Known for her comedic roles in films like 'Legally Blonde,' Reese Witherspoon has admitted that her sharp wit once led to the end of a friendship. In a recent interview, Witherspoon revealed that a joke she made during a friend's award ceremony caused a rift that she couldn't mend.
While promoting her new film "The Wedding Crashers," Witherspoon shared the story of how her attempt at humor backfired. She explained that she had been asked to present an award to a colleague she didn't know well, but who was known for being serious and proper. Feeling the event was a good opportunity for lightheartedness, Witherspoon took the stage and made several jokes at her friend's expense.
"It haunts me, it literally haunts me," Witherspoon said. "I thought it was a fun context, like a place where you could be funny and ironic. So I got up and I made fun of her."
Her co-star, Will Ferrell, chimed in, "But that wasn't the right tone." Witherspoon, with a sheepish smile, agreed, "No." She elaborated on the inappropriate nature of her humor, saying, "The tone was British, elegant, classy, and I was up there saying things like 'Remember when we got laser hair removal?'"
Witherspoon admitted that she still feels embarrassed about the incident and that she hasn't been able to repair the damage. "I'm not kidding, we're not friends anymore! I think she doesn't like me anymore. I thought it was so funny and that I just had the wrong audience. It was pretty bad. I'm not kidding, she doesn't talk to me anymore."
While Witherspoon declined to name the friend, the incident has sparked speculation among fans and the media. Witherspoon is known for her close relationships with other actresses, particularly her 'Big Little Lies' co-stars Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz, Shailene Woodley, and Laura Dern. She has shared a strong bond with them, both on and off screen.
Despite her successful career, Witherspoon has acknowledged her anxiety when speaking in public. In a 2013 blog post for Sheryl Sandberg, she wrote that while "speaking through a character on a crowded movie set" had never been an issue, "giving a speech" in front of an impartial audience was a prospect that "terrified" her. It seems that this fear, unbeknownst to her, would eventually lead to the loss of a friendship.
Witherspoon's career continues to flourish, with her being one of the most sought-after actresses in film and television. In 2015, she was awarded the American Cinematheque for being "a perfect example of an actress thriving in today's world" and "an active and successful film producer who is carrying on her career both behind and in front of the camera."
In "The Wedding Crashers," Witherspoon's character finds herself in a similar situation, having to give a speech in public. However, in this case, the situation is scripted and controlled.
The film, available on Prime Video, follows the story of two families whose weddings are accidentally booked on the same day and at the same venue. The bride's father (Will Ferrell) and the other bride's sister (Reese Witherspoon) clash in a hilarious battle of wills, determined to create an unforgettable celebration for their loved ones.
The film, released exclusively on Prime Video on January 30, 2025, has received mixed reviews from critics. While Ferrell and Witherspoon are praised for their comedic chemistry, the film has been criticized for its tired jokes and underdeveloped romantic subplot.
Overall, "The Wedding Crashers" is a predictable and unoriginal comedy that relies heavily on the star power of its leads. However, for fans of Ferrell and Witherspoon, it may provide a few laughs and a brief escape from reality.