LOS ANGELES, Jan 13, (Agencies): Envision a scenario where Julia Roberts almost didn't grace the screen in Notting Hill, all due to the awkwardness she felt about portraying another actress. In a recent interview conducted by Richard Curtis, a friend of 25 years and the screenwriter of Notting Hill, the 56-year-old actress revealed her initial hesitation in taking on the role of famous actress Anna Scott in the 1999 rom-com classic alongside Hugh Grant.

The discussion arose when Roberts shared her admiration for actors who approach their craft with technical precision, expressing envy for their diverse approaches to roles. Curtis acknowledged that, unlike some actors, Roberts tends to bring more of her authentic self to her roles, relying less on craft.

The challenge surfaced in Notting Hill, where she had to embody a famous actress. Roberts confessed, "One of the hardest things I've ever had to do was your movie [Notting Hill, 1999], playing a movie actress." She nearly declined the role due to the perceived awkwardness of portraying that character.

Interestingly, at that juncture, Roberts had already established herself as America's sweetheart with iconic roles in Pretty Woman, Steel Magnolias, and My Best Friend's Wedding. She later clinched an Academy Award for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich in the 2000 biopic.

Adding a touch of irony, Roberts later played Tess Ocean in Ocean's Twelve (2004), where she humorously portrayed herself in a scene where her character pretends to be Julia Roberts. A playful twist in her Hollywood journey.

Worth noting is that another famous actress auditioned for the role that ultimately went to Roberts: Nicole Kidman.