In a surprising revelation, Jamie Lee Curtis attributes the success of her unforgettable striptease in the 1994 hit movie True Lies to James Cameron, the film’s writer, co-producer, and director.
Despite taking center stage in the scene, Curtis humbly credits Cameron for its brilliance.
During the latest episode of the PEOPLE in the ’90s podcast, the 62-year-old actress reminisces about filming the iconic sequence that involved her disrobing and dancing in front of Arnold Schwarzenegger, her on-screen husband, spanning three days.
Contrary to popular belief, Curtis discloses that there was no rehearsal or choreographer involved in preparing for the performance.
She recounts Cameron’s casual approach, stating he simply asked her, “What do you want to dance to?”
Choosing a track from John Hiatt’s album “Bring the Family,” Curtis suggested the song “Alone in the Dark” due to its funky rhythm, which became the backdrop for her captivating dance routine.
Drawing inspiration from her personal enjoyment of dancing in solitude at home, Curtis delved into her character by expressing, “I don’t think Jim had seen me in my underwear before… We were rehearsing repeatedly, and as time passed, the atmosphere grew more serene.”
In a pivotal moment, Cameron discreetly proposed providing a cushion if Curtis released her grip on the pole during the routine.
Without hesitation, she agreed, leading to the addition of a thin mat on the floor for her comfort.
Despite her extensive experience in the film industry, the scene where her character Helen stumbles during the sultry dance remains etched in Curtis’s memory as the “most uproarious moment” of her career.
Reflecting on the audience reaction during a screening of True Lies with her father, Tony Curtis, she recalls the palpable tension followed by explosive laughter, attributing the rollercoaster of emotions to Cameron’s adept direction in balancing humor with sensuality.
For those intrigued by Curtis’s anecdotes, new episodes of PEOPLE in the ’90s are available weekly on various podcast platforms.
Additionally, fans can enjoy Curtis’s podcast “Letters for Camp, Season 2” exclusively on Audible, showcasing her talent beyond the silver screen.
