Michelle Pfeiffer has reflected on the audition that launched her Hollywood career, revealing she left her Grease 2 try-out feeling "humiliated" despite ultimately securing the lead role.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the actress recalled auditioning for the role of Stephanie Zinone in the 1982 musical with little expectation of success.

"I had zero expectations of landing this part," Pfeiffer said, explaining that her agents sent her to the audition "just for the experience." She described the process as an intimidating "cattle call," with actors, singers and dancers waiting together while thin walls meant everyone could hear each audition.

The dance audition proved equally challenging. Pfeiffer said she gradually moved to the back row because she struggled to remember the choreography. "I left with my tail between my legs, feeling so humiliated," she recalled.

Pfeiffer went on to land the role of Stephanie, the leader of the Pink Ladies, in the sequel, which reversed the original Grease formula by pairing a rebellious girl with a good-hearted boy.