Winona Ryder & Al Pacino: Love Story Revealed
Winona Ryder Reflects on Early Hollywood romance and Mentorship
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Winona Ryder, a beloved icon of 90s cinema, has opened up about her formative years in Hollywood, sharing candid anecdotes about a past romance with a much older co-star and the invaluable mentorship she received from fellow actress Laura Dern.
A Young Love with a Hollywood Legend
Ryder, now a celebrated actress known for her roles in “Beetlejuice,” “Heathers,” and the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things,” recalled a passionate but ultimately unrequited romance with a co-star from the 1993 film ”The Age of Innocence.” While she didn’t name the actor, she revealed he was considerably older and had a profound impact on her at the age of 22.
“He was obsessed with coffee, and he would take me all over New York – like, to the weirdest places – to try different coffees,” Ryder shared. “I’m 22, or whatever. he’s dropping me off wherever I’m staying, and I’m like, ‘I love you, you know. I really am completely in love with you.’ And he was like, ‘Aw, honey, noooo.'”
The actress humorously added that a decade later,she met the same man’s girlfriend,who was younger than her. Despite the romantic disappointment, Ryder maintains a friendly connection with him, stating, “I still play poker with him sometimes. It’s the best.”
Laura Dern: A Guiding Light in Hollywood
Ryder also credited actress Laura Dern with being instrumental in her career, especially during her early days. She met Dern on her first screen test for the 1986 film “Lucas” when Ryder was just 12 years old.”I don’t think I’d be here without her,” Ryder confessed.”I met her on my first screen test for Lucas (1986 film) – I didn’t know what a screen test was. Laura was ther to read for the older girl, and she talked me through it, ’cause I didn’t know what the f was going on.”
Dern’s kindness and support extended beyond that initial encounter. “She befriended me.I was literally 12 and – nobody knows this – she took me under her wing into my twenties. That relationship got me through.”
Passing the Torch to a New Generation
Now a seasoned veteran,Ryder is embracing her role as a mentor to the younger cast members of “Stranger Things.” She aims to foster a healthier viewpoint on fame and success among the young actors.
“I’ve been trying to sort of change this narrative with the kids, as they have it drilled into them that they’re so lucky and, you know, that this show ‘made’ them,” Ryder explained. “I’m like,’No. netflix is so lucky. You guys are the special ones. Like, you guys are magic.'”
Ryder’s extensive filmography also includes iconic roles in “Edward scissorhands” and ”Little Women.”
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Source: Press Association*