How Hilary Swank Risked Her Health for ‘Million Dollar Baby’—And Never Told Clint Eastwood

Hilary Swank’s dedication to her craft in Million Dollar Baby is well-known, but one aspect of her commitment remained a secret until recently: the dangerous staph infection she developed while preparing for the role. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the 2004 sports drama is a deeply emotional portrayal of an aspiring boxer, Maggie Fitzgerald, and her relationship with trainer Frankie Dunn, played by Eastwood. While the film became a critical and commercial success—winning four Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Swank—it was not without its challenges during production.

Swank, known for her intense preparation for roles, trained six days a week for three months at New York’s Gleason’s Gym. Her regimen was grueling, sometimes involving four-hour training sessions and a daily intake of up to 4,000 calories, including early morning protein shakes to maintain muscle mass. As part of this intense training, Swank developed a large blister on her foot, a common issue for athletes, but what followed was far from typical.

Within two days, the blister became infected with staphylococcus, leading to a serious staph infection. Swank, in an interview with 60 Minutes, recalled the severity of the situation: “There were streaks going up my foot. So, I went to the doctor that second, and he looked at me, and he said, ‘This is really serious. And if you had waited two more hours, you would have been in the hospital for three weeks. And if it gets to your heart, that’s it.’” The infection was potentially life-threatening, but Swank made a decision that would define her commitment to the role—she kept the situation a secret from Eastwood.

Rather than taking time off to recover, Swank treated the infection as an occupational hazard that her character, Maggie, would face. The actress continued with her training and performed many of her boxing scenes herself, despite having a stunt double for safety. Swank’s dedication was evident to everyone involved in the project, including Clint Eastwood, who later praised her performance, calling her “the best there is, as good an actress as I’ve worked with.”

Despite the severity of the infection, which could have caused permanent damage or been fatal if left untreated, Swank pushed through and made a remarkable contribution to the film’s success. Her commitment to the role and willingness to endure physical pain played a significant part in the authenticity and emotional depth of Maggie’s character, ultimately leading to the film’s wide acclaim and Swank’s Oscar win.

Impact on Production and Performance

The staph infection, while a serious health concern, didn’t impede Swank’s ability to work. In fact, her performance in Million Dollar Baby stands as a testament to her perseverance and resilience. Swank had to undergo intense physical training to gain 20 pounds of muscle, which helped her portray the gritty and determined Maggie Fitzgerald. The boxing scenes, particularly, required a level of realism that only Swank’s personal commitment could bring to the screen.

Eastwood’s praise for Swank was well-deserved. The film’s raw emotion and Swank’s performance were integral to its success, and her ability to push through the infection without letting it interfere with the production speaks to her professionalism and dedication to the craft.

Conclusion

Hilary Swank’s hidden battle with a life-threatening staph infection during the filming of Million Dollar Baby highlights the sacrifices actors often make for their craft. Despite the risk to her health, Swank continued with her training and performance, all while keeping her condition secret from Clint Eastwood. This decision not only underscores her commitment but also shows the lengths to which she would go to bring authenticity to her character. For fans and critics alike, Swank’s role in Million Dollar Baby remains one of the most powerful performances of her career, and her dedication to the film’s success is a key factor in its lasting impact.