Actress Michelle Pfeiffer recently opened up about her initial audition for her breakthrough role as Stephanie Zinone in the 1982 film "Grease 2," describing the experience as "humiliating." This candid reflection offers insight into the early challenges faced by a star who would go on to achieve significant Hollywood success.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Pfeiffer, 68, recounted that she had "zero expectations" of securing the part when her agents sent her to the audition "just for the experience." She characterized the audition process as a "cattle call," with numerous actors, dancers, and singers present.

The setup, featuring thin walls, meant that those waiting could hear each other's readings and singing, adding to the pressure.

Pfeiffer admitted she was not a singer at the time, taking voice classes to improve her stage voice, and certainly not a dancer.

After completing the singing segment, she moved on to the dance portion, which she likened to scenes from movies where participants form lines and take turns performing in the front.

Lacking confidence in her dancing, Pfeiffer recalled moving "further to the back" and ultimately stumbling through the choreography.

She left the audition feeling deeply embarrassed, stating, "I left with my tail between my legs, feeling so humiliated." However, an assistant to director Pat Birch pursued her across the Paramount studio lot, informing her that Birch wanted her to return the following day.

This unexpected turn led to Pfeiffer securing the lead role.

In "Grease 2," Pfeiffer's character, Stephanie Zinone, leads the Pink Ladies, with the film reversing the original's premise by having a "bad girl" fall for a "good boy." Despite her self-professed lack of singing confidence, her performance of "Cool Rider" remains a memorable moment for many fans of the film.

Following "Grease 2," Pfeiffer's career flourished, notably with her role opposite Al Pacino in "Scarface." She later received three consecutive Academy Award nominations for her work in "Married to the Mob," "Dangerous Liaisons," and "The Fabulous Baker Boys." More recently, Pfeiffer has appeared in projects such as "Margo's Got Money Troubles" and Taylor Sheridan's "The Madison." She consulted Helen Mirren, who had worked with Sheridan on "1923," before committing to "The Madison," noting Mirren's positive experience with the writer.