Scarlett: Mom tried to put me off acting

Scarlett Johansson's mother tried to deter her from a career in acting.

Scarlett: Mom tried to put me off acting

[comment] (Scarlett on the red carpet at the 2013 Toronto Film Festival )[/comment]

Scarlett Johansson's mother tried to deter her from a career in acting.

The Oscar-nominated beauty is one of Hollywood's most bankable female stars but Scarlett admits her mum Melanie wasn't sure she would be able to handle the pressure of the cutthroat industry.

She recalled: "My mum never really wanted me to get into acting because she was afraid it would be very competitive and stressful - which it is!"

[comment] (Pictures: AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)[/comment]

Scarlett - who was named after 'Gone with the Wind' character Scarlett O'Hara - always loved performing arts as a youngster but her first attempt at breaking into the spotlight in commercials didn't go well.

Melanie had taken Scarlett and her siblings Vanessa, Adrian and twin brother Hunter for an audition, but the 29-year-old beauty was rejected.

Scarlett said: "The only person they wanted was my older brother, Adrian. I was totally devastated. I still can't sell anything. I'm terrible at it!"

Despite the numerous setbacks, the 'Under the Skin' and 'Her' star continued to pursue her dream against her mother's advice.

She added to Total Film magazine: "When I was really little, I was a singing, dancing kid. I took all kinds of classes. I was one of those jazz-hands kids."

more courts articles

DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers
UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules
Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London

More in this section

Behind the scenes at Ireland AM: 'People wake up with us every morning — it’s such a privilege' Behind the scenes at Ireland AM: 'People wake up with us every morning — it’s such a privilege'
Stressed business woman overworked in office Natural Health: I'm perimenopausal and find it difficult to focus at work
Smartwatch with health app. Glowing neon icon on brick wall background Health watch: How much health data is healthy? 
ieParenting Logo
Writers ieParenting

Our team of experts are on hand to offer advice and answer your questions here

Your digital cookbook

ieStyle Live 2021 Logo
ieStyle Live 2021 Logo

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Discover the great outdoors on Ireland's best walking trails

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Lifestyle
Newsletter

The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the Irish Examiner, direct to your inbox.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited