It became the defining role of her career, landing her an Oscar and cementing her place as one of Hollywood's biggest stars.
But, Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed that she very nearly turned down the opportunity to play Viola de Lesseps in 1998's Shakespeare in Love, because she was so devastated by her split from Brad Pitt.
The actress, 53, enjoyed a high-profile relationship with the movie star, 62, after starring as husband-and-wife in Seven in 1994, with the couple even getting engaged, before calling it quits in 1997.
The following year, Gwyneth was offered the chance to play the fictional lover of William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love, opposite Joseph Fiennes.
However, she admitted she initially turned down the part, because she was still getting over her 'terrible heartbreak' after her split from Brad.
She told OK!: 'I passed on it because I was nursing a terrible heartbreak and I didn't feel like I could do much of anything.'
Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed that she very nearly turned down the opportunity to play Viola de Lesseps in 1998's Shakespeare in Love, because she was so devastated by her split from Brad Pitt (seen in film)
The actress, 53, enjoyed a high-profile relationship with the movie star, 62, after starring as husband-and-wife in Seven in 1994, with the couple even getting engaged, before calling it quits in 1997 (seen in 1995)
Fortunately for the star, she was urged to reconsider and after reading the script realised that she was making a big mistake.
'I went back and I read it again and then I thought, "Am I out of my mind? I've got to do this movie",' she said.
The Marty Supreme star's performance received widespread acclaim and she went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress the following year.
However, she confessed to struggling to process receiving the prestigious honour at just 26 years old, recalling: 'It was really weird. I felt lost. I really didn't know what it meant. I didn't know what I was supposed to do after that.'
Gwyneth also reflected on the impact of the 1998 period film on her life, bringing her to a whole new level of stardom.
'It just changed my life,' she explained. 'I don't think it ever went back to normal. I think you cross into some hemisphere of being recognized.
'It happens in steps and stages, but that was like, "OK, you're categorically not this anymore. You're in this realm!"'
Looking back on her romance with Brad in 2015, Gwyneth admitted that she 'wasn't ready' to commit to the Fight Club star, saying she was too young at the time.
The Marty Supreme star's performance received widespread acclaim and she went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress the following year (seen)
However, she admitted she initially turned down the part, because she was still getting over her 'terrible heartbreak' after her split from Brad (seen in 1997)
She told Howard Stern: 'I definitely fell in love with him. He was so gorgeous and sweet. I mean, he was Brad Pitt! My father was devastated [when we broke up]. My father loved him like a son.
‘I was such a kid. I was 22 when we met. It’s taken me until 40 to get my head out of my ass. You can’t make that decision when you’re 22 years old. I wasn’t ready, and he was too good for me.’
But despite their split, the two stars have remained on friendly terms, with Gwyneth telling Harper's Bazaar in 2020: 'I'm friendly with Brad Pitt. I don't have any really bad blood'.
While in a gushing interview together in 2022 for her wellness brand, Goop, the exes admitted they still have a lot of love for each other.
Chatting about her late father and famed film director Bruce Paltrow, who passed away in 2002, Gwyneth spoke about the bond that he'd had with Brad.
She shared: 'I'll never forget when we were engaged and he came to me one day, his eyes full of tears, and he said, "You know, I never really realized what they mean when they say you're gaining a son. Like, I'm gaining a son."'
She then asked Brad: 'What impact did he have on you? Why did you love him, even though we didn't get married, unfortunately.'
While in a gushing interview together in 2022 for her wellness brand, Goop, the exes admitted they still have a lot of love for each other (seen in 1996)
Brad - who went on to marry Jennifer Aniston and then Angelina Jolie - responded: ‘Yeah, right. [Laughs.] Oh man, everything works out, doesn’t it?’
Gwyneth then referred to her now husband Brad Falchuk, adding: ‘Yes, it does. I finally found the Brad I was supposed to marry. It just took me 20 years.’
‘And it’s lovely to have you as a friend now,’ Brad said, adding: ‘And I do love you.’
Gwyneth responded: ‘Love you so much.’