Anne Hathaway opens up about 'awkward' chemistry tests she faced in the early 2000s
Renowned actress Anne Hathaway reveals her experience of engaging in on-camera chemistry tests with multiple actors during auditions in the early 2000s to assess compatibility.
In the 2000s, Anne Hathaway, an Oscar-winning actress, shared that she had to kiss multiple actors during auditions to see if there was chemistry on camera. Now 41 years old and with a long list of movies under her belt, Hathaway opened up about how, in the early days of her career, she agreed to the uncomfortable request of kissing male actors to determine their suitability for a film.
Hathaway shared in an interview with V Magazine that in the 2000s, it was common for actors to be asked to kiss each other to see if they had chemistry. She mentioned that this method was not the best way to test for chemistry.
From 20th Century Studios
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"I was informed that ten guys were coming over today and that I was chosen to be part of the casting. The person asked me if I was happy about the idea of kissing all of them.
At that moment, I couldn't help but wonder if there was something weird about me because I didn't feel thrilled about it. The thought of it actually grossed me out. Being young, I was very aware of how quickly one could be judged as ‘difficult’ and risk losing everything, so I simply pretended to be excited and went along with it."
No one was intentionally trying to hurt me or play games. It was simply a different time back then, and now we have learned from it.
Anne Hathaway, who won an Oscar for her role in "Les Misérables" in 2012, is now busy promoting her latest film "The Idea of You."
In it she plays single mother Solène, who begins an unexpected romance with the lead singer of a popular boy band after meeting at Coachella.
Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine attend "The Idea Of You" World Premiere during SXSW at The Paramount Theater on March 16, 2024 in Austin, Texas.
Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine attend "The Idea Of You" World Premiere during SXSW at The Paramount Theater on March 16, 2024 in Austin, Texas.
Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images
Nicholas Galitzine, a British actor, plays the role of singer Hayes in the movie. Anne Hathaway, who is also a producer of the movie, shared that they asked each actor auditioning for the role to pick a song that they felt their character would love. This song would be played to get her character to dance, followed by a short improv session. 
A shot from Netflix series "Wave Makers," a political drama set in Taiwan.
Courtesy DAMOU Entertainment
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We were sitting in a chair as if we had just finished dinner or a walk. We pressed play, and then we started dancing together.
Galitzine, who co-stars with Julianne Moore in "Mary & George," chose The Alabama Shakes, Hathaway revealed.
"It was so effortless," she explained. "When I heard Brittany, the lead singer of Alabama Shakes, I couldn't help but smile. And when Galitzine saw me smile, he relaxed and we started dancing together.
"There was no one showing off or trying to impress anyone. We were just enjoying the moment, dancing together in that space. I glanced over and saw our director, Michael Showalter, looking so happy. It was truly a spark."
Editor's P/S:
Anne Hathaway's experience highlights the uncomfortable and outdated practice of auditioning actors through kissing. While it was once considered a way to assess chemistry, it has now
