Geena Davis Reflects on the Many Mistakes She Made While Filming Her First Role in “Tootsie”

Geena Davis has recently reflected on her debut acting experience in the landmark film “Tootsie,” which was released in 1982 and has since become a staple of American cinematic history. The film, directed by the late Sydney Pollack, features Dustin Hoffman in a challenging role where he portrays a woman in order to secure a part in a soap opera. Davis’s character, April Page, is a soap actress in the fictional series “Southwest General,” and even after 40 years, she retains vivid memories of the film’s production.

In a recent appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen, Davis, now 70, recounted her initial anxieties about being on set. Reflecting on her early experiences in the industry, she admitted to feeling uncertain about the unique world of movie acting. “It was my first audition, and I got the part. I thought, ‘Maybe there’s some special movie acting that I never learned,’” Davis shared, illustrating her feelings of trepidation when she first stepped onto the set.

Her candour continued as she described the peculiarities of the filming process. Despite being new to the industry, Davis felt welcomed by the cast and crew, who made her feel at home. “But I didn’t know how things worked,” she elaborated, sharing a particularly amusing anecdote. To her surprise, she had not realised that she was only required to attend on days when her scenes were being filmed. “I showed up every single day at 6:00 a.m. They’d sometimes put make-up on me and sometimes they didn’t,” she recalled.

Cohen, leading the conversation, inquired if anyone had corrected her misconception. “No one said anything,” she laughed, before remembering the moment she finally understood: “I realised I don’t have any more scenes.” This revelation did not deter her enthusiasm, however; she continued to enjoy the camaraderie of the set.

In another amusing revelation, Davis spoke about her feelings of exclusion when it came to seating arrangements. While the rest of the cast had chairs adorned with their names, she was left without one. In a clever manoeuvre, she claimed a prop chair that bore her character’s name and proceeded to place it next to Pollack, defying traditional expectations. “I watched where they put the chairs at night and then came in early to move mine next to him,” she explained. The director, who passed away in 2008, seemed unbothered by her antics and often engaged in light-hearted conversations with her, which she cherishes to this day.

Tootsie, which opened in cinemas in December 1982, had a remarkable impact upon its release, grossing over £175 million at the box office. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won one for Jessica Lange’s role as actress Julie Nichols, alongside a strong supporting cast including Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, and Bill Murray. Its performance solidified the movie’s status as a classic and a significant commentary on gender and performance in Hollywood.

Davis has since enjoyed a prolific career in film, featuring in notable titles such as “The Fly” and “Beetlejuice,” both released in 1988. Her talent earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal in “The Accidental Tourist” the same year. Further accolades followed, such as a nomination for Best Actress for her role in “Thelma & Louise” alongside Susan Sarandon in 1992 and starring in the cultural phenomenon “A League of Their Own,” which also premiered in 1992.

Reflecting on her early days with warmth and nostalgia, Davis’s journey from an inexperienced actress in “Tootsie” to a celebrated figure in Hollywood serves as a reminder of the transformative power of film and the enduring bonds formed on set. As she continues to discuss her experiences, it is clear that the lessons learned during the filming of “Tootsie” have stayed with her throughout her illustrious career.