“I knew a girl who became a woman boxer”: Real-Life Female Boxer Knocked Down Clint Eastwood’s Archaic Belief That Landed Her a Role in $231M Movie

Clint Eastwood is a legendary actor and director known for his iconic roles in films such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Dirty Harry, and Unforgiven. In 2004, he directed and starred in the critically acclaimed film Million Dollar Baby, a drama about an aging boxing trainer and his young female protégé that earned $231 million worldwide.

Eastwood’s portrayal of Frankie Dunn, an aging boxing coach with a troubled past, was nothing short of exceptional. Eastwood’s performance earned him numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Director. In an interview, Eastwood spoke of one real-life female boxer he decided to cast in the film.

Who is that Real-life Female Boxer in Million Dollar Baby?

In an interview with Film Comment, Eastwood spoke about his decision to cast Lucia Rijker as Billie “The Blue Bear” Osterman, the undefeated world champion who fights Maggie Fitzgerald, played by Hilary Swank in the film’s climax. Rijker is a real-life boxing and kickboxing champion, and Eastwood was impressed by her toughness and skill.

Generally, Clint Eastwood had this thought that hardly there would be any female boxer. But what happened next was so impressive.

Eastwood said:

“I thought for a while that maybe women shouldn’t be doing the pugilistic type of thing. But I knew a girl who became a woman boxer. She was in Las Vegas and I was working there and I told Silvani, to go over and give her a hand, and he did. She did it for a while and then gave it up, wisely so, I suppose. I don’t know. Lucia Rijker, who’s in the film—she plays the “Blue Bear”·“

Clint Eastwood did not hold back in praising Lucia Rijker’s portrayal of “Blue Bear.” Eastwood has spoken highly of Rijker’s dedication to the role and her ability to bring authenticity to her character. He said:

“She is scary. She’s like iron. There’s a scene in the picture, I said we have to have Lucia for this…she’s a terrific lady. And she’s reached a pinnacle of success and adulation in a certain crowd that admires what she’s done. She’s a terribly fit person and she works very hard and more power to her.”

Rijker advised Hilary Swank behind the scenes on the finer details, including the numerous challenges of being a woman in the sport. Rijker, according to Eastwood’s statement, “helped Hilary a great deal.”

“She’s just a terrific gal, and she’s studying acting. So it worked out perfectly. She could play the part and she helped Hilary a great deal by giving her perspective on what it is to be a woman boxer and on some of the fine points of the art.”

Eastwood was impressed with Rijker from the moment he met her.

Clint Eastwood Himself Gave a Tremendous Performance in Million Dollar Baby

Eastwood’s performance in Million Dollar Baby is masterful. He perfectly captures the world-weariness and cynicism of Frankie Dunn, but he also shows the character’s softer side. Eastwood’s performance is both powerful and moving, and it is one of the reasons why Million Dollar Baby is such a great film.

Eastwood’s role in Million Dollar Baby is also significant because it is one of the few times he has played a supporting character in his career. Eastwood is best known for his leading roles. However, he is equally adept at supporting roles, as demonstrated in Million Dollar Baby.

Watch Million Dollar Baby on Prime Video.