Anne Hathaway, known for her captivating performances in films like ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘The Princess Diaries,’ has recently revealed the unsettling ‘chemistry testing’ practices she encountered during her early career.
In a candid interview with V Magazine, Hathaway recounted her experiences with these tests, which were prevalent at the time. She vividly remembers being informed, ‘We have ten guys coming today, and you’re cast. Aren’t you excited to make out with all of them?’
Expressing her discomfort with the process, Hathaway explained, ‘I thought it sounded gross.’ However, determined to safeguard her career, she reluctantly participated in these tests.
‘I was so young and terribly aware how easy it was to lose everything by being labeled ‘difficult,” she explained. ‘So I just pretended I was excited and got on with it.’
Hathaway emphasized that these tests were not orchestrated to harm or intimidate her. Instead, they were a reflection of a different era in the industry. ‘It was just a very different time and now we know better,’ she remarked.
Hathaway’s experience highlights the evolving standards and practices within the entertainment industry. Today, there is a greater emphasis on consent and respect during the audition process, ensuring that actors feel comfortable and safe.