Alicia Silverstone Opens Up About Enduring '90s Body-Shaming and Babe the Pig Comparison
Alicia Silverstone: The OG It Girl Spills the Tea on Hollywood's Darkest Secrets
In a shocking exposé, Alicia Silverstone is breaking her silence on the brutal body-shaming she endured in the '90s. The iconic actress, now 48 and still stunning, has been open about the dark side of fame that nearly broke her.
As we revisit the highlights of her meteoric rise to stardom, it's hard not to wonder how this Northern California native managed to navigate the treacherous waters of Hollywood. With a string of blockbuster hits under her belt, including the cult classic Clueless and The Babysitter, Silverstone cemented her status as the ultimate teen idol.
But beneath the glitz and glamour, Alicia faced a harsh reality: the relentless scrutiny of the media. In 1996, a particularly vicious magazine spread titled "A Weighty Issue" compared her figure to Babe the Pig, leaving many wondering if the actress felt pressured to conform to impossible beauty standards.
In an exclusive interview with ET, Silverstone shared her candid thoughts on the cruel treatment she endured: "We definitely did it differently back then. And that was not easy, for sure. But it's all fine. Nothing to lose sleep over... But certainly something that stays with you." The actress' measured response belies the emotional turmoil she must have experienced.
As we delve deeper into Silverstone's journey, it becomes clear that her rapid ascent to fame came at a steep price. At just 15, she landed her first major co-starring role in The Crush opposite Cary Elwes – and had to endure the cringe-worthy experience of kissing her on-screen partner, who was nearly 14 years older.
"I had to kiss the guy from The Princess Bride!" Silverstone recalled with a laugh. "I was young, so because we had this kiss in the film, I thought that meant he was my boyfriend now. Not really... but a little bit." It's no wonder she felt like an awkward teenager in front of the cameras.
The grueling audition process for The Crush only added to Silverstone's anxiety. "They had me back many, many times, and it seemed like I was going to get the part — and then they offered it to someone else," she revealed. It wasn't until the first actress dropped out that fate intervened, and the role landed in her lap.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing for Silverstone. Her turn as Batgirl in 1997's Batman & Robin – a film that earned her a Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actress – was widely panned by critics. "When Batman & Robin came out, I don’t think people liked it very much," she admitted. "But later on, people told me it’s their favorite movie. It’s very camp." Silverstone's ability to laugh at herself and acknowledge the film's camp value is a testament to her growth as an actress.
As we explore the highs and lows of Silverstone's career, it becomes apparent that she underwent a significant shift in her approach to acting. "Before Clueless, I was much more intuitive and playful and had more confidence about what I was doing," she revealed. "And I think after Clueless, for a minute I got a little stressed and made it more intellectual or something." It's no secret that the pressures of fame can take their toll on even the most confident performers.
However, Silverstone has always been known for her down-to-earth attitude and ability to balance her career with personal life. "Acting is important to me, but I have taken breaks from it at times, and then come back to it because I loved it so much," she confessed. "I’ve figured out that you can do all the things." Her recent projects – including Irish Blood on Acorn TV, Bugonia (Oct. 24), and A Merry Little Ex-Mas (Nov. 12) on Netflix – demonstrate her continued dedication to her craft.
And what about the Clueless sequel series, where Silverstone serves as executive producer? "I'm so excited to revisit Cher's world," she gushed. "It's going to be a fresh take on the classic, but still true to the spirit of the original." With this new development, it seems that Alicia Silverstone is far from done with Hollywood – and we can't wait to see what's next.
This article was originally published on thescholarlynote.com
