One of Hollywood’s most charismatic actresses, Sandra Bullock has been an esteemed part of show business for as long as 36 years. Throughout her prolific career, she has starred in numerous popular films of varying genres, from classic rom-coms and comedies to post-apocalyptic thrillers and action ventures. But this glimmering fame and recognition wasn’t just handed to Bullock on a silver platter, it’s a result of her blood, sweat, tears, and just a sprinkle of lies.
Sandra Bullock Had to Lie About Her Age for Movie Roles
Sandra Bullock might be a successful actress and a proud owner of an Academy Award today, but the road to the top wasn’t free of hurdles, especially when she was still a budding star.
Scoring roles in good films is already a big feat as it is, but the struggle is ten times worse for someone new to the industry. Not to mention, each project counts, no matter how insignificant it might seem in the preliminary years because that’s how an actor builds up a reputation in showbiz.
So, even though Bullock had already starred in three movies before Love Potion No. 9, it was still important for her to land a role in the 1992 film. The only predicament? The filmmakers apparently wanted a 29-year-old to be their leading woman and Bullock was a couple of years younger than the desired age. As it turns out though, it was nothing a little deception couldn’t fix because the Bird Box star ended up convincing them after all.
How Speed Catapulted Sandra Bullock Into Recognition
Love Potion No. 9 wasn’t the only instance where Bullock lied about her age though. In an old interview with Detour Magazine (via Nicki Swift), the Miss Congeniality star admitted she’d lost track of just how many times she’d lied to bag a movie role –
“After a while, you really have no idea how old you are because you’ve lied so many times. I always said I would never lie, but one time when I didn’t, it worked against me. So I figure you just keep them guessing.”
However, all that was before she got her big breakthrough in the industry with Jan de Bont’s Speed. Starring beside Keanu Reeves (Jack Traven), Bullock (Annie Porter), who depicted one of the main protagonists in the thriller, achieved immense acknowledgment for her part in the film.
Her breakout role in Speed thus opened up the door to numerous other golden opportunities which amassed Bullock the stardom she’d worked so hard to achieve. Not to mention, the film itself was a huge hit, grossing $350 million at the box office against a budget of roughly $30-37 million.
Speed is available for streaming on Disney +.
Source: Looper
