Friday, March 1, 2024

Dying Of Politeness

This next book was written from a 2x Academy Award winner and a screen ICON. From a proper and polite upbringing to becoming a TOTAL BAD-ASS. Becoming a molding pioneer in, not just equal opportunities of the sexes, this POWERHOUSE defied rebellion. Thus, here is the TRUE story of the one & LEGENDARY, Virginia (Geena) Elizabeth Davis. 

Geena has always been an ass-kicker on-screen long before she was ever one in REAL life. The roles she's played have taken her down paths she never dreamed when pursuing acting. They helped transform her, slowly, in fits and starts, into someone with power. For what Geena put into her roles, she's taken away far more. Acting has changed Geena every single time she's had the great fortune to do it. Some films in roles inspired others around her. While life on-screen was very different, that boldness in her characters eventually rubbed off on her, and made Geena a GENUINE badass. Growing up a crippling polite New Englander was much too tall to hide. Politeness was bequeathed upon her at an early age. 

Politeness was so stressed upon Geena that it became debilitating. The BIG task of her life is to close the gap between when something happens to her v. when Geena authentically reacts to it. Miraculously, the roles she's played have transformed her into someone whom could stand-up for herself - she knows what's right for the moment. It wasn't until Geena played Thelma (Dickenson) that she realized she may have wanted to become an actor so fervently because she could use acting to fill out the persona of someone confident in their abilities. Someone Geena could be in REAL life. What people perceive eventually rubs off on you. 

Before Thelma & Louise, Geena felt plagued by the strong currents of self-effacing coursing through her, so she decided to take a self-defense class with Impact. Geena couldn't manage to say "Stop!" in time during this class.    

By the time Geena reached 40s, she'd become a middle-aged data geek and had her own institute on gender in the media - and became a mom. Geena had her children later in life. It was wonderful. It brought her whole self full circle. Geena could show them what strength was despite their sex. See men & women as equals. Our culture will finally be able to recognize the unconscious bias in all of us if we keep pointing it out. Pretty much as Geena learned that people had jobs, she knew what she wanted to do with her life.

Hailing from Wareham, Massachusetts, Geena's parents KNEW their daughter was going to be in the movies. Throughout her childhood, Geena maintained this sort of unshakable faith that she was destined to become an actor. She began training for her career early. Mimically and learning what she saw in soap operas. Despite their homespun ways, when Geena told her parents of her future plans to major in acting in college; they took it in stride. Of course, this news was not new. They knew what their daughter was from the beginning. Geena's birth certificate reads, "Virginia Elizabeth", but on the way from the hospital after she was born, Geena's mom, Lucille, asked her son, Geena's brother, what a nickname should be. Virginia was named after her mom's sister, whom went by "Ginny". Geena's brother shortened it to "Geena" and their mom liked it so much she wished she had thought of it before sticking to Virginia. It was always funny that her mom didn't know the correct spelling.

The family of 4 lived with a wood stove for heating, kerosene lanterns always ready, and bathing resumed on Saturday nights. (They had no shower.) Brother & sister had to take turns on who went first; there was only one bath drawn to save water, being second was always creepy. Their mother grew all of their food - all of it - from A-to-Z in a 1-acre garden. It was a very Little House On The Prairie upbringing without the pinafores and dresses. Geena's skill at being no trouble kicked in early. At times when Kids are normally loud; Geena was quiet without a peep. Maintaining decorum and invisibility. Being invisible while being visible as possible; assertive yet modest; loud but shy. A very New England way of life. 

Geena & Dan
After Dan & Geena, their parents had another son, Joel, whom was stillborn. Brother & sister were somehow kept completely in the dark, and didn't find out about him until their mom died, their father wanted to bury Joel with her. 

Geena was incredibly shy & quiet as a kid, but even so, her rare bursts of enthusiasm always seemed to cause people to go out of their way to tone Geena the fuck down. The moment Geena wanted change, she did something unselfconsciously, there'd be a price to pay. She had always been tall. Geena was a tall baby. Being tall felt like a curse for Geena in her childhood. She spent an inordinate amount of time staring into the bathroom sink questioning her identity.  Geena was also fixated on the beautification of her and attractiveness in her face.

Geena's father had her do things with him from a very young age. If her father was working in his profession;; so was Geena. As a result, Geena grew up believing she could do ANYTHING, and apparently, so could her father. What Geena's mother couldn't stomach; her dad knew Geena was made of sterner material. If anyone could do anything; their baby girl could DO anything. With Geena having a brother and other boys in the neighborhood, she wanted to join along. So, in her 4TH Christmas, Geena asked for a toy gun. Her parents had no idea what her request meant. So, on Christmas morning, Geena received a $5 bill from Santa tucked in a card for a toy of her choice. Geena burst into tears. She identified her father's handwriting and it broke her young heart. At the young age of 4, Geena was already able to identify her father's handwriting. Geena needed facts on the majestics of Christmas. She demanded answers. But, she inevitably bought herself that toy gun.

Geena states that she had a wild imagination congruent to a fairly exhausting childhood. To monsters under her bed, to fear of being poisoned. Taking extra precautions. . .at the annoyance of her mother. Geena had such a phobia of being poisoned. Along with these torments of the mind was a case of hypochondria. If she heard of something. . . .Geena was sure she had it. She fervently worshiped her mother. But, her mom's viewing the world was probably a major factor in how she/Geena viewed the world. When she was finally old enough to stay home alone whilst her folk's went elsewhere, Geena's mother would try to convince her to come along by bringing up what would happen . . . the shoulda, coulda, woulda's. For all of Geena's childhood, she didn't have any privacy at home. The bathroom door had no lock; therein leaving her bedroom door open so that Geena could be heard if she had a nightmare. Keeping doors open as a way to keep tabs on Geena - even as a teenager.

When it comes to not talking about what is either embarrassing or brings out emotions, New Englanders are gold medalists. They do not discuss anything. There was also an unspoken rule to never discuss bodily functions. . .especially anything to do with sex or reproductive organs. Geena was so naive that she was tripping over non-existent land mines within the family. One of the most mortifying things to ever happen to Geena was reading from Reader's Digest. What Geena read in the articles was absolute gospel. At times, what Geena read would fly from imagination. Letting her imagination run wild overthinking. As it was, Geena didn't receive her "special visitor" until her 16TH year. When she saw the blood, she truly thought she was dying.. . .for sure. What Geena had previously feared in her life keeping her busy. . . Someone in her real life was a TRUE monster. Geena had NO IDEA whom it would be.

When Geena was 14, she got a job babysitting for the neighbors 2 doors down. They enjoyed Geena so much they invited her to go to their church one evening. The Congregational Church Geena grew up in was the very traditional, old-school kind of Protestant Church, but the one they took Geena to was positively Pentecostal. In grade school, Geena was used to getting straight A's without trying. The only B that Geena ever got was in 2ND grade, for effort. But, life began to change when Geena entered junior high. 

Suddenly, there were papers to write that would take several days, tests that required more than one night's study. Things got serious fast: Geena was put on the National Honor Society, but that became a huge source of stress: That meant keeping grades up to snuff; which weighed heavily. If not, there was a warning. . .then ultimately dropped from the program. Geena would inevitably self-sabotage herself and be unable to finish a report or study for a bug test, and then  have a single semester to claw her way back up. If not, therein exited her out of The Honor Society, which would've been devastating for a teenage Geena. Her mom was truly there for her daughter. She knew what her daughter needed when appropriated. And then, there were times when playing with her friends came a good (breaking) relaxing balance. Any characters they played as a group, they chose the toughest characters on TV at the time.    

By the time Geena was in high school, she was keenly aware of being too much: (too tall. too odd). Geena knew she was going to be an actor - that was never in question. There were times when Geena toyed with the idea of becoming a holiday gift wrapper. While family shopping one day, Geena was in absolute awe at the store's artful skill. She physically craved for that job, but her fixation wore off after one holiday year and Geena went back to her regular star goal. She needed to get out and find a new identity. Geena's older brother, 2 yrs-older than her, was mercilessly bullied in school daily with thanks to an undiagnosed case of dyslexia, unknown to the world at the time, that Dan didn't deserve, or understand. But, for Dan's junior year, he transferred to Bristol County Agriculture: which did remarkable wonders for Geena's brother.  

Toward the end of Geena's junior year, Wareham High announced it was partnering with a foreign exchange student program. Geena was the only one to ask for an application. She needed to go. It was a way to have a chance to try on a different way of life just as Dan did. Her parents promised to find the means to fund the trip. Signing Geena up to spend her entire senior year abroad, and she eagerly looked forward to what country to choose. The only slot available was with a family. . .in Sweden. It turned out Geena didn't give Sweden an ounce of attention. 4,000 miles away. For a year. A few weeks before she was to leave, some of Geena's girlfriends from the track team and her went to a beach near Massachusetts Maritime Academy for a farewell picnic. Geena always fit in with the track squad. But, the girls basketball team begged her to join. She politely declined due to not knowing how to play at all. She fit in with basketball . . . but, shined in track. In late August 1973, Geena, with her senior year about to begin on another continent, was taken to Logan Airport in Boston for the foreign exchange program.

