When I met Reese for 2001’s Legally Blonde (a movie that still holds up), she was playing someone dismissed as, well, blonde, but who challenges the status quo, forcing the world to acknowledge her abilities. This has been the theme of her own life. During that interview, she shocked the press corps by matter-of-factly advocating therapy if a couple or an individual were to find themselves in need of it. No sensationalism, just – if you need it, get help…
The same straight line from A to Z is exhibited in her career – there’s no drama. This mother of three sets a goal and executes. It was clear even then that she was not your typical starlet, but the driver of her own destiny. Her media company, Hello Sunshine, has recently been delivering one powerhouse series after another: the star-studded Big Little Lies, The Morning Show (with Jen Aniston), and Little Fires Everywhere, (which she co-produced with Scandal’s Kerry Washington, who also co-stars). The heroes are women, and in Little Fires, the person who is not white and privileged trounces those who are, in a way that opens up conversations and makes you want to have long debates about the emotions it raises.
In short, what Reese has done is tell tales women want to see. These are stories that reflect imperfect humans; that pit women against women and demonstrate the loneliness of trying to do it all and be everything to everyone else – the implicit sacrifice that women are driven to and raised to execute.
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Easter with edge
Grant knows what it's like to miss out on the celebrations that anchor family life.
The MALE bias
Historically, medical studies were mainly done on male mice and on men; and then extrapolated to treat women, as if a female body were just a smaller version of a male one. Here’s why that doesn’t make sense, and how to work with your body’s natural rhythm for better health.
Wellbeing
How to sleep better, feel better and look better!
The other type of CHEATING
Lies about money can have devastating consequences in a relationship.
THE 'PEST' IN PESTICIDES
oe r Despite many highly Hs hazardous pesticides being banned in their countries of origin, 192 of them are still legally exported to South Africa
START A BUSINESS LIKE a Saffer
There's nothing quite like a South African entrepreneur. In the face of adversity, they innovate and persevere. But what fuels that determination? We chatted to some self-starters to find out.
How to take the MONOTONY OUT OF MONOGAMY
It's easy to get complacent in a long-term relationship. Before you know it, your partner is little more than your roommate. Here's how to shake things up.
SUPER TROUPER
At one point, Josie Borain was the most famous model in the world. Her face was on every magazine that mattered. And in the madness of all that attention, she never lost her sense of self. She talks to us about turning 60, being single, and starting her third act with a move to the platteland.
Little wonder
Over the years we have visited 16 Greek islands, but when we first set foot on Halki, the little-known gem just south of Rhodes, we knew we'd found the closest thing to the perfect one. And we vowed to return. Often.
HOME AFFAIRS
These three entrepreneurs are redefining the heartbeat of homes through their unique blend of creativity, sustainability and purposeful design.