The Sad Story Behind Geena Davis's Sudden Disappearance From Hollywood Finally Comes To Light
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Thelma & Louise actress Geena Davis was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated leading women. Then, suddenly, she was gone from screens and premieres, seemingly having retired from the spotlight. So, what exactly happened to make Davis disappear? Well, it appears that there’s a pretty sad reason for her fall from A-list status.
An Explosive Entrance
It may surprise you to know, however, that Davis became an actress practically by chance. She was actually working as a model, in fact, when she was cast in her first film: 1982’s Tootsie. And fortunately for the fledgling star, the comedy flick was a hit. Not only did it become the second highest-grossing film of the year, but it also picked up no fewer than ten Oscar nominations.
Short But Sweet
After that success, Davis was handed the role of Wendy Killian in ’80s sitcom Buffalo Bill; she even wrote one of the episodes. But, sadly, while the series was well-regarded by critics, people just weren’t tuning in. Ultimately, then, Buffalo Bill ran for only two seasons before being canceled.
Too Successful?
At around that time, Davis also experienced strife in her personal life. She had wed restaurant businessman Richard Emmolo in 1982, but the couple had split after only a year of marriage. After that, the pair had filed for divorce. And as Emmolo explained in a 2001 interview with the Daily Record, Davis’ success with Tootsie was partly to blame.
Splitting Up
Emmolo explained, “After Tootsie, Geena’s agent sent her to Hollywood. She got a co-starring role in the TV sitcom Buffalo Bill, and I moved out to LA to be with her. I loved her, but I hated Los Angeles, and I wanted to go home to New York. Eventually, Geena said, ‘I want to stay out here... without you.’”
