Key Takeaways:
- Michelle Monaghan revealed she used to be asked to remove her heels on set to not appear taller than her male co-stars.
- She recalled a specific “classic Hollywood moment” from the 2010 film Somewhere where her co-star stood on an apple box.
- The actress, 49, now firmly states, “I’m not going to take my shoes off for anybody,” signaling a personal and industry-wide shift.
- Monaghan recently starred alongside Mark Wahlberg in the action-comedy The Family Plan 2.
Michelle Monaghan is standing her ground—and keeping her heels on. The acclaimed actress recently shared that she has stopped accommodating requests to remove her shoes on set to appear shorter than her male counterparts, challenging an unspoken but long-standing industry norm.
A “Classic Hollywood Moment”
In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Monaghan, 49, reflected on how expectations for actresses have evolved throughout her career. She pointed to a specific memory from the set of Sofia Coppola’s 2010 film Somewhere, where she filmed a scene with actor Stephen Dorff.
“The only detail that I do recall from that scene is the apple box he’s standing on because he’s shorter than I am,” Monaghan shared. “It’s that classic Hollywood moment of, ‘This is an issue. You’re going to have to take off your heels.'”
“I’m Not Going to Take My Shoes Off for Anybody”
That era of making herself smaller, both literally and figuratively, is firmly in the past. Monaghan declared that she no longer adheres to the outdated practice, a decision that reflects a broader shift toward empowerment for women in Hollywood.
“By the way, I don’t do that anymore,” she stated emphatically. “There was a period in my career where that was expected of actresses, but now I think they just know better, which is probably a good thing.”
Her new rule is simple and non-negotiable. “I’m not going to take my shoes off for anybody,” Monaghan added, clarifying that the only exception would be for technical reasons, “unless it’s for sound.”
Standing Tall in Recent Roles
Monaghan’s confident stance comes as she continues to take on prominent roles. She recently starred opposite Mark Wahlberg in the hit Apple TV+ action-comedy The Family Plan 2. The film follows the couple as their family vacation is upended by figures from Dan’s (Wahlberg) past as a secret agent.
Speaking about her on-screen chemistry with Wahlberg, Monaghan previously told PEOPLE, “We really have a nice time working with each other. We really enjoy each other’s company.” Her empowered perspective highlights a welcome change where talent, not outdated physical standards, takes center stage.