From childhood fears and unexpected talents to unique hobbies and unusual first jobs, Scarlett’s life is filled with interesting tidbits. Let’s get into these 20 weird and wonderful facts about Scarlett Johansson.
She Had a Crush on David Hasselhoff
Like many of us, Scarlett Johansson had her fair share of celebrity crushes. Growing up, she had a major crush on David Hasselhoff.
Yes, the iconic “Baywatch” star and “Knight Rider” hero captured young Scarlett’s heart. Of course, this was back in the day when he was considered quite the heartthrob.
She confessed to Jimmy Fallon that she even had posters lining her bedroom walls. Unlike most of us, though, Scarlett would get to meet her childhood crush in the flesh!
She Almost Played Another Avenger
Scarlett Johansson is iconic as Black Widow, but did you know she almost played a different Avenger? Originally, she auditioned for the role of the Wasp.
Scarlett was eager to join the superhero team, but fate had other plans. Eventually, she landed the role of Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow.
It’s fun to imagine Scarlett suited up as the Wasp, but we can’t deny she’s perfect as Black Widow. This twist of fate showcases how sometimes the right role finds you.
She Has a Twin Brother
Scarlett Johansson isn’t the only star in her family—she has a twin brother named Hunter. They share a special bond, being born just three minutes apart.
While Scarlett shines on the big screen, Hunter prefers to stay out of the limelight. He’s dabbled in acting but focuses more on political and community work.
Their close relationship is heartwarming, with Scarlett often bringing Hunter to red-carpet events. Having a twin means Scarlett always has a built-in best friend and supporter.
She was Rejected from NYU
Even Scarlett Johansson faced setbacks on her path to stardom. She applied to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts but was rejected.
This bump in the road didn’t deter her. Instead, she channeled her energy into her acting career, proving that rejection can be a powerful motivator.
Scarlett continued to pursue her dreams, eventually becoming one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses. Sometimes, life’s detours lead to the most incredible destinations!
She Had a Very Oniony Kiss with Matt Damon
Imagine being kissed by Matt Damon while you have the world’s strongest onion breath. Talk about a moment that will keep you up at night.
But for Scarlett Johansson, it was just another day in the life of a movie star. In a video from LadBible, Damon talked about the situation.
Apparently, they shared a very oniony kiss on the set of We Bought a Zoo. They’d both just returned from lunch and thought the kiss scene was wrapped.
She’s a Record-Setting SNL Host
Scarlett Johansson holds a special place in “Saturday Night Live” history as a record-setting host. She has hosted the iconic sketch show six times.
Scarlett’s comedic timing and versatile acting skills make her a favorite among fans and the SNL cast. Each time she hosts, she brings fresh energy and memorable performances.
Her repeated appearances highlight her ability to connect with audiences in different ways, showcasing her range and keeping us eagerly anticipating her next SNL stint.
Conan O’Brien Helped Spark Her Career
Did you know that Scarlett Johansson was a child actor? Her first paid acting gig was in a sketch on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” at the age of 9.
She played a spelling bee champion named Sarah Hughes for a segment that aired in 1994. Apparently, her early career wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.
She told Parade magazine in 2020 that she was rejected “constantly” from a very young age. Still, she eventually scored a role in “Home Alone 3” in 1997.
She Was the World’s Highest Paid Actress in 2018 and 2019
All of that talent and determination has its rewards. In 2018 and 2019, she was featured as the world’s highest-paid actress by Forbes.
It’s not altogether surprising. After all, her films have grossed more than $15.4 billion worldwide at the box office, making her the highest-grossing actress of all time.
She had an estimated earnings of $40.5 million in 2018 and $56 million in 2019. Still, Rober Downey, Jr. is reportedly the highest-paid member of the Marvel Universe.
She Loves the Little Mermaid and All Things Disney
It might be surprising given that Scarlett Johansson famously sued Disney over her royalties from the Marvel movies, but Scar Jo is still a major Disney adult.
She said she was on the edge of her seat waiting for the Little Mermaid reboot, and she still loves visiting Disney World multiple times a year.
It all started when she lived in Florida as a child, and her family had annual passes to Disney World. Despite her legal battle, she still loves Disney.
Her Love for Cheese Knows No Bounds
Unfortunately, Scarlett’s life in the spotlight has sometimes kept her from indulging in as much cheese enjoyment as she would like.
She once told the Daily Mail that she loves cheese, but she doesn’t eat it. She admitted that instead, she enjoys smelling cheese and even watching people eat it.
We can’t imagine spending time in France, which Scarlett often does, without grabbing a few slices of fine French cheese. But that’s the life of a star.
She’s a Citizen of Denmark
With the last name Johannson, it’s not all that surprising that Scarlett has Scandinavian roots. In fact, she’s actuall a citizen of Denmark as well as the US.
Her grandparents were named Ejner and Hedda Bainkamp Johansson. You can’t get much more Scandinavian than that! And she feels strongly connected to her homeland.
However, it seems her Danish language abilities are somewhat limited. Her parents apparently used Danish as a secret language when they didn’t want the kids to understand.
