In an enlightening conversation with screenwriter Richard Curtis, published in British Vogue on Thursday, Julia Roberts candidly shared that she was on the brink of turning down the iconic role in “Notting Hill,” one of her most beloved films. Curtis, the mastermind behind the 1999 romantic comedy, which paired Roberts as Hollywood actress Anna Scott with Hugh Grant as bookshop owner William Thacker, engaged in a discussion that unveiled the inner conflict Roberts experienced before accepting the role.
Expressing her discomfort with the character, Roberts admitted, “Honestly, one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was your movie (‘Notting Hill’), playing a movie actress.” The renowned actress revealed feeling so uneasy that she nearly declined the part, grappling with the challenge of portraying a famous actress on-screen. Roberts confided to Curtis that she found the role awkward and wasn’t sure how to embody the character convincingly.
Part of Roberts’ hesitation stemmed from her reluctance to be perceived as playing a version of herself, fearing that audiences might draw parallels between the fictional character and her real-life persona. In a 1999 Vanity Fair interview, she characterized the project as “boring” and “stupid,” emphasizing that the film was “not about me.” By that point, Roberts had already graced the screen in notable films like “Mystic Pizza,” “Steel Magnolias,” “Pretty Woman,” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”
Contrary to the typical audition process, Curtis recalled their lunch meeting with Roberts as an evaluation where she was essentially auditioning them, examining their suitability for the project. Roberts admitted to disliking the wardrobe choices that transformed her into a movie star on-screen. In fact, for the iconic “I’m just a girl” scene, she opted for items straight from her personal closet, including her flip-flops, a blue velvet skirt, a T-shirt, and a cardigan.
Reflecting on the filming experience, Roberts confessed, “I loathed being dressed as a movie star in that movie.” Despite her initial reservations, “Notting Hill” went on to become a massive success, grossing over $300 million worldwide, as reported by Box Office Mojo. Roberts’ portrayal of Anna Scott also earned her a Golden Globe nomination for best actress in a musical or comedy film.
While Roberts ultimately embraced “Notting Hill,” she revealed on “Watch What Happens Live” in 2023 that she had declined another romantic comedy the year before: 1998’s “You’ve Got Mail.” Remarkably, she expressed no regrets about any of her film choices, believing that destiny played a significant role in shaping her career.
In a noteworthy return to the romantic comedy genre, Roberts starred in “Ticket to Paradise” in 2022, followed by the apocalyptic film “Leave the World Behind” in 2023. As her career continues to evolve, Roberts remains a versatile and respected figure in the world of cinema, reminding audiences that even the most celebrated actors face moments of doubt and uncertainty on their journey.