Michelle Pfeiffer recalls feeling 'humiliated' after 'Grease 2' audition despite breakthrough role

Michelle Pfeiffer has reflected on the audition that launched her Hollywood career, revealing she left her Grease 2 try-out feeling "humiliated" despite ultimately securing the lead role.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the actress recalled auditioning for the role of Stephanie Zinone in the 1982 musical with little expectation of success.

"I had zero expectations of landing this part," Pfeiffer said, explaining that her agents sent her to the audition "just for the experience."

She described the process as an intimidating "cattle call," with actors, singers and dancers waiting together while thin walls meant everyone could hear each audition.

"It was such a cattle call — there were actors and dancers and singers everywhere hanging out, coming in and out auditioning, and there were very thin walls," she said.

"All the other actors waiting to go in could hear your reading, could hear your singing. I was not a singer. I was taking voice classes to really improve my stage voice at the recommendation of my acting coach. And I certainly was not a dancer."

The dance audition proved equally challenging. Pfeiffer said she gradually moved to the back row because she struggled to remember the choreography.

"I left with my tail between my legs, feeling so humiliated," she recalled. Moments later, she said an assistant to director Pat Birch ran after her across the Paramount lot.

"I said something about being really embarrassed, and she said, 'Well, you shouldn't be because she wants you to come back tomorrow.'"

Pfeiffer went on to land the role of Stephanie, the leader of the Pink Ladies, in the sequel, which reversed the original Grease formula by pairing a rebellious girl with a good-hearted boy.

Although she doubted her singing ability at the time, her performance of "Cool Rider" remains a favourite among many fans of the film.