She Once Received a Taxidermy Bullfrog as a Gift
What’s the weirdest gift you’ve ever received? We’re willing to bet it was somewhat less weird than Scarlett Johansson’s answer, which is a taxidermy bullfrog.
What’s even stranger is that the unusual gift came from her then-boyfriend (now husband), Colin Jost. It was his very first gift to her.
Apparently, he left it on the floor for her with a note that read, “Hi Scarlett!” She tried to get rid of it but felt bad throwing it away.
She’s Afraid of Birds
You can learn a lot from a person by asking them what their biggest fear is. For Scarlett, her biggest fear (regarding animals, at least) is birds.
When filming We Bought a Zoo, she kept an eye on her feathered co-stars at all times. The other animals didn’t bother her—just the birds.
“Something about wings and beaks and the flapping. I’m terrified of them,” she told Vulture magazine (ironically). Apparently, it runs in her family.
She Has Her Own Tarot Card
How do you know you’ve truly achieved legendary status as a Hollywood star? We imagine that having a tarot card made in your likeness helps.
Scarlett Johansson’s unique beauty inspired Italian artist Francesco Clemente to feature her in a deck of specially painted tarot cards, along with other famous figures.
Scarlett’s likeness is used for the Queen of Swords card, which represents intellect, independence, and fairness. We think Scarlett was the perfect fit.
Her Mother Was Her Manager
As is the case for many child actors, Scarlett’s mother, Melanie Sloan, was her first manager. But this dynamic lasted a long time, all the way up until 2009.
At that time, Scarlett signed with another agent, cutting her professional ties with her mom. Her new agent was experienced with representing major stars.
According to an interview with Vanity Fair, Scarlett’s reason for letting her mother go was more personal than professional, as she had just married Ryan Reynolds.
She Had a Crush on Elijah Wood in Filming ‘North’
Scarlett’s very first movie role was as Laura Nelson in a movie called “North,” which was released in 1994. Her co-star was fellow child actor, Elijah Wood.
It’s no surprise that spending long hours on set can bring you closer to your co-stars. For Scarlett, that meant developing a tiny crush on Elijah.
Johansson revealed this fact in a video interview with Variety. She specifically remembered the intense lighting of the set and her crush on Elijah “very well.”
She Wasn’t the First Choice for Black Widow
It’s hard to imagine anyone else playing Black Widow in the “Avengers” movies now, but we easily could have had a totally different actress in that role.
Originally, the role was offered to Emily Blunt, who had to decline due to scheduling conflicts with another film, “Gulliver’s Travels.” This opened the door to Johansson.
Johansson expressed her excitement and gratitude for getting the part after initially being rejected, highlighting how she has sometimes made a career out of being the second choice
She Loves ‘The Catcher in the Rye’
Even with her hectic working schedule, Scarlett still finds time to settle in with a good book on occasion. She has a deep appreciation for literature.
Some of her favorites are “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger and “Middlemarch” by George Eliot. She seems to have an amazing taste for good reads!
If you want to go through Scarlett’s recommended reading list, you should also check out “Marjorie Morningstar” by Herman Wouk and “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” by Roald Dahl.
She Sued OpenAI for Using Her Voice
Scarlett Johansson’s voice is iconic, often referred to as husky or even raspy. It’s very recognizable, even in her voiceover work, like in the movie “Her.”
Her voice is so distinct that when people heard it as the text-to-speech voice used by ChatGPT, they reasonably assumed it was Scarlett herself.
Unfortunately, OpenAI did not have Scarlett’s permission to use her voice, and she opted to sue the company, who then put a hold on using the voice.
She Inspired Katy Perry’s Hit Single
Katy Perry has released some iconic singles, but one of her earliest was “I Kissed a Girl,” which took over the airwaves in the early ’00s.
Katy Perry originally claimed that the song was based on a real-life experience she had. However, she later admitted it was more of an imaginary scenario.
Apparently, the song was sparked by an evening in with her boyfriend, flipping through magazines and deciding she would like to kiss Johansson.
She Was Almost the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Did you know Scarlett Johansson was considered for the role of Lisbeth Salander in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”? Apparently, she gave an impressive audition.
But director Fincher ultimately decided she was too attractive for the role, fearing it would distract from the character’s gritty, intense nature.
Rooney Mara was eventually cast, delivering a critically acclaimed performance. Scarlett’s near-casting demonstrates how she continues to take on challenging roles.
She Supports Various Charities
Scarlett Johansson is passionate about philanthropy and supports numerous charities. She has been involved with organizations such as Oxfam.
Scarlett also supports Stand Up to Cancer, which funds innovative cancer research. Her charitable efforts extend to advocating for women’s rights and children’s health.
Scarlett uses her platform to raise awareness and funds for these causes, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact beyond her successful acting career!
She Was Married to Ryan Reynolds
Before her current marriage to Colin Jost, Scarlett Johansson was married to another famous actor: Ryan Reynolds. The couple tied the knot in 2008.
Their relationship was highly publicized, and they were considered one of Hollywood’s power couples. However, their marriage ended in 2011.
