Geena Davis, a renowned Hollywood icon, has captivated audiences for decades with her exceptional acting prowess. However, beneath her glamorous exterior lies a multifaceted individual whose contributions extend far beyond the film industry. Here are some lesser-known facts about Davis that may surprise and inspire:
#1 Her Audition For ‘A League Of Their Own’ Consisted Of Throwing A Baseball – That’s It
Source: A League Of Their Own / Columbia Pictures
In Hollywood, auditions usually require actors to memorize lines and perform them perfectly to land a role. But for Davis, auditioning for “A League of Their Own” was different.
Instead of reciting lines, she just had to show she could throw a baseball. So, she went to director Penny Marshall’s backyard and threw a ball. Marshall was impressed and gave her the role of Dottie Hinson without needing anything else.
#2 She was the first cast member to sign on for “Beetlejuice” because initially, everyone else turned down the role.
Source: Beetlejuice / Warner Bros. Pictures
“Beetlejuice” is a beloved classic film that initially faced skepticism due to its unconventional script and premise. Despite concerns about its potential longevity, the film’s unique themes and stellar performances have ensured its enduring popularity among fans.
While some actors were hesitant to take on roles in the offbeat production, Davis stood out by being the first to enthusiastically sign on. Her quick decision proved prescient, as the movie went on to achieve great success, even earning an Academy Award. Eventually, other actors followed suit, cementing “Beetlejuice” as a cherished cinematic gem.
#3Â She Plays The Flute, Piano, And Organ
Source: Ron Galella / Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
#4 She Almost Made The US Archery Team For The 2000 Summer Olympics
Source: Geena Davis Archery Tricks / Funny or Die
Davis came close to securing a spot on the US Archery Team for the 2000 Summer Olympics. Her skill and dedication to the sport nearly earned her a place among the elite athletes representing the country on the international stage. While she ultimately didn’t make the team, her remarkable talent and effort in the field of archery showcased her versatility beyond the realm of acting.
#5 Davis is a member of Mensa, a high-IQ society, which places her in the top 2% of the population in terms of intelligence.
Source: DFID – UK Department for International Development / CC-BY 2.0
Mensa International was established in 1946 as a society for exceptionally intelligent individuals. Membership is open to anyone who scores in the top 2% globally for intelligence. Surprisingly, this exclusive club counts numerous celebrities among its members.
Davis, with an estimated IQ of 140, is among the privileged few who qualify for Mensa membership. Despite this distinction, she has revealed that she has never attended any Mensa meetings.
#6 She was honored with the Humanitarian Award at the Oscars.
Source: Alan Light / Flickr / CC-BY 2.0
Davis is a remarkable recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, a prestigious honor bestowed at the Oscars. Her nonprofit organization, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, has been instrumental in advocating for gender equality within the entertainment industry.
Thanks to her efforts, Davis has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and representation on screen. Her impactful work has not only brought credit to the industry but has also paved the way for positive change. Without her organization’s efforts, Hollywood might have continued down a path marked by inequality.
#7 She Got Her Role In Tootsie Because She Was A Victoria’s Secret Model
Source: Tootsie / Columbia Pictures
Davis transitioned from working at Ann Taylor to modeling, aiming to kickstart her acting career. While modeling lingerie for Victoria’s Secret, she caught the eye of the casting director for the movie “Tootsie,” who sought a model with acting ability. Despite being in Paris at the time, the casting director utilized professional photos from Victoria’s Secret catalog to hire Davis for her first movie role.
#8 She Worked As A ‘Live Mannequin’ After Graduating College
Source: T1980 / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 3.0
Davis has a unique claim to fame: she once portrayed a store mannequin, a role that played a part in her transition to modeling. After completing college, Davis secured a job at an Ann Taylor store, initially as a salesperson. However, her talent for remaining perfectly still led to her being chosen as a live mannequin for the store’s window displays.
In an interview, Davis shared the amusing story of how she volunteered to become a live mannequin. Seizing an opportunity when she noticed an empty seat by the window display, she decided to sit there and remain motionless to see if anyone would realize she was a real person. Her stunt generated considerable confusion and curiosity among onlookers, ultimately leading the store to employ her as a live mannequin on weekends.
#9 She Runs Her Own Film Festival Each Year
Source: Gabbo T / Flickr / CC-BY-SA 2.0
Davis, a passionate advocate for gender equality in media, founded her nonprofit organization in 2004. However, what many may not realize is that she also played a pivotal role in co-founding the Bentonville Film Foundation in 2014. This foundation hosts an annual film festival with the overarching aim of promoting inclusivity across various forms of media.
Remarkably, the festival has consistently achieved its objective since its inception. What sets it apart is not only its pioneering status as the first of its kind but also its distinction as the inaugural film competition to guarantee its winners theatrical, digital, retail, and TV distribution worldwide. This unique approach has significantly contributed to advancing diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.
#10 She Works Extensively For Gender Equality And Representation In Hollywood
Source: ITU Pictures / Flickr / CC-BY 2.0
Davis is deeply involved in advocating for gender equality and representation in Hollywood. Her work spans various initiatives aimed at promoting accurate and diverse portrayals of women in the media industry.
From founding her nonprofit organization in 2004 to co-founding the Bentonville Film Foundation in 2014, she has consistently championed inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment landscape. Davis remains a prominent figure in the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and representative Hollywood.
#11 She Made Guest Appearances On ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Twice
Source: Grey’s Anatomy / American Broadcasting Company
Many actors aspire to land guest roles on the popular show Grey’s Anatomy, but few are fortunate enough to do so. Davis, however, belongs to the select group who not only appeared once but twice as a guest star. In season 11, she portrayed the character Dr. Nicole Herman, a surgeon, and returned to reprise the role in season 14.
During her stint in season 11, Davis featured prominently in 12 episodes, captivating audiences with her performance and quickly becoming a fan favorite. Her departure from the show left many viewers disappointed, which likely prompted her return as Dr. Herman in season 14.
#12 She Has Been Married Four Times
Source: David Shankbone / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 3.0
Despite her remarkable career success, Davis’s romantic life has been marked by four marriages, each with its own journey. Her first marriage to New York restaurateur Richard Emmolo in 1981 lasted only three years. Subsequently, she tied the knot with actor Jeff Goldblum in 1987, but their union ended after three years as well.
Following a period of reflection, Davis found love once more, this time with Finnish film director Renny Harlin. Although this marriage endured longer, from 1993 to 1998, it too came to an end. However, love found Davis again when she met surgeon Rezza Jarrahy, with whom she shared a marriage lasting from 2001 to 2018, and three children.
Presently, Davis is embracing the single life, prioritizing her children, nonprofit organization, and career. Despite her past, speculation swirls about her future romantic endeavors, leaving many curious about whom she might marry next.