This was a colossal shock - though, of course, it shouldn't have been. Even in a boggled state, Geena knew she'd survive. Maybe even flourish. As she waved farewell to her parents, they were speeding down the runway on their way to London, where Geena would change plans heading north to Stockholm. In Stockholm, a woman working for the exchange program met Geena at the plane and took her straight to the central train station. Geena had a million questions. What Geena would learn on her Sweden trip, it delivered on the fantasy. It gave Geena the opportunity to re-invent herself; to become the REAL Geena. Being able to think in a different language also changed Geena's neutral pathways and re-defining whom Geena is as a person.

The other thing Geena looked forward to were her girlfriends. Being 18, Geena needed her girlfriends time and soap opera catch-ups. Although travelling far, those in the soaps were just as interesting as her home-based friendships. Once at home, it was catching up abound that resided in a trip with friends along with Geena's brother.      

Geena once read an article in the Reader's Digest when she was 12 entitled "Why Feminists Are Ruining The World". Before this, she had never heard of feminism. But, this article convinced her that scary feminism was never going to be one of them. HA! Feminism in the 60s in ushered in on interesting phenomenon with characters like Jeanie and Samantha Stevens. Geena watched them religiously. Female characters with special abilities signaled a lighthearted nod to the women's movement. But, in hindsight, it was patriarchy holding the reins of female freedom. Therein, mentally holding their powers hostage. As Geena readied herself for college, she was dismayed at the ideaology of her relative's opinons on education for young women. Being told that college for women was pointless. There was no way in hell anyone else could talk Geena out of a college education.         

Geena's first day at Boston University was a rouh one with a small theater. The professor rudely laid out the odds for success. Geena was floored at the odds in his equation. This was the 2ND time Geena was a college freshman. Being out of the country in Sweden meant missing the required try out B.U. acting program. A year earlier, Geena was at New England College in New Hampshire. The first time Geena ever smoked pot was in the company of her brother, whom was also a freshman. A memory Geena holds dearly. Someone handed them a joint, and they basked in the enjoyment. Fear of appearing uncool didn't seem to stop them from continuing. Geena's experiments had her brother in tow. But, she knew New Hampshire would be a one-year layover, though B.U. would be destiny. As a kid, Geena didn't advertise her plans to become an actor. She kept it on the downlow, although in her yearbook, it was listed under Future Plans.

Knickerbocker Holiday
Freshman were inelligible to be in school plays if you hadn't mastered the training yet. The first eligibility for Geena was being cast in a small part in the musical Knickerbocker Holiday. When the plays for Geena's last semester were announced. . . there were only 2 characters. Everyone felt robbed. Some intended to protest. Until Geena was cast in 1 of the 2 roles. When she was a student, the theater department didn't offer any advice for successful work post-B.U. No one told Geena if she wanted to be in film, she needed to be in L.A. not in New York. As a result, Geena worked out her own genius plan to get where she needed to go: Step One - modeling. From there, the roles would come. It has happened before. The best place to start was becoming a model in New York City. When school was over, Geena went to Manhattan with other hell-bent classmates.

Lady Fatima's Town House For Young Ladies
 was where Geena first resided after arriving in New York in 1978. Fresh out of college and having been forced by a professor to lose her natural accent, Geena was more than ready to begin a new chapter in her life.

Geena was DAMN NEAR DETERMINED to make it in New York City, because if she did, she could make it ANYWHERE! It was up to her. On her very first full day in the city, Geena dressed to the 9's and hit the streets. hoping to land a salesgirl position while figuring out how to be a model. There was a brief time in the early 1980s when Geena had gotten a job as a salesperson that first day in New York. A secure job felt sophisticated and fun, and Geena was DRESSED for it. When Geena was there, she found out she had an uncanny ability for motionlessness. A crowd began to form. When she finally moved/blinked, everyone got the deal and cheered. At which point, Geena froze again. After a while, the noise brought a horrified management over. At first, Geena was scolded but the outlook gave them pause. Geena was then instructed to stay in the window display. 

It was more fun than organizing a display. So, Geena kept up at it. This masquerade was a HIT! After that, the manager hired Geena to be a fake mannequin in the window every Saturday. The large crowds increased foot traffic in the actual store. Geena was having a great time while refining her technique. She was determined to look as much like the other mannequins as possible. Doing what she needed to do for the position at hand. Geena immensely enjoyed it when people genuinely thought it was a fake. The window wasn't the only thing about the store. Generous employee discounts. With on-sale items, Geena could afford to buy designer clothes. She felt like an actor in a movie montage scene with a life ahead of them. One day, the actual C.E.O. of Ann Taylor  came in and the manager introduced Geena as an example for the employees at their flagship store. She had the image of an Ann Taylor girl. Geena jumped on the opportunity it presented. 

As a pre-teen, Geena would pour over the Sears catalog that was mailed to their home. She once wrote to Sears, asking to be in their catalog. Geena was unable to do it due to their photos being taken in New York, in the presence of CEO Ann Taylor, CEO. They were completely taken aback. It didn't work out for Geena; but she tried. On a particular Monday, Geena was straightening racks in Ann Taylor when a handsome writer whom brought her lunch in the window called out to her. Asking her for a coffee in a thick Brooklyn accent. Geena froze. She didn't know him at all. She had never been asked out by someone Geena had never officially met. He was an Italian-American waiter from Brooklyn. Geena found him to be so exotic. He was very mature for being 10 years older. Geena was incredibly self-conscious around this man, Richard Emmolo, in the beginning due to his sophistication and worldliness. 

From the start, Richard was so solicitous of Geena. He took care of her in a way as a partner. Geena got a 2ND job as a cocktail waitress in SoHo; so she walked back home at 2A. Neither of them made much money; but they still had weekly nights out with a nice bottle of wine and all the courses. Even though Geena stressed about bringing Richard to Wareham, he fell in love with her parents right away. Richard reminded them of a throwback to another country. He began calling Geena his Yankee Doodle Sweetheart after what he seen what her parents were like. Geena's mother was very interested in her daughter's career and was worried about anything that might derail that. Whenever Geena visited her parents with Richard, and made eye rolls and side glances at Richard's vocabulary.

Geena states to find a partner who doesn't wince at habits others might turn a sore eye to. Once a week on Sundays, Geena would check in with her parents when the phone rates were the cheapest. She kept them in the dark from living with someone (Richard). Every time Geena answered, she pretended she was still Lady Fatima. They knew their daughter had a rumor. . .but wondered why they never seen/saw her. Her mother was somewhat desperate to hear from this "roommate". Clearly like any mom, Geena's KNEW something didn't sound right/true.  So, her mom made pop-up calls. But, Geena stuck to her story.

Geena & Richard
Geena dreaded every Sunday due to feeling like her lies to her parents began to catch-on. From there, her body began reacting from the stress of the lies. It was becoming all too much. Geena had begun smoking and drinking. . . .just as Dan did. Unlike Geena, Dan was more upfront of his misdeeds. Her brother constantly complained to his sister of the grief bestowed to him from their parents; thanks to his truth; that Geena didn't. She hid her's from them. Dan didn't realize that Geena was doing a truly bang-up job of giving herself grief. -  So, out of the crushing grief/anymore. . .. Richard & Geena decided to get married.  

The ceremony took place in the church where Geena grew up and where her parents got married. Her mother tried to talk Geena out of it, but also assisted her daughter in the proceedings. After the ceremony, which was in the Fellowship Hall next to the church, where one flute of champagne per person was permitted. Later, they drove to Connecticut to celebrate with New York friends. It didn't take long for Geena to have "wife regret". Even though Geena developed a significant side hustle with the window mannequin job - she was also known to be in the window of a cute boutique in Soho on Sundays, with a mission-at-hand. . Modeling her way into acting.

Geena'd made a list of the TOP agencies in New York at the time and was picking them off one-by-one, in order of their status. Beginning with the premier Ford Modeling Agency . . . .with a profile of LEGENDARY clientele. Geena waited with bated breath, until the agent BOSS herself. For which Geena was turned down due to her jawline. Never to be completely undone by plagued events. . .it was only the first stop! Next was trying for Wilhemina Models. She was informed of her age and her height disqualified her. By the time Geena hit the Foli Agency; she was 5'10 and just 18-yrs-old. She was just what they wanted and signed her on. So, now Geena was an ACTUAL model. Now, life has gone on a fast track from there. . .    

Geena's career as a model was unorthodox. But, unlike the Ann Taylor job; she adored it. There was something wonderful about walking through the New York streets knowing she was making decent money as a model. She had tried to garner true confidence about body image; but couldn't accept any true compliment. She had to "believe to achieve". Geena knew how to stand . . .the rest were up to her. She did figure out how to trick people regarding her height. She took to wearing high heels everywhere. If something went wrong; she could blame the shoes. To her great excitement, Geena landed the cover of a magazine - the summer issue of New Jersey Monthly; the bastion of all things fashionable.

Geena was making enough money to somewhat sadly, leave Ann Taylor behind. Due to her height, Geena was hired for gigs where heights didn't matter. Geena was regularly cast for face modeling. Someone's body with Geena's face. This made no dent in her self-regard. The body-double gigs caused Geena to end up in numerous bizarre scenarios. Before shooting photos for her first Victoria's Secret catalog in San Francisco, Geena was asked to dye her "body hair" blonde for the job at hand; so she did. Doing what the job required - politely

Geena's hands had their own career long ago. In a L'Oreal ad for their makeup line. They used another body. . .with Geena's hands. There was a piano and the sheet to the L'Oreal theme song. After playing it, Geena got the gig. She was thrilled. Geena was glammed up for the occasion. She sat at the piano, feeling beautiful, when the time came . . .the director began yelling. Geena was truly embarrassed. She was playing and was supposed to feign it. She could feel tears forming as the boss cranked his neck back. Geena was LOUDLY instructed to flatten out her hands. She found a lot of indignity in modeling, especially in the lower rungs where Geena was finding work. Sadly, the look of horror on Geena's face wasn't exactly what they asked for.

