Legally Blonde is a classic: It’s hilarious, contains a message of female empowerment, has some iconic one-liners, and has inspired millions of people to channel their inner Elle Woods. But, beneath that entertaining facade, the film contained a message that saved one fan’s life.
Karen McCullah, one of the co-writers of the film, told Entertainment Weekly that she heard from a man who used a line from the film to work through his depression.
“I got an email from a guy who said that he was really depressed and was about to hurt himself when a friend called and asked him to go dancing,” McCullah shared with Entertainment Weekly. “He said no, he didn’t want to go out. And then after he hung up the phone, he remembered the line, ‘Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.’ So, he called the friend back, went dancing, had a great time, decided not to kill himself, and wrote me a letter saying, ‘That line saved my life.’”
Films, no matter if they are comedies, actions, or dramas, can impact our lives in profound ways, and McCullah was able to experience that firsthand. “What an offhand line to end up being so meaningful to someone,” she said. “That blew my mind.”
Remember, if you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, speak to someone at the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.