Michelle Pfeiffer has opened up about the audition that launched her Hollywood career, revealing she left her Grease 2 try-out feeling humiliated despite ultimately securing the lead role. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actress recalled auditioning for the role of Stephanie Zinone in the 1982 musical with little expectation of success.
Audition Details and Initial Expectations
Pfeiffer explained that her agents sent her to the audition just for the experience, and she had zero expectations of landing the part. The process was an intimidating cattle call, with actors, singers, and dancers waiting together while thin walls meant everyone could hear each audition.
“It was such a cattle call — there were actors and dancers and singers everywhere hanging out, coming in and out auditioning, and there were very thin walls,” Pfeiffer said. “All the other actors waiting to go in could hear your reading, could hear your singing.”
Challenges in Singing and Dancing
The actress admitted she was not a singer at the time and was taking voice classes to improve her stage voice on the recommendation of her acting coach. She also struggled with the dance audition, gradually moving to the back row because she could not remember the choreography.
“I left with my tail between my legs, feeling so humiliated,” she recalled. Moments later, an assistant to director Pat Birch ran after her across the Paramount lot. “I said something about being really embarrassed, and she said, ‘Well, you shouldn’t be because she wants you to come back tomorrow.’”
Landing the Role and Legacy
Pfeiffer went on to land the role of Stephanie, the leader of the Pink Ladies, in the sequel, which reversed the original Grease formula by pairing a rebellious girl with a good-hearted boy. Despite her doubts about her singing ability at the time, her performance of “Cool Rider” remains a favorite among many fans of the film.
Reflecting on the experience, Pfeiffer noted that the audition was a turning point in her career, leading to her breakthrough role. The film, while not as commercially successful as the original, has gained a cult following over the years.