Despite the split, both Scarlett and Ryan have moved on and found happiness with new partners. Their marriage remains an interesting part of Scarlett’s personal life history.
She’s the 10th Highest Grossing Actor of All Time
Scarlett Johansson is one of the most successful actors in terms of box office performance. As of 2024, she ranks as the 10th highest-grossing actor of all time.
Her films have collectively grossed billions worldwide, with major contributions from her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including “The Avengers” series.
This remarkable achievement highlights her significant impact on the film industry and her popularity among audiences globally. Her success is a testament to her talent!
She Had Multiple Stunt Doubles While Pregnant
While filming “Avengers: Age of Ultron” in 2015, Scarlett Johansson required several stunt doubles due to her pregnancy. You can’t do those kinds of stunts while pregnant!
To maintain the film’s demanding action sequences and ensure Scarlett’s safety, the production team hired skilled stunt performers who closely matched her appearance.
The seamless integration of her stunt doubles is a testament to the movie’s production quality and Scarlett’s commitment to her role as Black Widow.
She Got Her Hollywood Star in 2012
In 2012, Scarlett Johansson received one of Hollywood’s highest honors: a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony was a significant milestone in her career.
Surrounded by fans and colleagues, Scarlett was celebrated for her contributions to the entertainment industry. The star is a testament to her talent and hard work.
Located at 6931 Hollywood Boulevard, it’s a permanent symbol of her success. Scarlett’s star is a must-see for fans visiting Hollywood.
She Starred in a Broadway Play
Scarlett Johansson has proven her acting chops on both the big screen and the stage. In 2010, she made her Broadway debut in the play “A View from the Bridge.”
Her performance was widely acclaimed, earning her a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play. The role showcased her versatility as an actress.
Broadway was a new and challenging experience for Scarlett, but she embraced it wholeheartedly. Her success on stage further cemented her status as an actress!
She Was Half of the World’s Most Attractive Couple
In 2010, Scarlett Johansson and her then-husband, Ryan Reynolds, received major accolades for their attractiveness. It makes sense that they found each other and fell in love.
Ryan Reynolds was named the “Sexiest Man Alive” by People magazine, a title highlighting his widespread (and let’s face it, undeniable) appeal and good looks.
Around the same time, Scarlett Johansson was named “Babe of the Year” by GQ magazine, celebrating her beauty and charm. Now that’s a power couple.
She Was the First Woman to Play Kaa the Python
Scarlett Johansson made history as the first woman to voice Kaa the python in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “The Jungle Book” in 2016.
Traditionally, Kaa has been depicted as male in previous adaptations, including the 1967 animated film. Scarlett’s portrayal brought a new and intriguing dynamic.
Her unique take on the iconic python added depth and freshness to the beloved story, showcasing her versatility as a voice actress.
She Sang in an Album with Pete Yorn
Scarlett Johansson isn’t just a talented actress; she’s also a singer. In 2009, she collaborated with Pete Yorn on an album called “Break Up.”
The album features a collection of duets that showcase Scarlett’s vocal abilities. Inspired by the musical partnership of Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot, the project was a hit.
Scarlett’s unique voice added a special touch to the songs, and the album received positive reviews. It’s a lesser-known but fascinating aspect of her artistic career.
She Was a Target of a Hacking Scandal
In 2011, Scarlett Johansson became a victim of a major hacking scandal. Private photos were stolen from her phone and leaked online, causing a media frenzy.
The incident was a significant invasion of her privacy. Scarlett took legal action, and the hacker was eventually caught and sentenced to prison.
This experience highlighted the vulnerabilities celebrities face in the digital age. Despite the ordeal, Scarlett remained strong and continued to focus on her career.
She Has a Passion for Cooking
When she’s not acting, Scarlett Johansson loves spending time in the kitchen. Cooking is one of her favorite hobbies, and she finds it incredibly therapeutic.
Scarlett enjoys experimenting with different cuisines and recipes. She’s known for making a mean roast chicken and often cooks for her friends and family.
Her love for cooking is a way to unwind and connect with loved ones. It’s a reminder that even busy Hollywood stars need a creative outlet outside of their professional lives.
She Spent Her 20th Birthday at Disneyland
As a true Disney adult, Scarlett Johansson celebrated her 20th birthday at Disneyland on November 22, 2004, instead of opting for a lavish Hollywood party.
Surrounded by family and friends, we assume Scarlett enjoyed an epic ay filled with rides, characters, and the enchanting atmosphere of the park.
This choice definitely reflects her playful and down-to-earth personality, showcasing her love for fun and whimsical experiences. Honestly, we couldn’t pick a better birthday venue.
She’s an Alumna of a Famous Acting Institue
Scarlett Johansson is an alumna of the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. This prestigious institution is renowned for its method acting training.
Alongside Scarlett, notable alumni include Frank Miranda, Mickey Rourke, Rosario Dawson, Dennis Hopper, and Julia Roberts. We wish we could say the same for our universities.
The rigorous training she received at the institute has greatly contributed to her depth and versatility as an actress, helping her to deliver powerful and memorable performances.