Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Reese Witherspoon Credits Gloria Steinem for Legally Blonde Inspiration
Reese Witherspoon remembered Gloria Steinem, a famous advocate for women’s rights.
Steinem died at age 92.
Before making Legally Blonde, Reese watched a documentary about Steinem.
Steinem talked about how important it is to see an underestimated woman become the hero of her own story.
This helped Reese understand Elle Woods in a new way.
Reese then decided to play Elle.
Years later, Reese met Steinem and told her how much she had helped inspire her.
Legally Blonde is about Elle going to Harvard Law School and proving that stereotypes about her are wrong.
Reese said Steinem worked for equality and freedom for all women.
Reese Witherspoon paid tribute to feminist icon Gloria Steinem after Steinem died aged 92.
Witherspoon said Steinem’s ideas changed how she viewed Elle Woods before accepting Legally Blonde.
A documentary featuring Steinem helped Witherspoon see the importance of an underestimated woman becoming her own hero.
Witherspoon later met Steinem at an event and thanked her for the inspiration.
Legally Blonde, released in 2001, follows Elle Woods as she challenges stereotypes and becomes a successful lawyer.
- Who
- Actress Reese Witherspoon paid tribute to feminist icon Gloria Steinem.
- What
- Witherspoon recalled Steinem’s influence on her decision to play Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.
- When
- Witherspoon shared the tribute after Steinem’s death at age 92; Legally Blonde was released in 2001.
- Where
- Witherspoon shared her tribute on Instagram and recalled meeting Steinem at an event.
- Why
- Steinem’s discussion of underestimated women becoming heroes changed how Witherspoon understood Elle Woods.
- Tribute shared by
- Reese Witherspoon
- Person remembered
- Gloria Steinem
- Steinem’s age at death
- 92
- Film influenced
- Legally Blonde
- Film release
- 2001
- Character played by Witherspoon
- Elle Woods
- Law school in the story
- Harvard Law School