Another time, Geena was sent to an audition for a jeans ad. There were also plenty of cool, creative things Geena got to do; including a really fun shoe commercial . . .really, a Swedish candy bar ad, but the candy bar, SKOR, meant "shoe" in Swedish. In the commercial, eating the candy was to turn Geena into a Swede. The late 70s/early 80s were the height of "Sweden and Sexy" era. 

But, despite getting work, Geena's modeling career hadn't truly taken off. Geena's agency suggested she head off to Italy for another chance of being "discovered". So, Geena went off to Milan. She had just enough money to stay for 6 weeks. Her dreams were hoping to come true fast. Geena stayed in a youth hostel while she was there and had a picture of Richard on her bedside table. While there, her local agents taught her to phonetically announce the line for an Italian ad. Geena truly got the script down and can STILL recite it verbatim to this day. The only problem was the condensation in addressing Geena. The woman casting the commercial thought she was PERFECT, and the job was hers - IF Geena could take the compliment. But, Geena simply could not break out of her training. That was a downfall in her loss of the job.

Geena struggled in Italy. Then, near the end of her sojourn, she lucked into a hand-modeling job for Italian Vogue, for 8 pages of watches. But, all they got were Geena's wrists. So, with all of the misgivings with the job at hand, Geena weaved fudging the truth. Which in turn led to more work from a higher caliber than before. Building a modeling career, finding all kinds of wiles to finagle jobs - all with her eye on the prize. A future as an actor. 

Geena's commercial agent at Zoli got a call from a casting agent looking for models whom could act. Her agent knew that was the goal. For the first time, Geena was going to get to audition for a part in a movie. Things were coming together all according to plan. Geena was instructed to wear a bikini under her clothes just in case due to the role at hand. So, off she went to an office in Midtown to the location of the audition. It became trouble for nothing. Geena's mind turned elsewhere. She was soon headed to Paris for the first time to walk the runways. She was thrilled to be hired for a few shows, until she got a call from an urgent call from her Zoli agent after finding a pay phone in the Paris Metro that she'd gotten the part. A little confused at first. The director of the movie and the casting director truly liked Geena's audition tape, and the lead actor especially loved her Brooklyn accent. The Boston accent Geena worked so hard for was immediately replaced with ones she heard daily.

Turns out the lack of footage of Geena in a bikini was a mistake on the part of the casting assistant. The strong reaction from the director put the footage into oversight. Either way, the deal was done. Geena got the part. She headed back to New York immediately, although there was no rush. To this day, something about the role bequeathed to her left a harboring nagging regret that she didn't stay on the Paris' runways. From there, Geena went from modeling to work on a CLASSIC. . .Tootsie.

It was beyond Geena's wildest imagination that she would get the first movie role she audition for. It was hard to estimate how fortunate she was. Geena was flabbergasted that such a thing could happen so fast. Before working on the film, Geena was worried about the lack of experience. Her trepidation only deepened the first morning on set as director Sydney Pollack was seen talking to extras for other projects. He wanted his actors to FEEL their work. But, then he was getting exasperated. Geena was fearful that she'd be caught not knowing how to do something. In many, many cases, Geena would find a way to BS her way through the task. She was living the "fake it til you make it" concept long before she ever heard the term.

When Geena was at B.U., she had a work study job where she was to design signs/posters for the campus, and it was a blast. And now here she was again, only this time on the set of a major motion picture. Geena tried not to let it be known it was her first movie. She didn't know you were supposed to come to set only during your own scenes to film. She just presumed everyone showed up daily. Everyday, there she was, 6:00A. Despite this, Sydney was incredibly welcoming to her, and treated Geena with great respect. Sydney loved the actors; he was one himself. Tootsie was the first time he'd acted. Dustin Hoffman convinced him to take on the role of his character's agent. Geena's confidence only grew as they went along; and it had ALOT to do with Dustin. He mentioned her throughout the shoot and gave her a multitude of advice for the future career she would have. One of the most important lessons he gave Geena was on his 2ND day. At lunch, he took her down to see the dailies. He took Geena to watch them. Learn how to watch. Reviewing your work is very valuable to the actor. Since then, Geena watched the dailies on every movie she'd worked on, and it has been invaluable. Anything is good if it works for you.

In movies, Geena'd quickly discover, you have one shot at getting a scene right - the day you shot it. Over the years, Geena would come to realize it would always be the case if she shot the scene again the next day, she'd done a better job. But, Geena learned that its better to be her best at that time. She would do better next time. She found it liberating that the feeling would come to be,  in every aspect in her life. . . and it all stemmed from a moment with Dustin Hoffman toward a beginner in their first movie. Not all of Dustin's advice was so weighty. Another piece of advice was regarding male actors: "Never sleep with your co-stars". Geena squirreled that lesson away.

When Geena showed up on-set - every single day - she would get a director's chair out of a closet, pull up next to the director and sit & learn. People thought Geena had some nerve sitting next to the director while he was working, But, the director just presumed Geena wanted to learn. What Geena didn't know at the time was there was a distinct hierarchy on a movie set and everyone stays in their lane. When an actor has a certain status in the cast, a chair with their name on set is out, but Geena didn't know any of that. There was no chair with her name on it. . . what was on it was her character's name - April Page, due to her fictional status as a soap star in the film. Geena also noted the closet where the chairs were kept, so she resided there with her character's chair. Only later did she get the cold sweats of regret. Despite the cringeworthy aspect of it, Geena was happy she did the film. Everyone feared the film would bomb. Geena was positively sure the film would succeed. Which it did. Geena's outlook gave the director some assurance.    

Geena is a certified night owl, but those 6 weeks were the only time she sprang out of bed in the morning. She could not wait to get to set. The film became an exercise in a masterclass in film-making, and from film geniuses. Geena would never again have to walk on a movie set feeling inadequate. This film heightened Geena's confidence - slowly. She found her profession to be the best in the world. After wrapping Tootsie, the head of Geena's modeling agency, Foli, thought it would be a good idea to take her and a couple of other models/actors to L.A. to make rounds and meet casting directors. Geena was all for going to Hollywood. She already lucked out in New York.

The week before Christmas in 1982, Tootsie hit theaters and was an instant smash hit. The amount competition for that amount of success that year was E.T. Unfortunately, Geena's parents weren't entirely delighted with Tootsie; due to the underwear scene. Geena's brother, Dan and his wife, Marilyn, thought the film was great. Although, not a word from her parents. The entire experience was a little too surreal for them. Overall, there was pride in Geena being in a movie.

Geena's next job, amazingly, came along with little effort. Dabney Coleman played the chauvinistic TV director of the film's soap. They both got to know each other on-set in New York. Dabney thought Geena's audition was good enough that she was able to decamp to Hollywood with a paying job. But, L.A. wasn't Richard's kind-of-town. He was a New Yorker through-and-through and didn't truly settle. Thankfully, with no drama in detail, it became clear they were on the way to moving along with their lives apart. They resume being close to this day. Geena had thought she'd never love a place as much as NYC, but she fantasized about L.A.  since she was a kid, without truly realizing it. Geena would draw what her "adult life" would be like. In L.A., for the first time, she felt this was exactly where she was supposed to be. 

Any environment Geena was in as a kid, she was unfit for. But, she loved everything about California - the scenery, the weather, the homes . . . and she was permitted to drive everywhere which she truly missed. When her parents visited Geena after a movie to L.A., they had an extra bag with them containing only food that her mom prepared for her daughter. During their stay, Geena informed her dad that she was going to write an episode of Buffalo Bill which aired on February 9, 1984. The only script Geena ever wrote. 

Geena was now firmly ensconced in L.A. and her resume boasted a hit movie and a beloved sitcom. She felt the stars aligning. . .but the success of the show was up in the air. There ended up being a whole year between the 2 seasons - it became a dark time for Geena. She was running out of money; so she returned to modeling. The L.A. scene was very different from New York. She was only able to secure gigs like a full-page ad in the L.A. Times Sunday people. Geena received calls from a few people on Buffalo Bill wondering if it truly was her. She was so embarrassed. How is she a house-model? The weight of this question drove Geena to depression. She soon realized she was no longer showering or getting dressed daily. She'd simply sit on the bed and stare off.

It was Dabney Coleman whom recommended a therapist to Geena. If nothing else, she had that to look forward to. As time went by, her therapist was truly bothered by how depressed Geena continued to be, and that problem grew into one itself. A year into therapy, it was noticeable that her depression was worsening. Geena was then fired from her therapist. Her ideal treatment for Geena was to start therapy with the man the therapist lived with. That worked and did WONDERS! Eventually, Buffalo Bill returned and Geena was in full swing. But, long term was not to be. The second season was to be its last. After Buffalo Bill, Geena did several guest spots on various shows. She was naive of the status of guest stars focusing on the star portion of the title and not the guest of that situation. 

