Key Takeaways:
– Kirsten Dunst recently discussed her early career and misunderstanding of her role in ER during an interview with Variety
– Dunst, who has acted since a young age, believes she was protected on set by her mother and a dedicated acting teacher
– The award-winning actress also revealed details of an unsettling encounter with an unnamed director
– Dunst shared her concerns about the dark aspects of Hollywood, relying heavily on her mother for protection
Find Casting Calls, Auditions and Entertainment Careers on Project Casting.
As one of Hollywood's most prominent child stars, Kirsten Dunst began her acting career quite early, famously starring in movies like Jumanji and with heavyweights like Brad Pitt and Robin Williams in “Interview with the Vampire.” However, it is her role in the popular medical drama ER, alongside George Clooney, at just 14 years old that has been the subject of recent discussion.
Misunderstanding Her Role in ER
In a candid conversation with Variety, Dunst revealed she was unaware that she portrayed the contentious role of a child prostitute in ER. In her perception, she assumed her character to be a street kid, focusing on the narratives of homelessness and child abandonment.
She explained, “I thought I was like a street kid. I didn't know I was a prostitute. Really?” Dunst attributes her misconception to the show's handling of her character's background, which centered on a street life storyline, leaving the more sensitive aspects largely unexplored.
Guardianship and Guidance
Dunst emphasized the role of her mother and her acting teacher in maintaining her safety while she was involved in mature-themed projects in her early career. They were pivotal, she confided, in shielding her from some of the controversial aspects of her roles, ensuring her naive understanding of her ER role did not have a detrimental impact.
Inappropriate Conduct by a Director
The actress also revealed a disconcerting experience she had at the age of 16 with a director who displayed inappropriate behavior. Dunst, recalling the incident, mentioned that the director posed an unsuitable question during a meeting for a movie. The encounter left her rattled and uncertain of how to respond.
She quoted in the interview, “I was freaked out. I didn't know if I should answer or not.” However, she chose to keep the director's name anonymous, stating, “it's not something I like to reflect on.”
The Dark Side of Hollywood
In relation to the insidious aspects of Hollywood, Dunst showed concern, especially connected to her experience as a child actress. Commenting on the recently released ID documentary “Quiet on Set,” she mentioned, “It sounds real bad.”
Clearly, Dunst seems concerned about the darker aspects of Hollywood. However, she firmly believes that the continual support and protection provided by her mother allowed her to safely navigate her way in the industry.
With revealing interviews like this, Kirsten Dunst continues to shed light on the challenges that child actors face in Hollywood. While she managed to find success and navigate her way through potentially troubling situations, Dunst's story serves as a reminder of the need for stronger protection policies for minor actors on Hollywood sets.
Her candid confessions are a bid to foster a safer working environment for the future talents who dream to make it big in the realm of acting. It can only be hoped that her words resonate among those with the power to bring about meaningful change in the multiple facets of the ever-evolving movie industry.
