Kaitlin Olson Looks Back on Her ‘Terrifying’ “Coyote Ugly” Cameo 26 Years Later (Exclusive)

Kaitlin Olson has recently offered insights into her breakthrough role in the 2000 cult favourite “Coyote Ugly” during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The actress, now 50, recalls her audition experience which marked her first foray into Hollywood. Despite being cast as a “Bidding Customer” with no formal name, Olson made a lasting impression with her comedic talents during a memorable bar scene.

Reflecting on her initial audition, Olson shared, “That was, I think, the first audition that I got that I booked the part,” describing the anxiety of stepping into the film industry without prior experience. She admitted, “It was absolutely terrifying because I had never done anything before,” highlighting the pressure of entering a chaotic environment alongside established actors.

The scene features Kevin, played by Adam Garcia, who performs a striptease to assist Violet—played by Piper Perabo—in earning a necessary sum to retain her job at the bar. Olson’s character engages in a bidding war along with several other women, including a young Alex Borstein. For the actress, the experience was daunting yet exhilarating.

During filming, Olson found herself amidst a lively atmosphere, filled with a talented ensemble cast that included Tyra Banks, Bridget Moynahan, Melanie Lynskey, and LeAnn Rimes. “We were just playing around,” Olson noted, emphasising the spirit of camaraderie that helped ease her nerves. “Those women were just so warm, lovely, welcoming and fun,” she recalled fondly.

Although Olson started with just one line, her spontaneity shone through as she improvised several additional lines during the scene. At one point, she enthusiastically escalates her bid, declaring, “That’s it! You wanna come home with mama?” When her efforts don’t pay off, her character humorously retorts, “Damn you!” towards the woman who outbid her. “It was terrifying,” Olson admitted, “but it worked out. It was very chaotic, and we were all screaming over the top of each other. But there’s nothing I enjoy doing more.”

Since her role in “Coyote Ugly,” Olson has experienced significant growth in her career. She currently stars in the ABC series “High Potential,” which is now streaming on Hulu, and continues to be a mainstay in the long-running comedy series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which is heading into its 18th season.

In addition to her roles on television, Olson has garnered critical acclaim, earning two Emmy nominations for her guest appearances as DJ Vance in the HBO Max series “Hacks.” She has also been recognised for her performance in the short-form series “Flipped,” where she received an Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series nomination.

Reflecting on her trajectory from an inexperienced actress to a celebrated star, Olson’s journey underscores the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the key role that support and friendship play in the lives of performers. Her story serves as a reminder of the courage it takes to venture into new territories, even when the outcome is uncertain.

For fans eager to relive Olson’s early days, “Coyote Ugly” is available to stream for free on Tubi, while her latest series “High Potential” is currently accessible on Hulu. With her impressive body of work and unwavering commitment to her craft, Olson continues to captivate audiences with her undeniable talent.