Andra Day lost 40 pounds to play Billie Holiday -- but she didn't feel any prettier - CNN

Billie Holiday," told InStyle that while she has noticed a difference, the weight loss has not made her feel more attractive.

I was cool.'

"But I do like the way (the weight loss) feels on my body, I like the way it feels on my joints.

Having fought her own battle with addiction, Day told InStyle that she now feels she is "honoring her [Holiday], and the strength that is femininity."

Playing the part strengthened her own self confidence, Day said: "It was almost like she said, 'Sis, we're going to have to close this, because I have to survive.' She opened me up to valuing myself in a way that I hadn't fully before."