Long before Scarlett Johansson became known as Black Widow or appeared in Jurassic World Rebirth, she was a 13-year-old navigating the complexities of early stardom while attending school in Manhattan. Johansson reflected on this formative period during a May 25, 1998, interview with Katie Couric on TODAY, where she discussed her breakthrough role as Grace MacLean in The Horse Whisperer, highlighting the challenges and excitement of starting her career.
A Defining Moment and Connection to Her Character
Landing the role of Grace MacLean, a young woman recovering from a serious horse accident, was not just an audition victory but an emotional relief for Johansson. She described the feeling as incredible and emphasized that the end of the audition process brought a deep sense of release. What mattered most to her was that the character resonated with her personally.
“I was just, I couldn’t believe it, I was like, it was an incredible feeling. I mean there was a feeling of relief because the whole audition process was over,”
Johansson said.
She connected with the script on a level that felt rare and authentic for a young woman’s role in film.
“When I first read the script I thought, ‘Finally, somebody has finally captured the essence of a young woman’s role,’ which you can never find,”
she explained.
Reflections on Family Dynamics and Support
Johansson contrasted her own supportive family experience with the strained relationships in the film’s narrative, noting how fortunate she felt to have parents who listened and understood her career.
“I’ve been very lucky because I have parents that listen to me and that are very appreciative of what I do and very supportive and I think Grace’s parents aren’t really paying enough attention to her,”
she observed.
Learning from Robert Redford: A Valuable Mentorship
Working alongside Robert Redford, who directed and starred in The Horse Whisperer, provided Johansson with a unique educational opportunity early on. She praised his dual role as actor and director, which helped foster clear communication and learning on set.
“Working with him was amazing… I think it really helped that he’s an actor as well as a director because we could communicate so well,”
Johansson said.
Balancing Schoolwork with an Emerging Career
The interview took a revealing turn when Johansson talked about managing her school responsibilities while building her career, which often created a difficult balancing act. Despite the overwhelming moments, she expressed gratitude for living her dream.
“Yeah, it gets overwhelming, it gets difficult, because you have to get in that assignment but at the same time you’re reading your lines. So it gets difficult, but it’s like a dream come true. I couldn’t ask anything more,”
Johansson shared.
She also admitted that academics were not her strong point, lightening the mood when Couric joked about her chances of becoming a National Merit finalist.
No, Johansson laughed, demonstrating the humor and resilience that have accompanied her through the years.
Continuing Success and Personal Milestones
Over the years, Johansson has frequently returned to TODAY as both a guest and, more recently, as a co-host alongside Jenna & Friends. Another significant moment in her life took place at 30 Rock, where she met her husband Colin Jost, a Saturday Night Live staff writer and Weekend Update co-anchor, during her time hosting the show. Together, they welcomed their first child in 2021.
Legacy of Early Challenges and Future Impact
Scarlett Johansson’s early acting struggles balancing fame and school at 13 illustrate the complexities of growing up in the spotlight. Her experiences working with established figures like Robert Redford and managing academic pressures while pursuing her dreams laid a strong foundation for her successful career. This insight into her youth reveals the dedication and passion that continue to shape her path in Hollywood and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Scarlett Johansson’s religion?
A. Her family, originally named Schlamberg, escaped from Poland and Russia because they were Jewish. Johansson identifies herself as Jewish. She has an older sister, Vanessa, who acts as well. She also has an older brother, Adrian, and a twin brother named Hunter.
Q. What kind of twin is Scarlett Johansson?
A. Johansson, like Jenna Bush Hager, has a twin brother. Her sibling, Hunter Austin Johansson, completed his Master’s in Public Service at NYU’s Wagner School in 2019.
