Every Hollywood star has to start somewhere, and Geena Davis is proving that even Oscar winners have embarrassing first-day stories, especially when it came to Tootsie. The actress recently looked back on her film debut in Tootsie, admitting that she had no idea how a movie set worked when she landed the role in the beloved 1982 comedy.
Her candid memories have delighted fans, offering a humorous glimpse into the early days of a career that would eventually include classics like Thelma & Louise, A League of Their Own, and The Fly. Long before becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, Davis was simply trying to figure out what everyone else already seemed to know.
Geena Davis thought she had to report to set every day for ‘Tootsie’
According to People, appearing on Watch What Happens Live, Geena Davis recalled that she auditioned for Tootsie as her very first film project—and landed the role. Excited but inexperienced, she arrived on set believing there might be a special style of movie acting she had never learned.
Because she didn’t yet understand how film productions worked, she arrived at the studio every morning at 6 a.m., even on days when she wasn’t scheduled to film. Some days the makeup team prepared her for scenes, while on others they didn’t, but no one immediately told her she only needed to come in when she was actually working. Eventually, she realized she had finished all of her scenes and didn’t need to keep returning.
A funny memory from the beginning of an extraordinary career
Davis also shared another amusing story involving the cast chairs. While the principal actors had personalized chairs with their names on them, the crew stored away the prop chair labeled with her character’s name after filming each day. Every morning, she quietly retrieved it and placed it beside director Sydney Pollack, where she happily spent the day watching production unfold.
Rather than questioning why she was there, Pollack welcomed Davis and even shared his concerns about the film during breaks. She fondly recalled reassuring the acclaimed director that a movie starring Dustin Hoffman was sure to succeed. Looking back, Davis credits the cast and crew with helping her feel comfortable despite her inexperience. Those early missteps became cherished memories, reminding fans that confidence comes through experience. Decades later, the stories behind Geena Davis’s Tootsie continue to charm audiences, proving every legendary career begins with a first day—and a few innocent mistakes.
Bindi Irwin Announces A Big Change To Her Social Media Presence
On Robin Williams’ Heavenly Birthday, Meet The Three Children Carrying On His Legacy