Josh Hartnett is reflecting on one of his most mortifying moments from his acting career, revealing a particularly cringe-worthy experience from the set of “Pearl Harbor.” In a recent interview with ELLE, the 46-year-old actor opened up about his Hollywood comeback and looked back at a specific scene from the early 2000s that he still finds deeply embarrassing.
Hartnett, best known for his roles in “Black Hawk Down” and the critically acclaimed “Oppenheimer,” admitted that his most awkward moment on set involved a parachute scene with Kate Beckinsale. The scene, which features an intimate moment between Hartnett and Beckinsale’s characters, took an uncomfortable turn when Beckinsale brought her young daughter and her then-boyfriend to the set.
“I felt terrible the whole day,” Hartnett confessed. “That was super embarrassing. Thanks, Kate!” Although Beckinsale’s then-boyfriend was not named, it’s known that she was in a relationship with actor Michael Sheen during that period. Their daughter, Lily Sheen, was around one year old at the time of the film’s production.
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Despite the film’s mixed reviews, “Pearl Harbor” was a commercial success, grossing $449 million worldwide and significantly boosting Hartnett’s career. However, the intense scrutiny and fame that followed left Hartnett feeling uncomfortable and isolated. He later took a step back from Hollywood, returning to his roots in Minnesota to reconnect with old friends and find solace away from the spotlight.
Hartnett’s career resurgence has been marked by notable roles in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and the popular Hulu series “The Bear.” He is currently promoting his latest project, “Trap,” a thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan where he plays a protective father entangled in a serial killer’s scheme.
Reflecting on his recent experiences, Hartnett shared with The Guardian that his priorities have shifted. “I’ve figured out that as much as you’re worried about curating your career to things you’re interested in, I don’t believe that’s the most important thing anymore,” he said. “It’s about finding people who you really trust.”
As he navigates his comeback and balances his personal and professional life, Hartnett’s honesty about his past and his current focus on trust and family highlight his growth both as an actor and an individual.
