Winona Ryder shares a lighthearted story about Jeff Bridges refusing to kiss her during an audition for Fearless because of their age difference, on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast.
Bollywood Fever: Winona Ryder recently revealed a humorous and memorable moment from her early career, recalling how Jeff Bridges refused to kiss her during an audition because she was two decades younger than him.
Speaking on Monday’s episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Ryder recounted her audition for the 1993 film Fearless when she was just 21 years old, while Bridges was 43.
“Jeff Bridges, who I love, like, wouldn’t kiss me because I was, like, too young,” Ryder shared with a laugh. She explained that they were supposed to kiss at the end of their scene, but Bridges hesitated, ultimately kissing her forehead instead, saying, “You’re, like, my daughter’s age, you know?”

Ryder found the moment endearing, even though she jokingly protested at the time. Bridges, now 74, shares three daughters—Isabelle, 43, Jessica, 41, and Haley, 38—with his wife of 47 years, Susan Bridges.
Although Ryder didn’t specify which role she was auditioning for, Fearless eventually starred Bridges, Isabella Rossellini, Rosie Perez, and John Turturro. Despite not landing a role in Fearless, Ryder’s career continued to soar that year when she starred in The Age of Innocence, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and a Golden Globe win in the same category.
Ryder reflected on how The Age of Innocence marked a pivotal moment in her career, as she transitioned from a teen actor to adult roles. “I feel like ‘Age of Innocence’ really was huge,” she said during the podcast interview.

Following her success in The Age of Innocence, Ryder went on to receive another Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Jo March in Little Women (1994) and starred in other acclaimed films like Girl, Interrupted. She is set to appear in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and continues to be a fan favorite with her role in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things.
Interestingly, Ryder also played a key role in casting Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, having been impressed with her performance in The Americans.
More Entertainment News, Bachelorette Finale Ends in Tears as Jenn Tran Reveals Devastating Breakup with Devin Strader
Katy Perry Opens Up About Relationship with Orlando Bloom in X-Rated Interview on ‘Call Her Daddy’
BBC Sets 25% Off-Screen Diversity Target, Boosting Representation in TV Production