Matthew Davis felt a mixture of fear and excitement when he landed his first major film role as Warner in Legally Blonde. Coming from Salt Lake City, Utah, he felt out of his league and nervous about working with his talented co-stars. Despite harboring a crush on his fellow actors, Davis was anxious and overwhelmed throughout the filming process. His first scene involved breaking up with Reese Witherspoon’s character Elle Woods, which made him realize the magnitude of the project he had gotten himself into.
Even after two decades, Davis still faces criticism for Warner’s callous behavior towards Elle in the film. His character famously dumps Elle during a dinner date to propose to his Harvard law school classmate, Vivian Kensington. Despite moving on to other roles in television shows like Damages and The Vampire Diaries, Davis continued to be recognized as the “a–hole from Legally Blonde.” Witherspoon defended Davis, emphasizing that he was simply playing a character and not reflecting his true personality.
Despite the challenges of his first major film role, Davis went on to have a successful career in television, appearing in popular shows like The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legacies. While he struggled with nerves and self-doubt during the filming of Legally Blonde, Davis was able to overcome these obstacles and continue working in the entertainment industry. Witherspoon’s endorsement of Davis as a kind and genuine person highlights the difference between his character in the film and his true self.
Looking back on his experience filming Legally Blonde, Davis reflects on the impact of the movie on his career and personal life. The film’s success and enduring popularity have shaped his legacy as an actor, with audiences recognizing him for his role as Warner. Despite the challenges he faced during the production, Davis ultimately grew from the experience and continued to pursue his passion for acting in various television projects. As he navigated the ups and downs of his career, Davis’s performance in Legally Blonde remains a significant milestone in his journey as an actor.
