Alicia Silverstone admits brutal ’90s body-shaming that included Babe the Pig comparison still haunts her

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In the whirlwind of the ’90s, I found myself a constant presence, shining brightly on the silver screen, with roles that set hearts racing in movies like “The Crush.” I also had the opportunity to lend my charm to Aerosmith’s smoldering music videos, further solidifying my position as Hollywood’s most sought-after It girl. Quite an era, wasn’t it?

Originally from Northern California, now aged 48, this individual rose to fame as a teen idol with roles in Clueless and The Babysitter. Later, they captivated comic book enthusiasts by portraying Batgirl in the 1997 film Batman & Robin alongside George Clooney and Chris O’Donnell.

Despite being at the height of her popularity, seemingly invincible, the glamorous star was subjected to harsh criticism about her physique, facing body-shaming brutally.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share my excitement when reminiscing about a captivating article from 1996. This remarkable piece was given the attention-grabbing title, “A Weighty Issue,” as it daringly compared her enviable physique to none other than Babe the Pig!

In a new interview, Silverstone admits the cruel scrutiny still lingers. 

She shared with ET, “Back then, we approached things quite uniquely, and let me tell you, it wasn’t a walk in the park. However, everything turned out alright. No cause for worry.” Then she went on to say, “It’s an experience that lingers.

She also reflected on the challenges of skyrocketing to fame while still a teenager.

She explained that it was quite challenging for you, given your young age. As a child, you’re still maturing, and this is happening while others are watching.

‘For any human, it’s an awkward time… For any human, most of life is pretty awkward.’

The discomfort set in promptly, as her initial leading co-star, whom she needed to share a screen kiss with, was almost fourteen years senior to her.

When she landed The Crush at just 15, Silverstone found herself opposite Cary Elwes.

‘I had to kiss the guy from The Princess Bride!’ she recalled with a laugh. 

As a youthful admirer, I found myself under the impression that sharing a kiss on screen equated to us being boyfriend and girlfriend in reality, though I acknowledge it was more of a fleeting notion than a concrete truth.

Reflecting on the event that initially catapulted her into fame, she remembered the challenging audition for The Crush.

She shared that they called her for multiple auditions, giving her hope that she’d land the role. However, they ended up giving it to someone else instead.

She expressed that it felt quite unpleasant. Somehow, she seemed to sense that she needed to portray a character with a disturbed mental state,” is one way to paraphrase the given sentence in natural and easy-to-read language.

When the initial actress stepped down, the opportunity swung back towards Silverstone, ultimately resulting in her getting the role instead.

During the very same interview, Silverstone shared her thoughts about the notorious 1997 film Batman & Robin, a box office disappointment that ultimately led to her receiving a Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actress.

She initially felt that the release of Batman & Robin didn’t receive a lot of positive feedback, but later learned that it became many people’s favorite film over time. The movie is particularly known for its campy style.

Silverstone reflected on how her approach to acting shifted over the years. 

Prior to ‘Clueless’, she was notably spontaneous, instinctive, and exuded greater self-assuredness in her actions. However, following ‘Clueless’, she felt a brief spell of stress which led to a more intellectual approach or shift, lasting approximately three to four years, as she recalled at the close of that decade, with a hint of introspection in her eyes.

I deeply value acting, but there have been moments when I’ve needed to step away from it. However, the love for it always brought me back. I’ve discovered that one can balance multiple things in life.

Silverstone can currently be seen in the Acorn TV crime drama Irish Blood. 

She is set to be featured in Yorgos Lanthimos’ film “Bugonia” on October 24, and in the Netflix holiday romantic comedy “A Merry Little Ex-Mas” on November 12.

I simply can’t contain my excitement! I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be stepping back into my legendary character once more for the much-anticipated Clueless sequel series. Not only will I have the privilege of reprising my role, but I’ll also get to wear the producer’s hat as an executive producer – talk about a dream come true!

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2025-08-14 21:49