We bring you the facts about the star of WILD…
WILD is released in Irish cinemas this week, and stars Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, a woman who hiked 4,286 km across America on her own. Witherspoon was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in WILD, so we gathered together the facts about the actress…
1. Real Name
Witherspoon’s true name is Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon. Reese is her mother’s maiden name, and the name she uses professionally.
2. Breakout
Witherspoon appeared in commercials as a child, which prompted her to take acting lessons. At 14, she was cast in the lead role in THE MAN IN THE MOON, which was featured in Roger Ebert’s top 10 films of 1991.
3. Chipper
Reese is known for playing chirpy and upbeat women, and as such, turned down the lead roles in horror SCREAM and URBAN LEGEND.
4. Something Old
Witherspoon collects antique linens and is a big admirer of old embroidery.
5. For Your Consideration
Reese auditioned for the role of Rachel Dawes in BATMAN BEGINS, but lost out to Katie Holmes. She was also considered for the female lead in ROMEO + JULIET; the role went to Claire Danes in the end.
6. New Wardrobe
In Witherspoon’s contract for LEGALLY BLONDE, it was stated that she was to keep all of her costumes from the film.
7. Walk the Line
Reese Witherspoon performed all of the songs in WALK THE LINE herself, without being dubbed. She also learned to play the auto-harp from scratch. As well as this, June Carter-Cash approved Witherspoon’s casting in the film.
8. Mother or Lover?
Reese Witherspoon played Robert Pattinson’s mother in a deleted scene in VANITY FAIR (2004). In WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, she played Pattinson’s lover.
9. Wild Side
Witherspoon dropped out of Tim Burton’s BIG EYES to play Cheryl Strayed in WILD. Witherspoon beat Jennifer Lawrence, Scarlett Johansson and Emma Watson to play Cheryl Strayed.
10. When Can I see WILD?
WILD is released in Irish cinemas on January 16th 2015
Words: Brogen Hayes