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Donovan's 'Showgirls' Near Miss and Career Turn
26 Sep
Summary
- Donovan was considered for the lead role in 1995's 'Showgirls'.
- She was devastated after Elizabeth Berkley was cast as Nomi Malone.
- Donovan starred in 'Clueless' that same year, launching her career.
In 1995, Elisa Donovan was a finalist for the role of Nomi Malone in the film 'Showgirls', a part that ultimately went to Elizabeth Berkley. Donovan, who had not yet starred in 'Clueless', felt she was close to securing the role after multiple auditions and positive feedback from director Paul Verhoeven.
The actress expressed significant disappointment at not getting the part, calling it the role she wanted most and did not get. She experienced a similar disappointment earlier that year when a New York stage production role went to Martha Plimpton, leading her to question her acting future.
However, Donovan soon achieved fame for her role as Amber in the 1995 teen comedy 'Clueless'. This film, released in July 1995, became an immediate hit and a cult classic, overshadowing the initial critical reception of 'Showgirls', which was released two months later in September 1995.
Donovan later reprised her 'Clueless' role for a three-season television adaptation, which aired from 1996 to 1999. The actress shared these reflections on the Still Here Hollywood Podcast with Steve Kmetko.
