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"Private Benjamin"

When Goldie Hawn signed on to play Judy in the U.S. Army-based movie "Private Benjamin," she took the role very seriously. In order to fully understand what her character was going through, the "Laugh-In" star spent six weeks in boot camp. She also managed to infuse the part with her signature comedic skills, earning an Academy Award nomination for best actress in 1981. Hawn's co-star Eileen Brennan was also nominated, for the ... more 

"Private Benjamin"

When Goldie Hawn signed on to play Judy in the U.S. Army-based movie "Private Benjamin," she took the role very seriously. In order to fully understand what her character was going through, the "Laugh-In" star spent six weeks in boot camp. She also managed to infuse the part with her signature comedic skills, earning an Academy Award nomination for best actress in 1981. Hawn's co-star Eileen Brennan was also nominated, for the supporting-actress award.

Although neither actress took home the Oscar, Brennan would win an Emmy when she reprised the role of Capt. Doreen Lewis in the 1981 TV version. Hawn didn't sign on for the show, so Lorna Patterson took over the lead. Even though critics like the New York Times's Janet Maslin said the CBS show was "a creditable imitation" of the film, it was canceled in 1983 after three seasons. less