Heather Graham said 'Boogie Nights' nude scene was 'terrifying' but that 'beggars can't be choosers'

• Heather Graham, 53, spoke to Yahoo Entertainment about her career-defining roles on Friday.
• Graham called her first nude scene on the set of 1997's "Boogie Nights" "terrifying."

Heather Graham reflected on the defining roles throughout her career in Yahoo Entertainment's "Role Recall" on Friday. The actor said that the nude scene she filmed in the 1997 movie "Boogie Nights" was a nerve-wracking experience for her.

"That was my first time [doing a nude scene], and I was so nervous about it. But at that point in my career I was also like, 'Beggars can't be choosers.' It was a great script and Paul [Thomas Anderson] was an amazing talent. I had a great time making that movie even though it was terrifying doing a nude scene," Graham said.

Graham did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Graham starred as Rollergirl in Paul Thomas Anderson's drama "Boogie Nights." The film follows Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg) as he starts a career in the porn industry in 1977 under the screen name Dirk Diggler. He builds a community of adult actors in Amber Waves (Julianne Moore), Rollergirl, and Reed Rothchild (John C. Reilly) as his life spirals out of control.

In the film, Wahlberg also has a full-frontal nude scene, but Graham pointed out the stark contrast of their experiences.

"He's wearing a fake penis so it's not exactly the same," she told Yahoo Entertainment.

In an interview with People published on Friday, Graham called out the "sexist" ways of Hollywood and reflected on the progress in the industry.

"More people care, but it's not suddenly equal," Graham told the outlet. "It's still pretty sexist, to be honest. Every phase of the business, whether it's financing, distribution, the reviewers, all those people are mostly men. To get a female-driven story that is appealing mostly to women through all these levels of male-dominated business, it's not that easy."

In her latest role, Graham stars alongside Dennis Quaid in the drama "On a Wing and a Prayer," on Amazon Prime. The film follows the true story of Doug and Terri White, a Louisiana couple that had to land their own small passenger plane after their pilot died mid-flight.

"On a Wing and a Prayer" is available to stream on Amazon Prime.