Geena's first guest starring role was on an episode of Knight Rider. She was the character of Grace Fallon. She was trepidatious when David Hasselhoff invited her to his trailer at lunchtime. He had asked Geena to scrapbook through clippings detailing his superstardom in Germany. From there, Geena was cast on a guest role in Fantasy Island. It certainly came up a number of times over the years with Geena's height. When the male actor was just a bit shorter than her,  she came up with a no-fuss way of shrinking herself. . .Depending on how much shorter she needed to be, Geena could delve down deeper to match. Geena wasn't done with guest-starring work. They financially saved her and she was GRATEFUL for the work. Some of the roles were weird and fun. But, these experiences so clearly demonstrated the hierarchy of sets. Being a guest role made you low-totem-pole interloper.

Geena didn't care about the guest roles. But, she felt horrible about the extras being treated like second class citizens. Therefore, whenever Geena was in the main cast on a project, she always makes sure everyone feels valued and seen. By the mid-1980s, Geena guest starred in 2 episodes of Family Ties running back-to-back. One job led to the work of another. Working plenty in 1985. A guest spot in Remington Steele. On the back of her guest appearance in Family Ties, production wanted to make Geena her own show, Sara, with Geena in mind. She was over the moon.  Therefore, Geena wasn't going back to modeling any time soon. NBC was styling Sara as the new Mary Tyler Moore Show.  Alfre Woodard played Geena's best friend. Partway through the show-running, it was a concern that Geena was "too pretty" to be relatable to audiences.

Despite this horrible idea, Geena shot certain episodes sans makeup. She was cheered on with help from writers. The next morning, it seemed that NBC agreed with audiences. Geena was never to be purposefully made to look like a plain jane again. In the end, the show went along, but for Geena, not feeling like part of the team made it feel less joyful. Despite being the title character, no one thought Geena should be included in the process. Given that NBC wanted Geena to become the next Mary Tyler Moore, she figured she could talk things through smoothly with the then head of the network, Brandon Tartikoff, with a lunch. She didn't beat around the bush. Therein, Sara was nixed. It wasn't a horrible experience. They had a lot of fun on-set. Geena loved everyone on the crew. They finished their final episodes and had a great wrap party. So, that was Sara in a nutshell. Geena wasn't her character. She never was and never would be.

Geena could feel something percolating in the air. Her phone was ringing regularly. Off-screen things were looking up as well. Sara had given Geena enough money to purchase her first home. Turns out Geena bought the house twice and managed to move in/out of it 4 times within this entirety. When Geena was cast in a move called Transylvania 6-5000, starring Jeff Goldblum, with whom she fell in love with, she sold her home to be with him. She bought it again after their split. She continued this pattern through 2 relationships. It was around this time that Geena found out her mom's laminating her daughter's press success, If Geena wanted a big supply of placements with her face on them, she was all set. Geena's mother delighted herself in her new role and therein Geena learned the true origin of her name's spelling.(Being young, Geena's mother thought the original spelling was too familiar of a female body part. . .so she changed it.)

It was through a series of multiple incidents in Geena's career that made her realize that the mistreatment of female actors was everywhere and plentiful, and so disheartening. Becoming her authentic self and protecting that person was hardly a linear endeavor. As with many things in life, it tended to a 2-step. Geena was forced to compromise herself in an audition, but she was determined to get past it; her tougher self was slowly growing within her through such pains and such slights. What the movie lacked in quality, it was made up with on a personal level. By the end of filming, it was inevitable that Jeff & Geena were going to be together. Their mutual interest had grown into romance; and back in the States, they eventually moved into together. When Geena left for the movie, she was living with and engaged to - one of the most wonderful men she ever knew, the actor Christopher McDonald. Geena described him asa truly beautiful person. . .and she therein broke his heart to be with Jeff. Jeff didn't deserve what Geena put him through but he eventually was able to forgive her, for which she will forever be GRATEFUL. To Geena's delight, they even got to work together a few years later.

If Transylvania 6-5000 was a silly weird-ass re-entry with movie-making, Geena's next project was the complete opposite, and a big deal: her first ever lead role, as journalist Veronica Quaife in The Fly. Viewers seen this film as a metaphor for the AIDS crisis ravaging the country in the 80s. Once he was cast, Jeff Goldblum recommended Geena for the role of Veronica. The creative team liked her audition a lot. Production was concerned that they'd breakup during the making of the film, and that would spell disaster for the project. There was no chance of them splitting on The Fly. Jeff & Geena lived and breathed that movie. It was about as intense a creative experience that one could get. They were obsessed with the script and worked tirelessly on it. The Fly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For Geena, first lead movie role, she couldn't have asked for a better experience. This was truly what she wanted. To feel strong & confident. When the film came out, Geena & Jeff snuck into the back of a huge Times Square theatre on opening night, eager to see the crowd's reaction. It was perfect. To their delight. . . .the film was a hit. . .

Back in Wareham, to the locals Geena's star seemed to have dimmed drastically. She soon became the fodder for church gossip. As for her parents, The Fly didn't signal a rise in stature. Knowing they were going to be watching. Geena eagerly awaited their call. Silence. In the end, Geena couldn't take it and called her brother. Dan loved it. As far as her parents go, they didn't care about certain parts; which they hemmhawed over. Geena was getting a little peeved about their reaction. After a long silence. . .her mom whispered about the sexual nature. Geena always fell in line with her characters. She never wanted to stop being them; so she wanted to do sequels to most of her work - except Thelma & Louise. . .As we know why.

While making The Fly, Geena read a book she was crazy about. There was a lot of time in Toronto for reading. In her downtime, Geena read novels. A piece of advice given to her by Dustin Hoffman:
Always be on the lookout for books that would make a great film
One author Geena always loved was Ann Taylor. So, when The Accidental Tourist book came out, Geena picked it up and adored it. She called her agent to ask how to buy the rights. 
Geena had
no idea how much movie rights cost great books. In this case, the rights were gone. She was crushed over the loss of the role of Muriel Pritchett. Geena shook it off and moved on: Another bug was crawling up the walls of her career. . .
Fresh off the success of his latest film, Tim Burton was a hot new director. Beetlejuice was his next big project. Geena was cast as Barbara Maitland. A complete opposite fate from The Fly II; dying was essential to the character. This was a movie/story that Geena GOT & UNDERSTOOD. That was why director, Tim hired her. Geena GOT the story. She realized that she didn't really want to play the typical female roles she was used to seeing. She wanted roles that brought a challenge. That's why she chose unusual films like The Fly  & Beeltejuice. They presented challenges and unusual things to do

It was only as time went on that Geena realized there was a unifying theme to what she was drawn to: Women taking charge of their destinies. Geena wanted to act out characters who were bold and self-possessed, probably because she felt herself being so far removed from their qualities. These roles would work in the opposite direction as well. They taught her how to configure her own fate in her life off-screen.

In the 80s, Geena found herself in what is described as "offbeat" films, but to her they were opportunities to try being more confident & assertive. Geena saw herself as somewhat eccentric, which could explain the offbeat choices, she tried to bring reality to the extraordinary. It's often been Geena's job to make the audience believe in an alternate reality. Geena had gotten quite good at picking the parts she wanted to play - and of course you can only pick what you're offered - but Geena was having a ball with these odd characters. The reason why Geena was suggested for these particular roles due to the colorfulness she put into them. She was just great at choosing colorful parts. Geena found that making the female supporting character(s) more interesting was not a top priority for many filmmakers. They were mainly characters with no plot to the story. She often wondered if the idea of making female characters more dimensional is just something male writers and directors don't seem as necessary. 

Beeltejuice
 was the first set that Geena's parents ever visited. They felt right at home. Being from Vermont and filmed in New Hampshire. So homey that they bought a secondhand Airstream trailer to stay in. As for Geena, she was a ball of nerves worrying about the comfortability of her parents. Fortunately, the A.D. (assistant director) kept them busy by adding them as extras in a couple of scenes, which gave them something to do and eased Geena's tension. Her dad was delighted for a small residual check for extras work. Her mom's greatest contribution to the film was the giant box of baked goods she'd brought to share around the set. She would continue bringing baked goods for the crew on-set, to the point where, when starting a new movie, people/staff would ask if her mom had made deliveries.  

Geena & Jeff celebrated one another. They brought it out of one another. They were together for 2 1/2 years when they decided to go for a joint Vegas weekend with Ed Bagley, Jr. and his then wife to join on Halloween 1987. Ed & Ingrid presumed they were joining them to be witnesses for Geena & Jeff's nuptials . . .which was the furthest from their own minds. Jeff insisted since it was on the table. . .Geena froze. She knew she wanted to marry him, but still . . . Vegas? She was teary-eyed and Jeff tried to make her feel better. They called one of those goofy all-night chapels, which sent a limo to pick them up at 3AM. Afterward, the first hint of light was edging Las Vegas Blvd; it was November 1, 1987 when Jeff & Geena were married. 

Beetlejuice
 turned out to be a HUGE hit. Geena was on a roll. Now, it was time to work with Jeff on their 3rd project; Earth Girls Are Easy, in which she was a Valley girl and Jeff was an alien. As someone who's made a point of speaking about the quality of roles available to women, being in a movie of this stature was problematic. But, Geena is anything but precious; she doesn't give a shit what people think. The film was meant to be a goof. Earth Girls Are Easy was also a musical; Geena got up to lip-syncing an 80s song. The film added a freewheeling sense of fun. And then, something weird happened.  .  . Producers wondered if it was possible for Geena to be "funnier". Though she was thrown by the producer's comment, Geena made a decision: She was not going to change a thing. She felt like she was doing the role the right way; she she went ahead the way she had been. 3 Days Later, with Geena's not having changed a thing in her approach to the character, everyone was THRILLED with the terrific outcome. It was much funnier.

