Claire Danes & Jared Leto

Claire Danes Once Took Kissing Lessons From Jared Leto

Home / Stars / Claire Danes Once Took Kissing Lessons From Jared Leto

By Fiyin Olowokandi on February 6, 2022 at 3:30 AM EST

Claire Danes is no stranger to kissing scenes, but that was not always the case as she once needed to be schooled on it.

The winner of three Primetime Emmy awards was once a young and clueless 14-year-old onset of the "My So-Called Life" series.

After finding out she would have to do a kiss scene, the teenage star turned to her senior Jared Leto for some classes.

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Clare Danes Took Kissing Lessons From Jared Leto

Jared Leto was likely not expecting to become a practical teacher on the set of "My So-Called Life" in the 90's when he was introduced to his co-star.

In the ABC series, Danes played the role of  Angela Chase, a beautiful high school student finding her way through her adolescent years.

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Claire Danes at 'Homeland' 8th and Final Season Premiere
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The story's central theme was her crush on Jordan Catalano (Leto), which meant they would eventually get intimate with each other in the series.

In a recent interview on Dax Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast, the "Stardust" actress explained that though she had some lip-locking experience, her role featured “more of an involved kiss" than she had ever had.

Danes remembered that she felt clueless about how to kiss Leto when she read the script, saying, “So Jared had to explain that to me, which was very embarrassing.”

When asked if she had a crush on her handsome co-star back then, the blonde beauty replied that he was way older than her, and she was too terrified of him for that to happen.

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Danes considered Leto an older brother to her while filming the movie, noting, "It was very fraternal. And he was actually pretty protective of me.”

The "Thirty Seconds to Mars" singer shared his thoughts on becoming a famous heartthrob through his role in "My So-Called Life."

While speaking to Rolling Stone in 2016, Leto said that though his role on the show impacted his career, it was blown out of proportion.

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Jared Leto at the "House of Gucci" UK film premiere
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The "Suicide Squad" actor explained that his time on the sitcom felt like a short period of his life, adding:

" I have a lot of gratitude for starting there, but they made such a big deal of the character in the show… I think for some people, especially girls at that time, it mirrored something in their lives."

Leto credited the ABC series for impacting others yet being imbalanced with what the experience was for him back then.

In another interview with Entertainment Tonight, Danes looked back fondly on her time on the sitcom, which she feels may have been way ahead of its time.

The "Little Women" actress believes that, “It was kind of radical to be inside a teenage girl’s brain like that.” 

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When asked if she would ever consider a "My So-Called Life" reboot, Danes noted that she was still in contact with a number of her co-stars.

Regardless of the existing camaraderie between the "Temple Grandin" actress and her former crew members, she believes a reboot may likely never happen. 

Nevertheless, Danes is happy with the show even if it does not get a second story, adding, “but I’m so grateful that it’s had this afterlife that it’s had.”

Claire Danes & Hugh Dancy at 2021 VIP MET GALA
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Behind The "Homeland" Actress's Rock Solid Marriage To Hugh Dancy

Just like the plot of a romantic movie, Danes met Hugh Dancy onset of the 2007 movie "Evening" and every member of the set was aware of their blossoming love according to The List.

"Evening" co-star Mamie Gummer told Bustle, "I was there when it was happening, and it's something that I will never forget. I'm incredibly happy for them. They are perfect for each other."

While on the "Armchair Expert" podcast in 2017, Danes recalled the moment that signaled the end of her life as a single woman. She had said to herself, "I think I'm going to marry this person."

Danes noted that marriage had its challenges, but it was a plus to be in a partnership with "someone you trust and admire, and want to make out with."

The mother-of-two gushed that she likes having a spouse as it makes her feel very secure, and as a bonus, she is with someone she loves.

Danes and Dancy tied the knot in France in 2009. They welcomed Cyrus in 2012 and Rowan In 2018 and have lived happily ever after.

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