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Winona Ryder has shared a charming story that’s taken fans down memory lane, revealing she once had a major crush on Hollywood legend Al Pacino, and even confessed her feelings to him. But in true Pacino fashion, the response was respectful, kind, and completely on brand.
The beloved actress, now 52, opened up in a new interview with ELLE UK, reflecting on her time working alongside Pacino on the 2002 sci-fi comedy Simone. While their on-screen partnership was professional, off-screen, a young Winona found herself completely smitten with the Oscar-winning icon.
She explained that prior to filming, they were both involved in a workshop for Shakespeare’s Richard III in New York. As a self-proclaimed coffee addict, Pacino would often take her for coffee around the city during downtime. It was during these quiet, personal moments that Ryder’s admiration grew into full-blown infatuation.
"I'm 22, or whatever. Finally, he's dropping me off wherever I'm staying, and I'm like, 'I love you, you know. I really am completely in love with you.' And he was like, 'Aw, honey, noooo,'" she shared with a smile.
While it may have been a mild heartbreak at the time, Winona clearly looks back on the moment with fondness. It wasn’t rejection in the cold Hollywood sense, it was gentle, kind, and entirely Pacino. She added, laughing, “Then, like 10 years later, I meet his girlfriend, who's younger than me.”
The actress, now 53, teamed up with the legendary 85-year-old actor in the 2002 comedy Simone (pictured in 2007).
Despite the youthful crush not going anywhere, Ryder maintains a good relationship with the acting legend to this day. In fact, she even revealed they still play poker together from time to time, proving that sometimes a Hollywood "no" can still lead to a lasting friendship.
Fans have responded warmly to the anecdote, noting how refreshingly honest and human it is in an industry often clouded by scandal and pretence. Ryder, known for her ability to connect with audiences both on and off screen, once again reminded the world of her down-to-earth charm and old-school Hollywood grace.
The story has sparked plenty of nostalgic chatter online, with many reflecting on Ryder’s legacy and Pacino’s lasting influence across generations. At a time when celebrity stories can often feel scripted, this heartfelt tale stands out, for its authenticity, warmth, and just the right amount of cheek.