Geena received word that the Ann Taylor novel that she loved so much; The Accidental Tourist was being directed to a film adaption. By this point, Geena knew how to fight for a part. But the bigger risk was not to tell him how much she wanted to play the part. So she did, on a night when Jeff & Geena were over for dinner. Geena brought it up. When she shared how passionate she was about this project, the director seemed surprised.

The director, Lawrence Kasden, had directed Jeff in the CLASSIC-LY ICONIC The Big Chill, and resumed a great friendship with Geena & Jeff, along with his wife. As time went on, The Accidental Tourist became Lawrence's next project into a movie adaptation. Geena was sick over it. A good friend was making a film on the book she adored, and Geena couldn't help but think of getting herself a part. She knew how to fight for a part, but it was with unknown people. This time, she feared that her insane need to be liked hindered the push for a role with an actual friend. Geena couldn't risk the possibility that Lawrence might pull away if she made him comfortable. But, the bigger risks were not expressing her desire for the part. So, she did. . .over a dinner with Jeff and Lawrence. Thank Goodness she brought it up. Otherwise, Geena may not have been suggested for the role at all. She expressed her passion for it for which Lawrence was surprised

Lawrence was unsure of releasing the role to Geena due to her upbringing on Cape Cod. So, she lobbied for the part. So, Geena planned to alter her appearance for the role. That intrigued him. She ended up being 1-in-4 women asking for a screen test for the role; which she'd never done before. Geena was a basket of nerves. She never wanted so much in life. Geena knew she had the preparation to get to the emotional place required for the role. After finishing Tootsie, Geena took acting classes where she was taught to use her emotions. This all clicked for her the day of the screen test. She was in just the right amount of emotion to do the screen test correctly. But, Geena was in a disastrous situation. Losing the feeling instantly and frantically trying to get it back. . .but it wasn't coming - and then Geena had an AH HA moment: She was ready. She went out and nailed the audition, and the call from Kasden said she had the part that would change her life

For The Accidental Tourist, Geena made thousands of notes on the discussion of her character, Muriel Pritchett, that her script was covered with them. She was never to act out of the role. Geena was to be prepared to become her character. The director cared about deep preparation to finally inhabit Muriel. Geena was in awe of Kathleen Turner, who played the main character's ex-wife. Her resume by this point was ridiculous. Knowing her work up to this point, Kathleen was clearly a self-possessed person and incredibly glamorous for words. Geena invited her out for a drink to see if she had any advice. Geena'd never invited a superstar out for a drink before, but Kathleen was game. Kathleen showed up in full movie star mode. As they settled themselves, Kathleen ordered a shot of bourbon, lit a cigarette and in their conversation, Kathleen proved herself to be the total bad-ass that she is.

Working on this film was one of those signal moments in Geena's career in which a role she was playing was leading Geena to personal growth in her off-screen life. Someone's take on the world is theirs; that didn't mean she had to mold herself into it. That was an astonishing moment for her. Geena spent her entire life walking on eggshells, subjugating her own wishes to keep the peace. Geena was far too interested in pleasing other people.

Larry Kasdan
Geena's self-effacement was bone-deep. That was always her way, but not Accidental Tourist and continuously less in her life moving forward. She was determined to make this work. But, there were things Geena had to master to perfect her character. The costume designer put together an extraordinary and very limited wardrobe of clothes for her character to choose from. Larry Kasdan and Geena had a wonderful rapport and friendship. Out of everyone Geena's ever known, Larry was the person most likely to make her laugh. There was something about the way Larry delighted in the sense of humor that made Geena feel funnier than they realized. Her efforts to remain unaffected by working with a big star like William Hurt were working a little too well. One day, William had had enough. He was having a pissy mood fit whilst Geena was ready and prompt. She was already in awe of William's extraordinary ability, but now she felt she was being taken on as a partner. It ended up being one of the most fulfilling working relationships Geena's had.    

Geena was with Jeff in Japan when news came through. Excitement abound. Larry Kasdan was nominated for an Academy Award, for both best picture and best screenplay. Geena was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. She had to let these words sink in. Geena was 32-yrs-old, and this was her first nomination for anything. A year earlier, Geena was told she wasn't funny enough on the set of Earth Girls Are Easy. Before even finding attire, Geena received a telegram of  congratulations from Bruce Willis. She had never ever had any association/communication with him before. No mutual friends. Nothing. Geena was GRATEFUL that someone of Bruce's stature would take their time to send a telegram of Congratulations. Geena put it next to the message from Jack Nicholson. Her parents were thrilled for the daughter's nomination, an added bonus was the movie's PG rating, meaning they could discuss it with their church circle. The six weeks between the announcement of the nomination and the actual ceremony were a whirlwind of excitement.   

Before you know it, it's Wednesday, March 9, 1989. You wake up early, and Geena's skin broke out in hives! She frantically called her publicist who suggested an Epsom Salt bath; but Geena was too hyper to sit and soak, so she just went her skin and shook Epsom Salt on herself. Eventually, Geena calmed herself to ready herself. But, there was still time Jeff & Geena had to be there. The car arrived at 2P; so Geena knew it took HOURS to get there. So, she figured to eat something prior to departure. Accordingly, Geena covered herself in a big sheet and scarfed down a huge plate of pasta and watched TV while she ate.

And with that, Geena's nerves went away. With the other nominations, Geena felt the other nominations being so good, there was no way she'd win.

Now, there at the actual show, and Geena's catagory being the first award presented. Everything turned to a slow motion. Geena drifted over to the podium. She gave a speech in a quivering voice, and then her name was changed with her awards name in the title: Academy Award Winner: Geena Davis for the rest of her life. Geena thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the evening. Nothing would ever be the same. Geena called her parents after the ceremony, and they were all beside themselves.

The morning after the Oscar ceremony, the school staff where Geena's mom was an assistant had a surprise ceremony held in honor of her mother. On the back of the Oscar win, Geena became a superstar in Wareham. She was asked to be the parade marshal for the town's 250th anniversary year - in 1989. Although Geena had won an Oscar, she still had plenty of challenges that forced her to realize she truly hadn't been her authentic self. Life has a way of reminding you that the universe doesn't offer a straight line to fulfillment; there are setbacks, and it's how you grow from them that increases your ability to kick ass! Geena has had the association prior to the #MeToo Movement as a test to see if she was easy to work with. She had just won the Oscar and others thought Geena'd be difficult in post.

In the film Quick Change, Geena played the main character's girlfriend. Sometimes what is written is how one sees it. . .you see it and portray it differently.  . makes all the difference. But, things changed when affable, "lovable" Bill Murray came raging into her trailer, violently banging the door open. Roaring into Geena's ear from all over, dying from shame. It was all a ruse to make sure Geena knew her place. But, things would change a year later. . .Geena met her "Louise" in the form of Susan Sarandon. And then everything changed

Back in 1987, through friendships, and a word of mouth was something that profoundly changed Geena's life, career and even her own  view of the world. All from mentioning a script called Thelma & Louise. Every actress in town was after that script. Geena's agent got her a copy. It was the BEST script she ever read. It was smart, funny & dark. It was a story about women written by women. TWO strong female leads. The backstory to the movie was almost as compelling as the script itself. The author, Callie Khouri and good friend, Pam Tillis, were mugged one night. Before that, Pam was also mugged at gunpoint while being escorted to her car. This incident for the story became the catalyst for the origin story. The idea for the story came to Callie while driving to work out of nowhere. The director, Ridley Scott, saw the film as an epic odyssey. Ridley understood the film was a major statement of female empowerment. Geena read the script and asked Callie if this truly does happen to women?

 The roles of these characters were already cast by the time Geena read it: Holly Hunter and Frances McDormand were Callie's original thought process of the script. After the rights were sold to production, Jodie Foster and Michelle Pfieffer became the next pairing. Timing didn't work for either actress due to projects in the long run. Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep were also in talks to play these characters, but Mrryl thought one of these characters should survive, on top of that. . . there were scheduling conflicts on both sides. Geena had her agent call Ridley's office 52x to confirm her availability.

Geena knew an important script when she read one and wasn't above pressing her case tirelessly. During that year, she prepped and was insanely fixated on it. Her acting coach convinced her that she was more aptly suited for the more jaded, more mature character, Louise. Director Ridley Scott knew of Geena's longtime session with the film due to her many phone calls and agreed to a meeting. Geena laid out her stored-up, passionate arguments for why she absolutely had to have this role, playing Louise. Ridley listened intently. He asked her opinion of playing Thelma. Geena had to think quickly. In her argument, Geena listened to reasons why she should play Louise. Ridley looked at Geena and just didn't seem right. Then, she inevitably made shit up in her argument for why she absolutely HAD TO play Thelma.

In the end, Ridley cast her as neither as one of the ladies. Geena was loosely attached to the film for quite awhile, but there came a time - while Ridley was on a long exhausted search for the perfect person to play the other role. Geena's agent told Ridley that she would have to sign in to that movie unless Thelma & Louise was locked down by the end of one particular week. Geena was taking a HUGE risk making an ultimatum, but it had to be done, and just before 5P on that Friday, Geena inked a deal to play either character. Ridley would decide depending who the other actor was. Geena was beyond thrilled. She was still pretty sure she could pull off either character . . . until Geena met her Louise. A woman that would FOREVER change Geena's life for the better. Susan changed Geena's life more than anyone else she ever knew. The second Geena met Susan, she obviously seen her Louise. From there, Geena was delighted to be Thelma.  

