Ashley Judd recently appeared as a guest on The Ellen Degeneres Show, where she surprised everyone with a hidden talent – square dancing. Known for her acting skills in films such as A Time to Kill and Double Jeopardy, Judd showed off her dancing skills on the popular talk show.
The segment started with thunderous applause as Ellen introduced Judd as a talented actress whose films have captured the hearts of millions. Judd’s recent venture as the face of Estée Lauder’s latest skincare line, American Beauty, was also mentioned, further emphasizing her versatility.
In the interview, Judd recounted a funny incident that had left her in a cranky mood earlier in the day. She had mistakenly consumed coffee for the first time in a year, which, as she humorously put it, made her “bitter and violent.” Judd explained that she usually sticks to hot water and has a personal connection to it as she used to serve it in her childhood imaginary restaurant. She fondly recalled her days as a young entrepreneur, even though she didn’t charge her imaginary friends for the hot water.
As the conversation continued, Judd’s husband, Dario, who is a race car driver, became a topic of discussion. Judd playfully revealed that he was currently out shopping with friends while she was on the show. The couple seemed to have a unique dynamic in their marriage, with Judd jokingly mentioning that they enjoy role reversal, where she focuses on her work while he takes charge of the shopping.
The discussion took an endearing turn as Judd talked about her upcoming third anniversary with Dario. She shared that their first anniversary had a traditional wood theme, and she gave him a beautiful wooden calligraphy pen. However, she humorously admitted that she was so obsessed with what Dario would gift her that she didn’t give him anything, which she jokingly referred to as “the most rude thing” she had ever done. This year’s gift, following the traditional theme of leather for the third anniversary, was yet to be decided, but Judd hinted that something related to Dario’s love for Ferraris with their distinctive leather seats might be in store.
Ellen, always curious and engaging, delved into Judd’s involvement with the race car driving world. Judd admitted that she was initially nervous about getting involved as she had no prior knowledge of the sport. However, she quickly became fascinated by the speed and precision of pit stops and soon found herself stretched out on the pit wall, reading the Sunday New York Times during races. Judd expressed her unwavering support for her husband’s passion, leading to a heartwarming moment in the interview.
Apart from her acting and face of American Beauty, Judd also discussed her recent partnership with Estée Lauder. In a refreshing departure from the usual practice of extensive airbrushing and touch-ups, Judd revealed that the ad campaign featuring her had no retouching whatsoever. She praised the brand for embracing authenticity and allowing her natural beauty to shine through. The conversation lightened up as Judd shared her fun experience shooting the commercial, particularly when working with dogs on set. She playfully mentioned that while the dogs received hours of attention, she appreciated the effort put into capturing her true self.
To make the interview even more interactive, Judd decided to teach Ellen a few square dance moves. They formed a square with audience members as partners, and the room was filled with laughter as Judd guided them through basic steps. Ellen, always quick-witted, ensured a lighthearted atmosphere as she playfully participated in the dance routine.
The interview concluded with a delightful exchange, with Judd expressing her gratitude by honoring her partner and appreciating the opportunity to teach Ellen some square dancing. The audience was in for a treat as they received gift bags, courtesy of Estée Lauder, featuring their American Beauty products.
Overall, Ashley Judd‘s appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show was filled with laughter, genuine moments, and newfound appreciation for the art of square dancing. The actress showcased her versatility, not only as an entertainer but also as a supporter of authenticity and embracing one’s true self.
Originally aired on November 10, 2004
