Laurence Fishburne Struggled to Film an “Apocalypse Now” Scene About Sex as a 15-Year-Old Virgin: ‘Really Bad’

Laurence Fishburne’s Struggle and Success in Apocalypse Now

Veteran actor Laurence Fishburne recently shared some poignant memories from his long and storied career in the new two-episode Apple TV+ documentary, “Number One on the Call Sheet.” Fishburne, who began his acting journey at just 10 years old in the 1970s, opened up about a particularly challenging experience while filming his third major movie, “Apocalypse Now.”

In the documentary’s first episode, titled “The Black Leading Men in Hollywood,” directed by Reginald Hudlin, Fishburne, now 63, reflected on a scene in “Apocalypse Now” that was eventually cut from the original film but later added back in the redux version. At the young age of 14 or 15, Fishburne found himself struggling to portray a scene about sex, an experience made even more daunting by his lack of personal sexual experience.

Director Francis Ford Coppola seemed unable to help Fishburne bridge this gap in experience, leading to the actor doing approximately 40 takes of the scene. “It was really bad,” Fishburne recalled, feeling disheartened by his perceived failure. However, a moment of encouragement from his co-star, Martin Sheen, who played a pivotal role in the film, changed the course of Fishburne’s confidence.

Sheen whispered to Fishburne, affirming his talent by saying, “Did anyone ever tell you that you were a really good actor?” This simple yet profound statement had a transformative effect on Fishburne, who described it as a life-saving moment. The importance of support and mentorship in the tough world of Hollywood was evident in this exchange, highlighting the significance of experienced actors guiding younger talents.

From this pivotal moment, Laurence Fishburne went on to build a diverse and successful career in stage, television, and film. His portrayal of Ike Turner in the 1993 Tina Turner biopic, “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” earned him an Oscar nomination. Fishburne also enjoyed a four-year stint on the children’s comedy TV series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” from 1986 to 1990, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Reflecting on his early career, Fishburne shared how working with Francis Ford Coppola on films like “Rumble Fish,” “The Cotton Club,” and “Gardens of Stone” in the ’80s shaped his trajectory. Additionally, his experience on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” held more significance than meets the eye, with the set being notably diverse and empowering under the leadership of Paul Reubens.

Reubens’ inclusive approach to casting and crew selection paved the way for emerging talents like John Singleton, who later approached Fishburne with a script that would become the critically acclaimed film “Boyz n the Hood.” Fishburne acknowledged the debt of gratitude he owed to Singleton for this career-defining role, illustrating how mentorship and opportunities can change the course of an actor’s life.

“Number One on the Call Sheet” offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of Black actors in Hollywood, showcasing the impact of mentorship, resilience, and talent in navigating the industry’s complexities. Laurence Fishburne’s journey serves as a testament to the power of support and encouragement in fostering budding talent and overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of excellence.

As viewers delve into Fishburne’s captivating story through this documentary, they are reminded of the transformative power of mentorship and belief in one’s abilities in the realm of entertainment. Laurence Fishburne’s enduring legacy as a versatile and accomplished actor is a testament to his resilience, talent, and the mentors who believed in him along the way.