Katherine Heigl, known for her roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Knocked Up,” has recently shared her newfound comfort in embracing the role of the “villain.” After facing backlash and being labeled as “difficult” due to comments she made in the early 2000s, Heigl has come to terms with her outspoken nature and has found confidence in speaking her truth.
Discovering Her Voice
During a candid conversation with her former “Grey’s Anatomy” co-star, Ellen Pompeo, for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, Heigl discussed her journey of self-discovery and the evolution of her public perception. Reflecting on her past actions, Heigl expressed her passion and strong beliefs, which led her to speak out against her role in “Knocked Up” and advocate for better working conditions on the set of “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Heigl explained, “I got on my soapbox and I had some things to say, and I felt really passionate about this stuff. I felt really strongly.” Despite her intentions, she faced significant backlash, which she found disconcerting. She admitted, “I didn’t think I was going to get such a strong reaction. I was in my late 20s.”
A False Sense of Confidence
Heigl acknowledged that her success on “Grey’s Anatomy” gave her a false sense of confidence, prompting her to become more vocal about her concerns. She admitted to becoming “mouthy” as she felt the need to stand up for herself and set boundaries. However, she also acknowledged her lack of understanding on how to effectively navigate those situations.
Katherine Heigl on her controversial 2007 interview: “I was so naive. I got on my soapbox and I had some things to say, and I felt really passionate about this stuff.” #ActorsOnActors https://t.co/lemCD7wIOj pic.twitter.com/uPfc9EF05s
— Variety (@Variety) June 6, 2023
Embracing the Role of the Villain
Through introspection, Heigl realized that she couldn’t please everyone and that the opinions of only a few truly mattered to her. This realization allowed her to let go of the need for validation and embrace her role as the “villain.” Playfully rubbing her hands together in a villain-like manner during the conversation with Pompeo, Heigl jokingly expressed her enjoyment of this newfound perspective.
Reevaluating Public Opinion
Over the years, public opinion of Heigl has shifted, with many reevaluating the backlash she faced in the past. Last year, Pompeo came forward in support of Heigl, praising her for speaking the truth about their workplace.
On her “Tell Me” podcast, Pompeo stated, “Of course, let’s slam a woman and call her ungrateful when the truth is she’s 100% honest, and it’s absolutely correct what she said.”
FAQ
1. Why was Katherine Heigl labeled as “difficult” in the past?
During the early 2000s, Katherine Heigl faced criticism and was labeled as “difficult” due to her candid comments about certain projects and working conditions. Her outspoken nature and willingness to express her beliefs led to backlash from some individuals in the industry.
2. How did Katherine Heigl come to embrace her role as the “villain”?
After facing negative reactions and being labeled as “difficult,” Heigl went through a process of self-reflection. She realized that she couldn’t please everyone and that she needed to prioritize her own convictions. This newfound perspective allowed her to embrace the role of the “villain” and find comfort in it.
3. How has public opinion towards Katherine Heigl changed?
Over the years, public opinion of Katherine Heigl has shifted. Many have reexamined the backlash she faced and have come to appreciate her honesty and willingness to speak out. Fellow actress Ellen Pompeo publicly supported Heigl’s past comments, acknowledging that she was ahead of her time in addressing workplace issues.
Source: HuffPost
