The interactions between actors may be unexpectedly complicated beneath the gloss and glamour of the silver screen.
It’s simple for viewers to think that actors in the glamorous world of Hollywood, where they frequently appear as attractive couples on the silver screen, have a happy off-screen relationship because of their on-screen chemistry. Co-stars are not immune to arguments and conflicts; therefore, the truth might be very different.
Sometimes, these conflicts get out of hand and turn into huge fights on the set that have a lasting impact. One such instance occurred during the making of the immensely successful romantic comedy, “Notting Hill,” when Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant found themselves at odds behind the scenes.
Julia Roberts originally wanted to be a veterinarian before becoming well-known for her compelling performances in several romantic comedies. When she decided to follow in her siblings’ footsteps and pursue acting, fate had other ideas for her. Roberts had a strong entry into the industry with “Mystic Pizza,” winning over audiences with her evident skill, funny charm, bright smile, and sympathetic girl-next-door appeal.
The following year, when she co-starred with Sally Field in “Steel Magnolias,” Roberts’ career reached new heights, but it was her performance as Vivian Ward in “Pretty Woman” in the 1990s that finally propelled the actress to prominence.
Roberts accomplished many milestones in her remarkable career, including being the first woman to earn a $20 million fee for a film and receiving an Academy Award for her portrayal in the courtroom thriller “Erin Brockovich.” She has cemented her reputation as an iconic figure with a succession of box office successes, demonstrating that someone from a small town can significantly impact Hollywood.
Hugh Grant, on the other hand, did not achieve the same level of fame as quickly as Roberts. He had supporting parts in films and television throughout the 1980s and early 1990s until seizing his big break in 1994 with the character of Charles in “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” which brought him his first Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA Film Award for Best Actor.
Grant gained notoriety for his warm and endearing portrayals of amiable English gentlemen. In retrospect, he acknowledges that he lacked the skills to handle his sudden popularity. Grant could still expertly bring his characters to life and give award-winning performances because of his amusing wit and acute sense of humor. His most recognizable roles may be seen in “Notting Hill,” “Love Actually,” and an appearance with Meryl Streep in “Florence Foster Jenkins.”
A romantic comedy called “Notting Hill,” released on May 28, 1999, enthralled viewers. Fans cherish Anna Scott and William Thacker, played by Roberts and Grant, respectively, as one of their favorite on-screen couples even after twenty years. Fans might have yet to learn that Roberts and Grant’s on-screen connection was not as perfect off-camera as it seemed.
According to Bestlife, Grant said that during the production of “Notting Hill,” he made multiple jokes about the size of Roberts’ lips, leading to friction between the two actors off-camera. According to DigitalSpy, Grant mocked Roberts’ physical attributes in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, saying, “Very big-mouthed! Literally, physically, she has a very big mouth. When I was kissing her, I was aware of a faint echo.”
Despite the fact that Roberts called Grant’s remarks on her appearance “cruel,” she had completely forgotten about them and forgiven her co-star by 2005 and even indicated an interest in working with him again on a movie.
With that, Roberts and Grant may have played a sweet couple in “Notting Hill,” but their real-life conflict warns that even the most adored on-screen couples may quarrel when the lights go off. Despite the turbulence that occurred while “Notting Hill” was being made, viewers may still treasure the sweet love story that won them over and forever changed the romantic comedy subgenre.