Reese Witherspoon revisited the campus where her iconic character Elle Woods studied in the 2001 hit ‘Legally Blonde’, joining students for a special event titled “A Conversation on Women & Leadership.”

The actor and entrepreneur discussed storytelling, empowerment, and business — while also reviving the film’s legacy moment with a live “Bend and Snap” demonstration that drew laughter and applause.

Witherspoon later shared an Instagram reel of her Harvard visit, captioned “What, like it’s hard?” The post showed her interacting with students, carrying a pink notebook and furry pen — all nods to her beloved character’s style. University representatives noted that ‘Legally Blonde’ has become a cultural fixture for incoming students, celebrated for its message of confidence and perseverance.

Speaking to the packed audience, Witherspoon said her role as Elle Woods opened her eyes to the lack of women’s stories in mainstream media. That realisation led her to found her media company, Hello Sunshine, to amplify female voices in film and publishing.

Her appearance illustrated how she turned a comedic portrayal of a law student into a real-world success story spanning production, fashion, and literature. “Leadership isn’t about titles,” she told students. “It’s about creating space for others and shaping culture.” The famed “Bend and Snap,” she added, could just as easily stand for confidence and joy as for nostalgia.

Fans flooded social media with praise, calling her talk inspiring and full of humour. Many said her return to Harvard symbolised the evolution of Elle Woods – from fictional sorority girl to cultural icon and example of female leadership.

For Witherspoon, the visit bridged fiction and reality, proving that even a pink notebook can carry lessons in ambition and resilience.