Once Susan was cast, Ridley asked the ladies to meet him to hammer out the details. Geena wanted to extract her own philosophy: The single point of life is to make sure no one has reasons to find you troublesome. Geena tried multiple techniques to get his attention. This was where she was at as she was preparing for a role in what would become of the greatest feminist films of the last 30+ years. This was not where Susan Sarandon at. As they went through the script on the first day, Geena was taken aback agape. Her jaw hit the floor. Susan went through each scene with confidence and ease. Ridley was completely unfazed. Geena had no idea what she was walking into. Ridley engaged with Susan on every point, and when she pitched a whole new scene she thought was necessary, Rodley agreed.

Geena knew in that meeting that was now on a new planet. A new, exciting powerful planet with Susan Sarandon as Queen Bee. Geena was so long condition to think it was shameful to be seen/heard. Not Susan. She was a revelation. Susan personified just who was these women were. STRONG women! Clearly something was up, and this was to be a whole new experience for Geena. But, now the film needed the rest of the cast. Geena made a BOLD suggestion. Geena recommended her former fiance, Christopher McDonald, for the role of her asshole husband, Daryl Dickenson. Christopher showed up in audition in full character. And absolutely nailed it. There were multiple reasons Christopher cracked the others up the other actors up when the cameras were rolling. Harvey Keitel just couldn't not laugh in Christopher's company. The scene in the rainy garden and the way Chris says "nutcase like that" - was completely improvised. It was/is completely hilarious. Everyone on-set burst into laughter. Harvey cracked up in every take. Christopher's fall in the beginning of the film after berating early workmen was also improvised. Blaming the crew wasn't in the script, giving the non-speaking actor a name, Homer, was improvised as well. 

With roles assigned to actors, all that was left to cast was the role of J.D., the drifter. Billy Baldwin had been originally cast but dropped out to pursue making Backdraft. Ridley and the casting director wanted Geena to read with 4 candidates whom were up for the role at their auditions. One-by-one, they came into the room where Ridley, the casting director and Geena waited. Geena read with the first 3 and they were talented and handsome and perfect for the role. Geena had no preference. She would have been happy either way. Finally, the last auditioner walked in. Someone mentioned to Geena the name of a student of his whom she thought would be perfect for the role, and now here he was at the auditions. From the second Geena laid eyes on him, she knew there was something special about him. Besides being stunningly gorgeous, this guy was insanely talented. After launching into the first audition, Geena realized she hadn't memorized the scenes intended.

When this actor said his lines, Geena couldn't stop staring . . . Terribly embarrassed, Geena felt she was ruining this guy's audition. Eventually, they read the lines and he leaves. When they were making their decisions, Geena couldn't resist butting in. Ridley and Louis wondered Geena's opinion. She couldn't help but loudly state: The Blonde one. It was pretty evident that Brad Pitt would've been chosen without help. Ridley was crazy about him from the start. Geena was uncomfortable with the extent of skin she was asked to show - unlike in Tootsie, there wasn't going to be any underwear - so Ridley Scott found himself interviewing a slew of body doubles. After taking as much as she could, since she'd already worked as a model, she told Ridley she'd do it. Ridley seemed much more concerned about how Brad looked than she did, making sure Brad looked just right with his abs personally sprayed with Evian at Geena's own personal insistence. Brad, for his part, couldnt've cared less for his looks. Even a tiny pimple didn't matter.   

On a day when they were filming driving across, they broke for lunch. Ridley suggested they do a topless scene from the car. Unable to say anything at all, even the simplest, Geena stammered in her answer, She ran off  to find Susan, who was already eating. She told her of Ridley's request, Susan looked up from her lunch and thought. . ."Oh, for Heaven's sake". With that, Susan simply dropped her silverware onto her plate, stood up, and walked to Ridley's direction. Susan took a stance in defense of Geena; then going back to lunch. Every day was like that - a kind of reprogramming for Geena. Just to see Susan moving through the world was like learning a new language. Susan was just herself all the time. Susan was perfectly fantastic to work with. Susan was free to speak up and her mind. The normalcy of it was enlightening.  

Aside from daily bad-ass tutoring from Susan, they had tremendous fun together making that film. They took various lessons which would better benefit them in the film. When it comes to the scene of taking shots, they asked the props guy to put a taste of booze in each shot they drank, to feel more realistic. After shooting the scene. . . .Susan & Geena were drunk. They giggled and realized they probably had 1/3 of a shot each; which sobered them up P.D.Q. For the scene in which Geena's character was really hammered, Susan taught her a super technique to acting drunk: Spin yourself around enough to make yourself dizzy; when you stop, you'll sway and falter in the way you do if you're drunk . . .the more you spin, the "drunker" you'll seem. 

Speaking of getting drunk. during the scene when Thelma starts to hysterically laugh about the murder; until Louise cuts her off. . . Thelma, that's not funny. Geena wasn't sure she could  laugh spontaneously; even if she could. So, she decided to secretly get drunk, hoping it would help. The props guys put some beers and a bottle of vodka in Geena's trailer, for which she went HARD into it. When they got in the car to shoot the scene, Geena leaned over to tell Susan, but all she could do was laugh so hard she couldn't  stop. Her trick worked! The only problem was that once that scene was shot, Geena had to put her ass to bed for the rest of the day. Fortunately, Ridley didn't care, the scene was/still is one of the most powerful of the film.

Meanwhile, the scene in which Louise & Thelma blow up an oil rig tanker was a huge deal to shoot. They only had one chance to get it right due to only one tanker at their disposal. Their reaction, due to one tank, was their true real reaction for that event. They just stood there, utterly expressionless. Ridley came over and asked "WHAT WAS THAT?" Geena honestly didn't know how it happened. Maybe they forgot to react?. . .It was like they were watching it on TV.  The final scene was the last one they shot for the entire film. They were on a tight schedule. Ridley was due to leave to go make a different movie, and the sun was going down. They had to nail that scene right then/there. Susan & Geena became so close and this film had meant so much, and for the moment it all ended for both of the ladies and their characters. 

The end moment of it all at the end of the film was an emotion that Susan & Geena felt it all. Instead, they turned to each other, said as little as possible. . . and Susan had the brilliant idea that they should kiss goodbye. This wasn't her first superb read: After Thelma slept with J.D., Louise was originally supposed to be mad at her the next morning in the diner, but Susan sagely pointed out that a real friend would be happy for her, hence the additional line of "getting laid properly". Then, the sun disappeared, and Thelma & Louise was a wrap. What came next surprised everyone! The movie was made with a low enough budget they were hoping people would go see it. They thought the film would ended up being viewed as an art house film at best. . .Little did they know the impact the film would make. As it happened, 2 weeks after it happened, Susan & Geena ended up on the cover of Time magazine - and that issue included 2 editors about the film, both positive and negative. Some people loved it, others denounced it. Each side, whether good or bad, fell upon opposing sides of the political spectrum.

Sometime during the course of the making of the film, Jeff Goldblum and Geena's relationship decided to end it, but it was something she terribly regretted. Geena felt she should have given more time. Her time with Jeff was happiness. It truly was a magical time in her life. Before the film came out, if people who recognized Geena a lot wanted her to share her stories. Stories that changed their lives all around. Ever since then, Geena's made her acting choices with the women of the audience in mind, what would they think of her? If you set out to create a "role model" the character should have a few flaws.  

The empowerment of this film brought Geena to the realization a very powerful way how rarely women are given the chance to feel that way in film. Men can come out of almost every movie having identified with the led character or one of the important male characters and feeling empowered. Although Thelma & Louise kill themselves, they retain control control of their lives to the bitter end; they never give up being in charge of their own fate, once they experience freedom. Their charges were their choice. Deciding their own fate. This made Geena want more parts where her character decides her own fate/destiny. The director, Callie Khori, always had the best answers explaining the film to the press. Proving that Thelma & Louise were role models. BAD ASS role models.

Thelma & Louise
 premiered at the closing night of Cannes Film Festival in 1991. Susan couldn't attend, so Geena & Ridley went, It was the first time European audiences were going to view it. Geena & Ridley were excited for the post reactions, They kept looking around. . .concerned. At first, there was complete silence. That set in the worry. Then, came the scene where Louise shot the would-be rapist. . .and the audience CHEERED & ROARED! That gave a standing ovation for the film. Everyone was nominated to their own work for an Academy Award, and Susan & Geena were both nominated for Best Actress, but Jodie Foster won that year for Silence Of The Lambs. Before the awards were handed out, Susan & Geena were sitting next to one another. One vowed if one won, the other would join them onstage.

Susan's actions were just another reason why Geena loved her so. Thelma & Louise became a cultural landmark; it was hailed as a bright new beginning for film's starring ladies. They were unequivocal in predicting it would "change everything". Opening a door for future female buddy films. Geena couldn't believe it. She got to be a part of something that was to change for women. In the end, Hollywood may have changed . . . but Geena did. 25 years later, Susan & Geena the cultural impact is still there.

When it came to learning and growing from the roles she's played, you can imagine what an extraordinary double-header it was making Thelma & Louise and A League Of Their Own back-to-back. It was life changing enough to be in one film that struck a nerve, but to have her very next film become a cultural phenomenon caused a tremendous shift in her life. In particular days gone by, you don't think of the lasting impression films had. 30+ years ago, Geena never thought how long movies she was in would live on, just about the same numbers of young ladies came to tell Geena the impact her films have made for Generations. Every time someone tells Geena that one of her films inspired them/their future, Geena took it in gratitude.

