Lizzy Caplan is looking back on the challenging but ultimately rewarding path that led her to play Janis Ian in the 2004 teen comedy classic Mean Girls. Speaking on the podcast Podcrushed with Penn Badgley, the 43-year-old actress revealed how fiercely she fought for the role and how close she came to losing it during the lengthy audition process.
Caplan shared that from the moment she read the script, she knew she wanted to be part of the project. Calling it “the funniest script I had ever read,” she explained that she poured all her effort into the auditions, determined not to let the opportunity slip away.
Like many aspiring cast members, Caplan was initially required to read for the film’s two lead roles — Cady Heron, played by Lindsay Lohan, and Regina George, portrayed by Rachel McAdams. Actors were then reassigned to callback groups as casting directors narrowed down character placements.
Despite her enthusiasm, the studio wasn’t immediately convinced she was right for Janis Ian. Caplan recalled being told that Kelly Osbourne was the studio’s preferred choice at that time. Refusing to give up, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
With help from a hairstylist friend in Canada, Caplan created an edgy goth look to demonstrate her suitability for the role. “We went to Hollywood Boulevard and put on dark wigs and anything that would make me look like a goth kid,” she said, noting she even sent photos to casting to strengthen her case.
Her persistence eventually paid off. The actress emotionally remembered the moment she received the call confirming she had landed the role — a rare career milestone that she described as pure excitement and joy.
Caplan’s portrayal of Janis Ian would go on to become one of the most beloved characters in Mean Girls, cementing her as a standout talent in Hollywood.