Geena Davis reflects on facing sexism early in acting career

Geena Davis recently opened up on being judged for her appearance early in her acting career.

The American actress recalled her audition for the 1985 movie, Fletch, during an appearance on latest episode of Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast.

Davis revealed that she was first asked to audition for female lead in the Chevy Chase comedy, but then they changed their mind.

“I originally auditioned for the lead female character but I am pretty they said, ‘You are not attractive to play that part,’” she told Shepard.

Reflecting on how she looked at the time. the Stuart Little actress mentioned that she was “wearing hair all curly and weird”.

Shepard chimed in and remarked that those were the days when you were judged on appearance.

However, Davis continued that the Fletch moviemakers were impressed with the actress and requested her to play a supporting role.

“‘We think you’re so funny.’ ‘We want you in the movie,’” she further said.

Nevertheless, Davis ended up taking on a “really small role”, which was of the morgue chief, whose name is Larry. The moviemakers decided to change the character it to a female for her, remembered the Thelma & Louise actress.

This is not the first time Davis talked about facing sexism in Hollywood.

Prior to the release of her 2022 memoir, Dying of Politeness, Davis spoke to The Times and pointed out that becoming a model did nothing to convince her of her own beauty.

“It’s a struggle. It’s always been a struggle,” remarked the 70-year-old actress.

But, Davis noted, with time, “it’s got much better”.