Reese Witherspoon Reflects on Her Career and Iconic Roles at 47
In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar on July 12, Reese Witherspoon shared her experiences about playing the role of Nicole Walker in the 1996 film Fear. In the movie, the blonde actress portrays a teenage girl who falls in love with a boy whose intentions are unclear.
Reese recalled the intense scenes with co-star Mark Wahlberg, directed by James Foley and written by Christopher Crowe. “I couldn’t control it. The script didn’t specify what would happen, so I felt I had to interpret everything on my own. Later, he asked me directly on set if I wanted to perform that scene, and I said ‘No.’ It wasn’t supposed to be a particularly special experience,” the 47-year-old actress explained.
One memorable scene Reese mentioned was when Nicole Walker “got intimate” with her love interest on a high-speed roller coaster while they were engaged at an amusement park.
Unlike the frivolous and carefree characters shown on screen, Reese expressed regret for being placed in difficult situations at just 19 years old.
The Legally Blonde star emphasized that she doesn’t seek out any uncomfortable experiences. She just wanted to highlight one of the many challenging moments that shaped her into who she is today.
“I’m sure I didn’t face any trauma or negative thoughts, but there was something about that experience that formed in my early career. It made me realize my position was still developing in the film industry. I think that experience is one of those stories that made me want to become a change agent and a person who could be in a better leadership position to tell women’s stories, rather than from a male perspective,” she asserted strongly.
According to Reese, her experiences in Fear were instrumental in establishing her own media and production company, Hello Sunshine.
Currently, Reese is no longer just the girl who can be easily overlooked. She has become one of the most powerful actresses in Hollywood, holding many more control and influence than before.
Through Hello Sunshine, Reese aims to create a unique environment where women can thrive and succeed.
Her determination has led her to unexpected success. In August 2021, Hello Sunshine was sold to Candle Media, a company led by former Disney CEO Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, for $900 million.
In the interview, Reese also touched on her recent divorce from long-time husband Jim Toth. The couple announced their separation in March.
Although it’s not an easy transition, the Big Little Lies star remains focused on her own autonomy, reaffirming her identity as a powerful figure in her own right, rather than being defined by her relationships.
The couple was married for 12 years and shares a son, Tennessee. Reese also has a daughter, Ava, and a son, Deacon, from her previous marriage to Ryan Phillippe.
Born in 1976, Reese Witherspoon is an internationally acclaimed actress. She entered the industry in 1991 and has gained recognition through numerous films such as Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama, and Big Little Lies, notably winning the Academy Award for her performance in Walk the Line.
Source: Harper’s Bazaar
