In the early 2000s, actress Anne Hathaway skyrocketed to fame with her lead role in Disney’s “The Princess Diaries.” However, the 41-year-old recently revealed one uncomfortable method used during the casting process for romantic comedies at the time. In an interview with V Magazine, Hathaway recalled being asked to make out with up to ten potential co-stars in a single day to test for chemistry.
She described the experience as gross and wondered if there was something wrong with her for not being excited. This shocking revelation sheds light on the outdated practices in the entertainment industry and how far we have come since then.
Despite being uncomfortable, Hathaway felt like she couldn’t say no as she was worried about being labeled as “difficult” and potentially losing out on opportunities. This highlights the power dynamics at play in Hollywood during that time, where actors, especially women, were afraid to speak out against any uncomfortable situations they were put in.
Hathaway acknowledges that it wasn’t a power play, and no one was intentionally trying to hurt her. It was simply the norm at the time, and now we know better.
Hathaway’s experience further highlights the gender disparity in the entertainment industry. The fact that female actors were asked to engage in physical acts during auditions while their male counterparts were not shows the blatant discrimination faced by women in Hollywood. It is an indictment of the old school mentality that female actors’ worth was tied to their on-screen chemistry with their co-stars rather than their talents and abilities.
The talented actress did not let this experience dampen her spirits, and she went on to star in several other romantic comedies, including “Ella Enchanted,” “Bride Wars,” “Valentine’s Day,” and “Love & Other Drugs.” Hathaway’s versatility as an actress proved that she didn’t need a forced romantic relationship to carry a film, and her talent was enough to do that.
Hathaway’s career reached new heights when she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2013 for her role in the film version of “Les Misérables.” This accolade solidified her as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses, and she continued to take on more challenging and diverse roles. However, she noticed a change in the types of scripts she was receiving in her 30s, as the number of romantic comedies she was offered dwindled significantly. This realization prompted her to question where these stories had gone and why they stopped.
The actress’s curiosity led her to a script for a new romantic comedy, “The Idea of You.” The story resonated with her, and she knew she had to be a part of it. In this film, Hathaway plays a single mother who falls in love with a much younger man, challenging societal norms and stereotypes. This role is a perfect example of how the entertainment industry has evolved, with more diverse and inclusive stories being told.
Hathaway’s journey in Hollywood has been anything but easy, but she remains a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of actors. Her courage to speak out about her experiences with outdated practices in the industry sheds light on the need for change and how far we have come since then. As more actors speak out against discrimination and fight for better representation, we can hope for a more inclusive and diverse Hollywood in the future.
Anne Hathaway’s interview with V Magazine has sparked an important conversation about old practices in Hollywood and the progress made towards a more inclusive and diverse industry. Her bravery in speaking out about her experiences serves as a reminder that there is still a lot of work to do.
