Reese Witherspoon Did Not Expect To Actually Sing June Carter Cash’s Parts In ‘Walk The Line’

Reese Witherspoon’s iconic portrayal of June Carter Cash in 2005’s Walk the Line earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She was also recognized in the same category at the Critics Choice Awards and at the Golden Globes.

Her co-star Joaquin Phoenix played Johnny Cash, and together they portrayed the life and career of the singer-songwriter. Reese admitted to Conan O’Brien in an interview that she was caught unawares about the details of her singing performances.

Reese Witherspoon was shocked she had to actually sing in ‘Walk The Line’

When Reese signed her contract, director James Mangold did not inform her about singing her character’s parts. He told her two weeks later, after asking her to sing something at his house. It was then Reese realized she would be recording all of June’s tracks.

The 48-year-old said she felt hoodwinked and nervous because she had never sung professionally. She also suffered from stage fright, which made her sweaty at the moment. Regardless, Reese did what she had to, and in retrospect, it gave an original spin to the true-life story.

Reese Witherspoon had to learn to sing

It was a learning experience for Reese, who had to do voice lessons and rehearsals for six months. She credited Roger Love with teaching her how to sing in that time. The next six months were for recording the tracks which included “Ring Of Fire,” Wildwood Flower,” “Jackson,” and “It Ain’t Me Babe.”

Some thought Reese did a surprisingly good job for a non-singer, as a fan complimented her singing in the presence of country music legend Garth Brooks. Her co-star Joaquin faced a similar struggle. However, after months of practice, he could confidently do Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk the Line.” He also got a Best Actor Oscar Award for his role, among other recognitions.