Elle Fanning, known for her roles in various films since a young age, has recently opened up about a disturbing experience she had in the film industry. During a Hollywood Reporter roundtable interview, Fanning joined fellow actors Sheryl Lee Ralph, Ayo Edebiri, Natasha Lyonne, Jenna Ortega, and Devery Jacobs to discuss the challenges of being a child actor.
Fanning, the younger sister of Dakota Fanning, started acting at the age of two and gained recognition for her performances in movies like “Because of Winn-Dixie” and “Daddy Day Care.” Despite her success, she revealed that being a child actor has its unique difficulties.
Related content:
Indonesian Teen with Amazing Voice Wins Golden Buzzer on ‘AGT’: Watch the Incredible Moment
Acknowledging that she had been fortunate to have a supportive team of agents and managers throughout her career, Fanning shared a disturbing incident from her teenage years. She recounted a time when she auditioned for a father-daughter road trip comedy movie at the age of 16. Although she didn’t hear back from her agents regarding the outcome, Fanning eventually learned the reason for her rejection.
In the roundtable interview, Fanning revealed, “I’ve never told this story, but I was trying out for a movie. I didn’t get it. I don’t even think they ever made it, but it was a father-daughter road trip comedy.” She continued, “I was 16 years old, and a person said, ‘Oh, she didn’t get the father-daughter road trip comedy because she’s unf***able.'”
Related content:
Holly Willoughby’s Concerned Speech Mocked as MPs Question Phillip Schofield on ITV
The revelation shocked the other participants, with Sheryl Lee Ralph responding, “Whoah. At 16?!” Fanning confirmed the incident and expressed her disgust, saying, “Yeah, it’s disgusting. And I can laugh at it now, like, ‘What a disgusting pig!'”
Reflecting on how she dealt with the situation at the time, Fanning shared, “I was always confident, but of course, you’re growing up in the public eye, and it’s weird. I don’t feel like it damaged me, but it definitely made me very aware of myself.”
Interestingly, this was not the first time Fanning had faced rejection for absurd reasons. In a previous interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Fanning disclosed that she was once denied a role in a major franchise film because she didn’t have enough Instagram followers. She firmly expressed her disagreement with such casting decisions based on social media popularity.
Related content:
Why Jenna Ortega took a stand while working on Wednesday
Beyond discussing personal experiences, the roundtable interview also provided an opportunity for the actors to share funny and peculiar encounters they’ve had with fans. It shed light on the unique aspects of being in the public eye and the sometimes unpredictable interactions with admirers.
Elle Fanning’s candid conversation during the roundtable interview highlights the challenges and injustices that actors, particularly child actors, may face in the industry. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a supportive and respectful environment for young talent, and the need to address issues of objectification and superficial judgments that can hinder their growth and potential.
