Gina Gershon on Avoiding Prince and Dodging a Risqué 'Showgirls' Scene

Gina Gershon's new memoir, “AlphaPussy,” details her experiences growing up in California's San Fernando Valley during the 70s and 80s, navigating Hollywood, and dealing with challenging situations and people.

Early Challenges

In her youth, Gershon encountered difficult situations, such as avoiding unwanted attention at the Playboy Mansion and within the entertainment industry. She describes refusing to work with Prince due to discomfort with his controlling behavior despite the opportunity being significant for her career.

Hollywood Experiences

Gershon shares anecdotes about working with well-known figures. She praises Tom Cruise for his professionalism during their time filming "Cocktail." Conversely, she recounts challenges while shooting “Showgirls” under director Paul Verhoeven, particularly around scenes involving nudity.

Standing Firm in Career Choices

Her role in the film “Bound” was initially discouraged by her agents due to its portrayal of a lesbian relationship. Choosing to participate in the film led Gershon to change agents and ultimately contributed to a positive cultural impact.

A New Audience

Recently, she appeared in a “Saturday Night Live” skit, broadening her audience further. Despite stating that "AlphaPussy" isn't a self-help book, Gershon hopes it inspires women to stand firm against toxic influences.