When the chance to be A League Of Their Own came around, Geena didn't hesitate for a second. She began playing catch with her first husband, Richard, on the beach in Montauk during their summer together, and he helped her to develop a good throw. She was sure that with training, Geena was sure enough to learn "movie baseball" to pull it off. Geena's developmental ability to stick to her guns was never more tested than during her meeting with director, Penny Marshall.  Whatever she did, her agent instructed Geena to not get suckered into throwing a baseball. But, just in case. . . be prepared. No problem. Geena was recently schooled  in backbone by Susan Sarandon, not to mention, Thelma herself. She purposefully wore a miniskirt and spiky high heels, just in case, so there was no way Geena could go out on Penny's lawn and acquiesce. The meeting went fine. . .until Geena was prepared to leave, Penny asked her to throw a ball. Geena was prepared. She stood firm in not doing so. A full 5 minutes went by before Geena knew it. She was out on the lawn throwing a fucking ball. Penny won that test of wills. 

Geena successfully revealed herself to her wimpy pushover. She was determined that the shooting of the movie would be different. This little failure to remain strong would be an aberration; due to the success of Thelma & Louise, after an intense course of standing up for herself. Courtesy of Susan. Geena learned from her how to do it on her own. Making this film turned out to be a very important milestone in her journey. After doing Thelma & Louise and feeling so empowered, Geena slipped right back into a hefty amount of pressure, don't-stir-the-pot behaviour. The BIG changing difference now was that Geena was aware of herself doing so. A painful but enlightening step. Once she was cast, Geena wanted to punch Dottie up. Make her a little funnier. Everyone else in the cast was too funny; but it was hard to accommodate jokes for women. Geena suggested they write jokes as if she were Billy Crystal. But, jokes for her didn't materialize. So, Dottie wasn't going to be made for laughs. . .She was going to be someone with quiet strength; someone to get shit done. Years later, when Geena was going on The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Rosie stated she was surprised at how little Geena actually knew what she was doing when they were shooting the film. Rosie came to appreciate the calm nature of Geena's performance and began calling her "Geena the machina". Now her biggest challenge was learning how to convince movie-goers that she was the "best baseball player that ever was".

Six weeks before the shoot (and during the actual filming), Geena was lucky enough to be paired with some big-time baseball coaches and soaking up their expertise. Geena's body began to reflect her character's experience. The experienced coaches thought Geena had real untapped athletic ability. That was the best compliment she could have ever gotten. This gave Geena the confidence to pull off playing the character, Dottie Hinson. . . Geena pulled it off very well. A few years after League came out, Geena was invited to play in an MLB exhibition game - a REAL game with REAL players in MLB. Geena thought they were insane to think she could possibly hit a professional pitch, no way was Geena going to ruin the reputation she now had of having truly outsized skills.

The kind townspeople in Evansville, IN came out in droves to play the fans in sweltering stands, despite heat and humidity. Sometimes, Tom Hanks & Rosie O'Donnell took it upon themselves to entertain them; Roise would do stand-up or get everyone singing and Tom would occupy the crowd; while hiding in the dugout. Tom would bring his 11-yr-old son, Colin. Colin figured out how to make a helmet out of a watermelon for the Roman Guard. After hair/makeup during the many weeks they shot baseball stuff, they'd hang out in their uniforms. This is where they truly bonded, which was Penny's goal . . .everyone together and equal

Penny clearly knew what she was doing. They ended up going months over schedule. At one point, Geena had T-Shirts printed for the cast that said "Free The Peaches", which Penny rolled her eyes on. But, what Penny mastered in editing became something truly lasting for millions of women everywhere. One night, Penny had the idea to film the cast just playing a real baseball game - just playing and seeing if anything special happened. Filming that, they used up ALL THE FILM THEY HAD! When Geena told Penny she'd like to come to the dailies, Penny declined as a way to make fun of how they play.

About halfway through the shoot, Geena's parents came to Indiana to visit. . .which caused confusion on-set. Her parents stood out with their daughter in the dugout with her. They were confused for extras in the film. On another day, Geena and her dad had father/daughter time playing catch with one another. Something they've never done before. But, it was a wonderful time. When her parents were in Geena's trailer and Penny came to talk to her, Geena's mom completely fangirled over Laverne/Shirley. Penny was very sweet with her mom. Geena's parents were just beaming at her the whole time, not understanding a single word from Penny due to her accent.     

Very often during the shoot, members of the press would visit to do interviews on-set. Soon, answers became repetitive and spouting B.S. for amusement. Geena's answers led to the conclusion of feminism. When asked of her stance, Geena was Honest. For the '90s, the backlash against the women's movement was in full swing, and most people avoided using terms like "feminism". Geena's read plenty of articles denouncing that term to convince her to say it unequivocally and often. There was much camaraderie among the ladies; they cared about one another. The cast felt something similar to what the original Peaches did; bonded by an extraordinary experience they all shared. The cast is still very close to this day. Thanks to A League Of Their Own, Geena found her sporting muscles. Playing a sport dramatically improved her self-image. It improved her self-confidence. Proving her athleticism. It pysched her up for future roles. Learn a trade for a role that would be even beneficial in her personal life.

Sometime in the late '80s, the minute Geena wrapped League, she was rushed off to Chicago to begin filming a completely different film, Hero, with only 2 days off in-between. This was the only time in Geena's career where she knew she was headed before arrival. It was great to be reunited with Dustin Hoffman. 10-yrs-later. They picked up where they inevitably left off from their Tootsie days. He eventually coached Geena off-screen, made it more alive and spontaneous by not knowing what he was going to say. It was truly special that Dustin & Geena were able to help one another. But, it furiated and confused the director. In a scene involving onions, the night before filming it, Geena bought a whole bag of different types of onions and tested their cry volume. Next day, when shooting the scene. . .no tears would flow. Nothing worked.

Geena initially accepted the role with the provision to change the ending scene to make Dustin's character who was the HERO! There was a meeting prior to accepting the role. Dustin completely had Geena's back. Everyone left with agreed upon scenes to be rewritten. Geena didn't know to ask her agents to ask for it in her contract(s). By the time the shooting arrived, no rewrite had shown up. Geena would occasionally bring up the rewrite, but days/weeks passed to no avail. She had to directly speak with the director and he pacified to prolong change. Finally, the night before. . .
Geena called the producer in a panic for the new script. The next day. . .
Morning came. No rewrite. But, they couldn't find a rewrite that would work. Geena was livid. She would've turned it down if the ending hadn't changed.

It wasn't the scene. There was something BIGGER at play. Geena felt she was expected to be treated like her opinions weren't valued. Geena knew what she was doing at this point in her career. She had no way of knowing exactly what happened, but she couldn't let it stand. Dustin, having agreed with her, emboldened Geena. She HAD TO stand her ground. The best that production could do was shoot the scene both ways. . .which meant using the original version in the final cut. This was the strongest stance Geena took in her life. Her stance led to production wrapping for the day. Geena was shaking incredibly hard. But, she stood her ground. No one could take that away. 15 minutes later, Geena was given praise from her agent for standing up. A few days later, the scene was back on schedule. It was a terrifying way to make herself heard, but it worked. The studio wasn't bothered by it, because Geena worked for them on the Stuart Little films. This experience got Geena wondering. . . 
If she were a man. . .would this have happened?

Geena had wanted to be in an action movie for a long time. One of her life's goal's is
still to be a kick-ass villain in a Marvel film. She was strong, capable and coordinated. The kick-ass part of her was exploding. Even before League, Thelma & Louise gave Geena a taste of doing her own stints physically. A thrill that she wanted more of. Geena eventually decamped in New York made Angie, and this character made Geena want to justify her actions. She lives to play characters whom are driven by destiny; but Angie became a challenge from the norm. Geena's parents came down from Massachusetts to visit in NYC. They took in the surroundings of their daughter's workplace. In Angie, Geena was finally able to exercise the Brooklyn accent she acquired from her first husband, Richard. Within segments of the film, Angie, Geena wanted to explore playing a woman who makes irredeemable choices to redeem herself. In choosing her own path, you can find a way to come back stronger.



Geena is a sushi gal; but nothing fanatic. (
Salmon & Tuna). She always tried so hard to avoid being big that someone with an outsized view of life inspired Geena in that direction. The irony is that everything that is wrong size appeals to her. With her accolades and success, spelling itself is not her strongest forte. Production knew Cutthroat Island would go belly-up before working on it. . .but was talked out of it. She was to receive $5million for the picture. The HIGHEST salary for any woman at that time. With everyone's work behind it and so much at stake, they HAD TO make this film. Despite wanting to scream for the hills, Geena and everyone else loved making this film. There was so much fun to do. The experiences she took from making the film were ones that were useful in her personal life. Cutthroat came out only 5 months after Waterworld TANKED at the box office. Much more attention was now being paid for the cost of films. Geena is a silver lining kind of person. The whole entire experience was better when Geena was able to further help in the environment for the better on-set. Something she took with her on future films/projects.

