Geena Davis shared a fascinating anecdote about her encounter with Jack Nicholson, shedding light on how she deflected a potential s**ual advance using advice from fellow actor Dustin Hoffman.
During the filming of the 1982 movie “Tootsie,” Hoffman, who starred alongside Davis, imparted wisdom to her in between takes.
He advised her to immerse herself in reading and even provided her with a scripted response to deter unwelcome advances from future colleagues.
Recalling the incident to The New Yorker, Davis revealed that Hoffman suggested she respond to advances by saying, “Well, you’re very attractive.
I would love to, but it would ruin the s**ual tension between us.”
This piece of guidance proved valuable as Davis found herself employing it shortly after on none other than Jack Nicholson.
Following the success of “Tootsie,” Davis was introduced to Nicholson through her modeling agent, who arranged dinners where Nicholson was a regular presence.
One day, Davis received a note under her door requesting her to call Nicholson.
Excited and nervous, she reached out to him, and he immediately broached the subject of a potential romantic liaison.
Quick on her feet, Davis utilized Hoffman’s suggested retort, stating that while she found Nicholson appealing, she believed they would collaborate professionally in the future and didn’t want to spoil any anticipation.
Surprised by her response, Nicholson commended her wit and the tactic worked effectively.
In her newly published memoir, “Dying of Politeness,” Davis also disclosed distressing encounters with co-star Bill Murray during the filming of “Quick Change” in 1990.
She detailed instances of alleged harassment and verbal mistreatment from Murray, recounting how he attempted to coerce her into trying out a massage device by lying on a bed, despite her repeated refusals.
Furthermore, Murray was reported to have yelled at Davis on set, creating a hostile work environment for the actress.
Interestingly, Murray, who shared the screen with Davis in “Tootsie,” came to the defense of Hoffman amidst accusations of s**ual misconduct in 2018.
During an event at New York City’s 92nd Street Y, Murray described Hoffman as a “great man” and dismissed the allegations as mischaracterizations of his friendly and flirtatious nature.
This stance taken by Murray added a layer of complexity to the narrative, considering Davis’s contrasting experiences with both actors.
The intertwining accounts of Davis’s encounters with Nicholson, Hoffman, and Murray serve as a reflection of the nuanced dynamics in the entertainment industry.
Through her candid revelations and adept handling of challenging situations, Davis navigated through instances of potential misconduct with resilience and grace, showcasing her ability to assert boundaries and maintain professionalism in the face of adversity.
