Gwyneth Paltrow is known to be very opinionated and adamant when it comes to certain things. Even her own lifestyle brand is a testament to this statement since it boasts some of the most controversial products and experiences. The actress has her ‘opinionated’ side shown more than once when it comes to her acting job as well.
She once recounted how she stopped her ex-boyfriend Ben Affleck from getting a major role in her Oscar-winning film since he wasn’t perfect for the part.
Gwyneth Paltrow Stopped Ben Affleck From Getting A Lead Role
Gwyneth Paltrow became insanely famous when she won her first Oscar for the period romance drama, Shakespeare in Love. The film even went ahead to win the Academy Award race, defeating Steven Spielberg‘s very celebrated movie Saving Private Ryan. However, working on the sets wasn’t easy as it seemed she once again had to collaborate with the infamous s*xual offended Harvey Weinstein.
Weinstein wasn’t on the set all the time, but he was a nuisance to work with. While the casting was still going on for Shakespeare in Love, Weinstein wanted to cast Ben Affleck for the main role, given his massive success with Good Will Hunting. However, Paltrow had earlier already tested with a young actor Joseph Fiennes, who was just starting out.
She described how the Scream producer intervened last minute,
“At the last minute, Harvey wanted Ben Affleck to take over and play Shakespeare. I said, ‘No, you can’t do that. You have to have an English person.’”
And thus, Paltrow intervened and had her perhaps then-boyfriend Ben Affleck cast in a supporting role. It might seem harsh now, but seeing the film Joseph Fiennes was perfect for the role.
Gwyneth Paltrow Almost Refused Her Oscar-Winning Role Because Of A Breakup
Gwyneth Paltrow is among the few actresses who have dated illustrious personalities like Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, and Chris Martin to name a few. When she was first offered her Oscar-winning role in Shakespeare in Love, the actress declined it for the first time since she was going through a terrible breakup with Brad Pitt.
“I was in the middle of a terrible breakup and the idea of going to England and being far from home just seemed … I didn’t even read it. I was just like, ‘I can’t read anything right now. I’m having a really hard time.’”
However, when finally read the script a couple of months after, the Sliding Doors actress couldn’t put it down and readily agreed to play her Oscar-winning role, Viola.
Shakespeare in Love is available to rent on Amazon Instant Video.
Source: Variety
