In the early days of her career, Anne Hathaway faced a peculiar and somewhat unpleasant practice—makeout sessions to test for chemistry between actors. As she shared in a recent interview, this was considered normal in the 2000s. Hathaway recalled being asked to kiss multiple male actors in a row, leaving her feeling uncomfortable and questioning her own reactions. However, fearing being labeled as difficult, she pretended to be enthusiastic about the practice to avoid any potential backlash.
Hathaway emphasized that this was not a power play or an attempt to harm her, but rather a reflection of the different societal norms at that time. She explained that the industry has since evolved, and such practices are no longer acceptable. The actress further highlighted that it is now easier for her to advocate for herself, especially on projects like ‘The Idea of You,’ where she serves as a producer.
Hathaway’s experience sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of workplace culture, particularly in the entertainment industry. It highlights the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive environment where actors feel comfortable and valued, rather than being subjected to inappropriate or uncomfortable practices.