weight changes is significant, Jackson stressed that the emotional strain can be even greater. He reflected on his demanding role in the 2018 Broadway show *Children of a Lesser God*, where he lost weight and experienced a high emotional cost.
Jackson, father to 5-year-old Juno with ex Jodie Turner-Smith, shared that parenthood has shifted his approach to preparing for roles. “My life is different now because I have a child,” he said, noting he used to isolate himself to recover emotionally from intense performances.
Overall, Jackson embraces the challenges acting brings, both physical and emotional, as part of his craft.
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