Reese Witherspoon remembers Gloria Steinem’s influence on her decision to play Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, crediting the feminist icon’s words for changing her perspective and inspiring her to portray an underestimated woman as the hero of her own story.
Actress Reese Witherspoon has paid tribute to feminist icon Gloria Steinem, recalling the profound influence Steinem had on her decision to take on the role of Elle Woods in the 2001 comedy film Legally Blonde.
Steinem, who passed away at the age of 92, was remembered by Witherspoon as a powerful advocate for equality, freedom and women’s rights. Following her death, Witherspoon shared a photograph of herself with Steinem on Instagram and reflected on how the feminist leader’s ideas had shaped her understanding of women and representation.
“Gloria Steinem changed how women saw themselves and what was possible…I was one of them,” Witherspoon wrote in her tribute.
The actress explained that Steinem’s words became particularly meaningful when she was considering whether to accept the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. At the time, Witherspoon said she watched a documentary featuring Steinem, in which the feminist icon discussed the importance of seeing an underestimated woman become the hero of her own story.
“When I was deciding whether to do Legally Blonde, I watched a documentary where Gloria spoke about the importance of seeing an underestimated woman become the hero of her own story,” Witherspoon recalled.
According to the actress, Steinem’s perspective changed the way she viewed Elle Woods and ultimately encouraged her to accept the role.
“Her words changed how I saw Elle Woods and helped me say yes,” Witherspoon said.
The role went on to become one of the most recognisable performances of Witherspoon’s career, with Elle Woods evolving from a character initially presented through stereotypes into a determined and successful law student and lawyer.
Witherspoon also recalled meeting Steinem in person years after Legally Blonde was released. She said she had the opportunity to sit beside the feminist icon at an event and personally tell her how much she had inspired her.
“Years later, I got to sit beside Gloria at an event, and tell her how much she inspired me,” Witherspoon wrote.
Describing Steinem as a “warrior for change”, Witherspoon highlighted her lifelong commitment to equality and freedom for women. She said Steinem dedicated her life to advocating for fundamental rights and helping change the way women viewed themselves and their possibilities.
“She was a warrior for change. She wanted equality and freedom for ALL women. She dedicated her whole life to advocating for our fundamental rights,” the actress wrote.
Witherspoon concluded her tribute by thanking Steinem for her courage, commitment and lasting contribution to women’s rights.
“Thank you, Gloria, for your courage, your commitment and everything you made possible for all women. What a legacy,” she wrote.
Released in 2001, Legally Blonde was directed by Robert Luketic and written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith. The film was based on Amanda Brown’s novel of the same name and starred Witherspoon alongside Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber and Jennifer Coolidge.
The film follows Elle Woods, a sorority student who enrols at Harvard Law School after her former boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, ends their relationship. Although initially motivated by a desire to win him back, Elle gradually proves herself academically and professionally while challenging stereotypes about blonde women.
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The character eventually becomes a successful lawyer, making Legally Blonde a lasting story about ambition, resilience and overcoming social expectations. Witherspoon’s latest tribute highlights how Steinem’s message about underestimated women becoming the heroes of their own stories helped shape her approach to one of her most celebrated roles.
