Rachel McAdams On Being ‘Petrified And Exhilarated’ Stripping Down To Pink Bikini In First Hollywood Movie

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It’s easy to forget that Rachel McAdams’ rise to fame was a bit of a surprise. Before becoming known for iconic roles like in The Notebook, a hugely popular romantic film, she was just starting out, mostly appearing in mainstream comedies. One of her first big scenes involved a revealing moment – she had to appear in a bright pink bikini in a raunchy comedy – and she’s now talking about how both scared and excited she felt taking on that first major Hollywood role.

In a recent interview with Variety, Rachel McAdams looked back on her career, from her beginnings doing comedy to receiving awards and earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She also remembered her first studio movie, The Hot Chick (available on Hulu), and a challenging moment that immediately tested her as an actress. McAdams shared:

I felt a mix of terror and excitement. There I was, backstage in work clothes, about to walk out in a bright pink bikini and perform as a male stripper in front of everyone on set of my first Hollywood film.

McAdams was starring in a movie where her high school character traded bodies with an adult man, played by Rob Schneider. The role required both funny physical scenes and a surprising amount of emotional openness, especially for someone just starting out in major films. She remembers one scene in particular vividly, even years later, and continued to explain:

I’ll always remember the moment the music started – I actually saw it as an exciting acting opportunity. I took a deep breath, reminded myself to seize the moment, and just went for it.

McAdams quickly stood out because she fully commits to her roles. In The Hot Chick, she’s hilariously over-the-top, bold, and surprisingly relatable, even with the movie’s crazy plot. This role got her noticed in Hollywood and led to bigger opportunities, like Mean Girls, and eventually, her breakout success in The Notebook.

McAdams initially planned to be a stage actress and never imagined she’d end up in Los Angeles. When she got the part in Hot Chick, she figured it wasn’t a big deal, and that allowed her to take chances that other young actors might have avoided. As she explained:

I really enjoyed discovering the vibrant theater community in Toronto. I used to dismiss talk about New York or Los Angeles, probably because I felt insecure or simply couldn’t picture myself anywhere else.

Rachel McAdams has built an impressive career over the years, successfully starring in comedies, romances, dramas, and thrillers. She’s won over both moviegoers and critics. Interestingly, she vividly remembers a particularly challenging and emotional moment from her work as one of her most memorable experiences.

Anna Faris, known for movies like Wedding Crashers, has remained consistently busy since her breakout role in The Hot Chick (2002). However, it’s been some time since fans have seen her in a true thriller. That’s about to change with her upcoming film, Send Help, directed by Sam Raimi, which is scheduled for release on January 30, 2026.

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2026-01-21 20:17