It’s been 23 years since My So-Called Life last aired, and Claire Danes can still recall how confused she felt over her first on-screen kiss with Jared Leto.
On Wednesday’s episode of The Howard Stern Show, Danes revealed that before filming her first kiss with Leto, the actor had to “teach” her how to follow the stage directions. Then 14 years old, the actress starred on the series as the precocious Angela Chase, whose on-again, off-again relationship with the street-smart Jordan Catalano (Leto, then 21) formed the backbone for the critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama.
“There were these stage directions in that scene where it says ‘Angela kisses Jordan’s face,’ and I was like, ‘What? What is that about? Why would she kiss his face?'” Danes recalled to Stern. “I had that question on set, and he had to try to teach me. It’s ridiculous!”
She also admitted that even though the pair aren’t close, she has “great affection” for Leto, who was “fraternal” and “protective” of her when they filmed My So-Called Lifebecause of their age difference. “He seemed ancient,” she said. “He was shockingly good-looking, it was alarming.” 