Geena Davis: The Phenomenon Who Disappeared From Hollywood
In the long lineage of badass super-smart feminist women in cinema, Geena Davis stands out as one of the greatest. Her career in Hollywood has been nothing short of remarkable, facing challenges and triumphs along the way. Recently, her appearance as Stacy in Zoë Kravitz’s “Blink Twice” showcased her unmatched talent, bringing a unique depth to the film’s intense atmosphere. But why did one of Hollywood’s biggest stars seemingly vanish from the limelight for nearly two decades, only making sporadic appearances in small roles or on television?
The rapid rise of Geena Davis’s career:
Geena Davis began her acting journey opposite Dustin Hoffman in “Tootsie” in 1982, quickly ascending to fame by the end of the decade. Her roles in iconic films like “The Fly,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Thelma & Louise” solidified her status as a household name and a feminist icon in Hollywood. Despite her success, Davis faced disappointments with films like “A League of Their Own” not receiving the recognition she hoped for. This led to a series of setbacks as she starred in box office flops, eventually being relegated to supporting roles as she entered her 40s.
Davis suffered a series of cinematic missteps:
Following her acclaimed work, Davis encountered a string of critical and commercial failures, including “Angie,” “Speechless,” and the infamous “Cutthroat Island.” These setbacks, coupled with age discrimination in Hollywood, limited her opportunities and led to a decline in leading roles. Despite her talent, Davis found herself typecast as a mother figure, struggling to find roles that challenged her abilities.
Age discrimination made getting good roles difficult for Davis:
As Davis entered her 40s, she faced age discrimination in the industry, with fewer substantial roles being offered to her. The prevalence of casting younger women opposite older male leads further limited her opportunities, pushing her towards supporting roles. Despite her undeniable talent, Davis found herself sidelined in favor of younger actresses, leading her to take a step back from acting to focus on other aspects of her life.
Davis took time to live her life outside of acting:
Feeling pushed into a “forced retirement,” Davis embraced motherhood and pursued interests outside of acting, including training as an archer for the Olympics. She also established the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, advocating for gender equality in the industry. Her dedication to empowering marginalized voices led her to co-found the Bentonville Film Festival, supporting underrepresented filmmakers and fostering inclusivity in cinema.
Davis starred in several cancelled TV shows:
Despite her hiatus from acting, Davis continued to make appearances in TV shows, including “Commander in Chief” and “The Exorcist.” Her role in “GLOW” showcased her talent and versatility, but the series met an untimely end. Despite setbacks in television, Davis remains a powerhouse in the industry, with upcoming projects like “The Boroughs” indicating a promising future.
Conclusion:
Geena Davis’s career has been a testament to resilience, talent, and advocacy. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, she has continued to shine both on and off the screen. Her legacy as a feminist icon and advocate for gender equality in media stands as a testament to her enduring impact on the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How did Geena Davis rise to fame in Hollywood?
Geena Davis gained fame through iconic roles in films like “The Fly,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Thelma & Louise.”
2. What challenges did Davis face in her career?
Davis faced setbacks with box office failures, age discrimination, and limited opportunities for substantial roles.
3. How did age discrimination impact Davis’s career?
Age discrimination in Hollywood led to fewer leading roles being offered to Davis, pushing her towards supporting characters.
4. What did Davis focus on outside of acting?
Davis embraced motherhood, trained as an archer for the Olympics, and advocated for gender equality in media.
5. What TV shows did Davis star in?
Davis appeared in shows like “Commander in Chief,” “The Exorcist,” and “GLOW,” showcasing her versatility as an actress.
6. What is the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media?
The Geena Davis Institute advocates for fair representation of girls and women in media, promoting gender equality in the industry.
7. How did Davis contribute to empowering marginalized voices?
Davis co-founded the Bentonville Film Festival, supporting underrepresented filmmakers and fostering inclusivity in cinema.
8. What upcoming projects does Davis have?
Davis is set to star in “The Boroughs,” a new series by the creators of “Stranger Things,” hinting at a promising future in her career.
9. What is Davis’s legacy in Hollywood?
Davis’s legacy as a feminist icon, advocate for gender equality, and talented actress solidifies her impact on the industry.
10. How has Davis’s career evolved over the years?
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Davis continues to inspire audiences with her resilience, talent, and dedication to empowering voices in the industry.
Tags: Geena Davis, Hollywood, Actress, Feminist Icon, Gender Equality, Bentonville Film Festival, The Boroughs, Resilience, Advocacy, Television