Geena was the complete opposite of a sweet little lady in her next film; The Long Kiss Goodnight, which was far away from her previous project. To this day, Long Kiss is the best film she ever made. A close second to Thelma. 2 different characters in one character forum. The key was to keep both characteristic sides plausibly related. She thrived in the chaos of the prep for these films/characters. Giving herself a natural skill. The screenwriter for Long Kiss reported that the script was originally written for a man; not a female. But, the lead HAD TO be a female. Geena wanted to give a woman character as serious as they would a man. 

Opposite of Geena in Long Kiss was the wonderous Samuel L. Jackson. To this day, Samuel cites his character, Mitch Hennessey, as his favorite character he ever played. Samuel & Geena got along famously. They were crazy about one another. The character, Charley Baltimore was tough. Geena had the honor of being the first woman with this dialogue. Second to this was Demi Moore's G.I. Jane - directed by Ridley Scott. For Long Kiss, Geena did her own stunts for this film, including the waterwheel scene. She proceeds to give behind-the-scenes stories following the production of Long Kiss. The film hit theaters 9 months after she turned 40. A year after the premiere, Geena filed for divorce from her husband. He had betrayed her in one of the most painful ways. Geena's overwhelming reaction was less to do with the nature of the betrayal than the tremendous feeling of loss. . It was shattering; but Geena soldiered through.

As she moved on, Geena sees her gratitude and luck in the roles she's had. She was deeply aggrieved to find the work for which she deeply loved with great passion; it became harder to come by past a certain age. When Geena would watch the Oscars, every year ICONS seemed to be working all the time. After Geena turned 40, like everyone else, she faced a downturn in the number of roles she was being offered, and the quality of them. It was devastating. She wanted to do more of a job she lived for, not less. Geena found herself turning down roles she KNEW wasn't right. Situations the script put her in decided the fate on Geena's decision. She always waited for the next great thing to come along. There was a time when it did come. But, this gap was becoming worrisome. 3 years.
Geena was usually averaging herself 1 film a year. She WANTED to work. (She wouldn't be the first Davis to publicly lobby for work.) But, she did find something else to obsess over.

After learning lots of sports/skills for film roles, Geena wanted to learn GENUINE athleticism and learn sports the REAL way. When Long Kiss finished in May 1996, Geena took the time off to excel in her athleticism. She began to notice the men's athleticism being popularized through men's archery competition on TV due to men's dominance. This seemed spectacularly cool to her and sparked an idea in Geena: Her free-time would be spent mastering the craft. She was instantly and completely hooked. Learning it to a level that she eventually did give her a sense of confidence. She learned the basics of technique but equal emphasis on the mental game. She can't emphasize how important archery was in unquelling her hypercritical never voice.

In the midst of archery chaos, after a 3-yr-film drought, Geena was offered something GREAT. The role of Eleanor Little, mother of Stuart Little. Talk about varying character roles. The film was well written; when you consider the author itself - E.B.White. Geena began to detail the oddness in making both films and the hopes of continuing the franchise. With Halloween approaching during the making of the film, Geena craved mastering the art of pumpkin carving. . . Whatever it was there was to master. . . .Geena loved a challenge, and needed things to be difficult. Thanks to a new therapy and a learned diagnosis of ADD. Everything about it holds your feet to the fire to be able to fully engage. 

Learning Geena had A.D.D., it completely rocked her world. Everything in her life began to make sense. This diagnosis created a tremendous sense of relief in Geena. She now understood the torture she put herself through to not be able to accomplish so much. The revelation came with a deep sadness, for not being diagnosed earlier. (Just as no one knew that Geena's brother, Dan, had dyslexia). Her therapist compared people with her type of A.D.D. to lions. But, unlike a lion, Geena was training 4hrs/day, 6 days/week and shooting more than 4,500 arrows a month. She finished 29TH out of 300 at the National Championships in July 1999. That elevated her to the Olympic trials semi-finals. If a human being could do it and succeed, she could do it. Little did she know, a huge, unexpected thrill was coming her way. Geena was invited to participate in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. She earned her way up onto the Jumbtron. She had turned herself into an actual athlete with her "real life" port. Geena made peace with her ADD diagnosis.

In her 40s, Geena was able to establish herself as a mother of 3. Her favorite role of all. The press inadvertently and nicely asked how: Natural or in-vitro? Answer being the latter. Given the explanation that due to her expectation as an actor, Geena should naturally share every detail of her life. She was weary to share details of anything. Geena values privacy. She has a daughter and twin sons with her ex. . .their dad, Reza Jarrahy - an extremely gifted, and compassionate surgeon. An excellent choice for a father. When her daughter was a toddler, Geena decided she wanted the data on one one very specific thing: How many female characters were there in film/TV made specifically for KIDS? When her daughter was 2, Geena sat down with her to watch her very first children's show. Geena realized she'd developed a sense of women's representation over the years. She was floored to see the male/female character ratio. In a show designed to educate young minds; Geena seen these shows gender stereotyping these characters. In almost everything they watched.

In the beginning, Geena didn't expect it to take over her life. She checked with her mother's friends to see if they'd realized Geena's discovery. Not one of them noticed. She points out that if we're to achieve true equality, one should outweigh the other. So, Geena decided to bring it up with people in her industry. Their response was to name a film with 1-to-2 female characters to silence questions. Insinuating that gender inequality was a thing of the past. No one took Geena seriously. They thought they had done it right. She wondered HOW could they not notice the huge gender imbalance. Now, she realized she needed the numbers. This took her life in an entirely new direction, which Geena never would have anticipated. 

Geena became a middle-aged data geek by sponsoring the largest research project ever undertaken on the representation of female characters in kids entertainment - which took 2 years to complete an extensive testing. Due to outcome from that testing, that's why Geena chose to focus on what kids see first. Don't create a problem that needs to be solved later. Geena's plan was to ask the maker's of said entertainment, and share with them in a very private, collegial way. She had everything primed for the possibility of opening eyes could bring about unified change. Reactions were better than hoped. The great thing was that Geena's plan was working. Her data was the KEY to making change. 

In turn, The Geena Davis Institute On Gender & Media has become the go-to resource for research and insights into onscreen bias in global family and entertainment and media. For this work, Geena was honored to receive a second Academy Award in 2019, the Jean Herschott Humanitarian Award for her work. Geena soon initiated a film festival called BFF: The Bentonville Film Festival; a perfect location for something like this. The festival is solely dedicated to championing women and diverse voices in front of and behind the camera. Including a segment where Geena and her actor friends re-inact classic move scenes orignated by an all-male cast entitled Geena & Friends. Flipping the entire dynamic on its head: expanding minds along the way,

Geena's theory and mindset to invoke change is: one catagory of gross inequality in American culture where the under-representation of women can be fixed overnight: On-screen. In the time it takes to create a new television show or movie, they/we can change the future through what people see. If you can see it; you can be it. She had long told her agents that she never wanted to do an hourlong TV show. It's generally thought of as the toughest lifestyle in Hollywood for actors; so her plan was to stay far away. Or so she thought . . . One day, when Geena was 49, her agent informed her of the TV show. She was genuinely appreciative.

This was 2005. Geena was preparing to play the POTUS in Commander-In-Chief for ABC. This was a role of a lifetime. The script was genius and a stellar cast. Female representation at its highest level. Ever since, Thelma & Louise, the issue of women's representation was at the forefront of her mind. A very significant role, and not only for her. Whenever Geena was between jobs, she knew something great was on the horizon - and something always did. This was a truly groundbreaking role. She could make it work with 3 small children. Geena found it profoundly fulfilling to be on that show. They were #1 for the season Commander was nominated for a Golden Globe, which she won for Best Actress in a Drama Series in January. 

People loved Commander. The ratings were good. They were rewarded for their success. However, something huge happened partway into the season. The creator of the show was immediately removed. Geena was absolutely stunned. It had to do with a turf war between Touchstone, the studio and ABC. A new showrunner, Steven Bochco, was hired on, Geena had the idea to take him to lunch. She thought he wanted to take over the show. It wasn't like that. A new character was added to the cast/story, a campaign strategist. The blessing was Mark-Paul Gosselaar. A genuine delight to work with. However, despite Geena's compliation to be unfairly kind, she felt for the reason to prank him on his first day. The plan was to tell Mark-Paul that Geena was always in character. Geena felt evil. With a plan intact. . .everyone in the cast except Mark-Paul was involved. Everything was going according to plan. But, apparently, he called his wife the first chance he got and KNEW of the character plan.

Despite multiple attempts for survival, Commander In Chief was cancelled. Geena kept her composure together. She took the deepest breath possible, went off the stage, gave a speech and walked off. She was too devastated to think about telling others that night.She loved that character. She loved that show. The audience loved it. But, more importantly, they brought representation to a new high for women. Then, it was all taken away in an instant. There was no way to think something better would come along. This was was to be that something better. It was everything to Geena. The pain of losing it, after pinning all of her hopes/dreams on it was completely unbearable. The loss felt like something tangible. The cancellation of the show - in other words, the brevity of her administration - seen her carry that absence for years

Geena truly inherited her father's can-do spirit. She could truly do anything. The worst thing to care for is a parent that you slowly see diminishes in front of you from the person you know.  Geena describes the intense details of these events for both parents. Having been so closely and intently involved with their care, she couldn't seem to let go. Even in her dreams. She's still working hard for what she set out in life to do: close the gap between when something happens and when it happens authentically. It might be a challenge, but she's gotten profoundly better at it. Nowadays, Geena feels very much in the charge of her own destiny, ready to take on the world. Despite everything, Geena can only claim to be working on being a full-time badass like Thelma & Louise; it doesn't matter which.