19 things you probably didn't know about 'Legally Blonde'

Jessica BoothJul 13, 2020, 20:04 IST

Reese Witherspoon starred in "Legally Blonde" as Elle Woods.MGM

"Legally Blonde" (2001) came out 19 years ago, but even die-hard fans may not know everything about the comedy.
The film is based on a true story, and Reese Witherspoon almost didn't get the role of Elle Woods.
Matthew Davis said he had crushes on Witherspoon and Selma Blair.
Ariana Grande recreated a scene from the movie in her "Thank U, Next" music video in 2018.

It's been nearly 20 years since "Legally Blonde" (2001) hit theaters. The comedy features Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a spunky blonde sorority girl who defies all stereotypes and gets into Harvard Law School.

Years later, there are still a few fun facts about the movie that even the biggest fans might now know.

Here are are some behind-the-scenes secrets about "Legally Blonde."

The film was based on a book that's inspired by a true story.

The book also came out in 2001, a month before the film. Amazon

The scene where Delta Nu votes to use name-brand toilet paper was based on a real sorority house.

Reese Witherspoon in "Legally Blonde." MGM

The role of Elle Woods almost went to Christina Applegate.

Christina Applegate almost starred in "Legally Blonde." Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Selma Blair almost didn't score the role of Vivian. It was originally offered to Chloë Sevigny.

Chloë Sevigny said she turned down the part of Vivian. Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images

Witherspoon met with real sorority members to prepare for her role.

Reese Witherspoon did her research. MGM Distribution Co.

Matthew Davis once said he had a big crush on Witherspoon.

Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Davis in "Legally Blonde." MGM

Davis has also said that he had a crush on Blair.

Matthew Davis had a few on-set crushes. MGM

Witherspoon filmed the movie shortly after having her first child, so she had quite a few sleepless nights.

Reese Witherspoon had a newborn daughter when she played Elle Woods. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

The movie almost had a very different ending.

Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods. MGM

Witherspoon said she got to keep all 60 of Elle's outfits from the film.

It's not necessarily for the reason you may think. MGM Distribution Co.

Davis said he based his character on one of the US presidents.

George W. Bush was an inspiration for Warner. Chris Livingston/Getty Images

The decision to make Elle's signature color pink was very deliberate.

All the pink was purposeful. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Witherspoon hung out in Beverly Hills to nail her character's personality.

She observed women from the Californian city. Flickr/Tony Hisgett

According to the writers, the "bend and snap" was a spur-of-the-moment, drunken creation.

Jennifer Coolidge and Reese Witherspoon in "Legally Blonde." MGM

Witherspoon has said that it was tough to play such an energetic character.

Reese Witherspoon didn't necessarily see herself in Elle. MGM Distribution Co.

A reporter once gave Witherspoon a 15,000-word dissertation on "Legally Blonde."

Elle Woods made it into a dissertation. Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Blair and Witherspoon were neighbors during filming.

Selma Blair in "Legally Blonde." MGM

The film inspired some women to go to law school, according to Witherspoon.

Elle Woods attended Harvard Law School in the film. Brooks Craft/Corbis via Getty Images

Ariana Grande paid tribute to the film in her "Thank U, Next" music video.

Ariana Grande recreated a scene from "Legally Blonde." Ariana Grande/YouTube

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