Gina Gershon talks about the provocative Showgirls and Prince’s questionable behavior.

Gina Gershon Opens Up in New Memoir

Gina Gershon is making her voice heard. In her latest memoir, *AlphaPussy*, the actress shares her experiences growing up in California’s San Fernando Valley during the ’70s and ’80s, detailing how she navigated the challenges of the porn industry’s rise and ultimately carved out a successful path in Hollywood.

Known for her roles in *Face/Off*, *Curb Your Enthusiasm*, *Riverdale*, and *Rescue Me*, she recounts her struggles, including facing harassment both on the streets and at the Playboy Mansion. She also writes about asserting herself in the entertainment industry, even leading to conflicts with notable figures, such as turning down work with Prince and challenging famous directors.

“It’s essentially a mix of my personal stories focused on overcoming toxic situations and difficult people while maintaining my independence,” she mentioned in an exclusive interview.

Despite the hurdles, Gershon reflects on some positive, albeit brief, encounters with stars like Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone, who once jokingly advised her to lie about her age. But her experience working with director Paul Verhoeven on *Showgirls* was incredibly taxing. Gershon describes it as a “constant psychological tug of war,” noting her fierce stand against his demands.

In one memorable instance, Verhoeven suggested a more explicit shot for the film. Gershon, not inclined to comply, crafted an inventive alternative. “I suggested a creative way to approach the scene that didn’t require showing that specific part,” she recalls, describing the imaginative portrayal she envisioned, which ultimately led to a shift in Verhoeven’s approach.

“He never mentioned that again,” she noted, emphasizing her determination to set boundaries. Gershon also shared a troubling episode from when she was 15, recalling a moment at the Playboy Mansion that could have taken a wrong turn but thankfully didn’t.

In contrast, she remembers Tom Cruise as a “true gentleman” during their time filming *Cocktail*. The two quickly sought a more tasteful approach to their intimate scenes, highlighting the supportive dynamic they shared.

Her interactions with Prince, however, were not as pleasant. When she was invited to discuss a role in *Purple Rain*, Gershon was taken aback when he wanted to change her name to just “Gina.” Feeling uncomfortable with the push for a new identity, she ultimately passed on the opportunity, despite recognizing the potential it offered.

Despite her regrets about not working with Prince, Gershon trusted her instincts when it came to her career choices. After *Showgirls*, she decided to star in *Bound*, a groundbreaking film about a lesbian relationship, even though her agent warned it might harm her career due to the risk of being typecast.

Gershon is proud of her role in *Bound*, reminiscing about how meaningful the representation was at the time. “It was a big deal to show a story like that and I’m happy to have been part of it. It resonated with many people,” she said.

More recently, she reached a new audience with a cameo on *Saturday Night Live*, expressing her admiration for co-star Bowen Yang. And while she labels *AlphaPussy* not as a self-help book, she hopes it can inspire women to advocate for themselves against toxicity in the world.