Hollywood is known for its fair share of friendships and iconic relationships. However, at the same time, it has some outlined rivalries as well, that have led to a range of unique situations over the years. That also once seemed to be the case with Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow, two ladies who have made an impact on the industry in their own ways.
However, according to a 1998 interview with Lopez herself, the singer/actress thought that Paltrow’s claim to fame was not her own talent, but rather the celebrities that she hung out with. Of course, the comments failed to age well, considering Paltrow has since become a global fashion icon and conservationist, has a $250 million empire, and is also well-regarded for her work in the MCU.
Jennifer Lopez once claimed Gwyneth Paltrow is only famous due to her associations
In a candid 1998 interview with Movieline, Jennifer Lopez made waves with her blunt comments about her fellow actresses, particularly Gwyneth Paltrow. Of course, Paltrow already had a remarkable portfolio by then. The actress made her debut in Steven Spielberg’s Hook, and was also a part of movies such as Seven, Emma, and Hard Eight.
However, it seems as if Lopez had not watched any of her movies. Instead, she had heard of Paltrow due to her former relationship with Brad Pitt, and claimed the following:
Tell me what she’s been in? I swear to God, I don’t remember anything she was in. Some people get hot by association. I heard more about her and Brad Pitt than I ever heard about her work.
Lopez also claimed Paltrow was, alongside the likes of Winona Ryder and Salma Hayek, in the ‘bottom of the A-list of actresses.’ Of course, her comments, at least with respect to Paltrow, aged like milk. Paltrow not only would go on to make her presence felt in multiple industries, but she also won the Oscar for Best Actress for Shakespeare in Love, which was released in 1998.
Gwyneth Paltrow underwent an emphatic rise in the 21st century
Almost as if Jennifer Lopez’s comments about Paltrow acted as the source of inspiration for the kind of success she went on to garner. Despite her initial success, which included an Oscar win, Paltrow Paltrow chose to reduce her acting workload after becoming a parent in 2004.
However, she made a notable comeback with her portrayal of Pepper Potts in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from Iron Man (2008) to Avengers: Endgame (2019).
Beyond her acting career, Gwyneth Paltrow has achieved significant success in the business world. In 2005, she founded Goop, a lifestyle brand that has grown into a $250 million empire. Goop, despite facing criticism for promoting pseudoscience, has made a substantial impact on the lifestyle and wellness sectors. Paltrow’s entrepreneurial ventures have included fashion collaborations and various wellness products, further diversifying her career.
Furthermore, Paltrow has been involved in philanthropy and politics. She has supported causes such as World Pneumonia Day and served on the board of the Robin Hood Foundation. Her political engagements have included hosting fundraisers for Democratic candidates and participating in discussions on public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hence, Paltrow is not merely an actress. She is also a bonafide philanthropist, and deserves much more credit than Lopez afforded to her, all the way back in 98.
