The 2007 indie film Juno captivated audiences with its witty script, heartfelt performances, and a compelling narrative about teenage pregnancy. The movie’s success was fueled by its strong cast, including Elliot Page, who played the lead role of Juno MacGuff, and Olivia Thirlby, who portrayed her best friend, Leah.
Fans of the film admired the undeniable chemistry between the cast, making Juno one of the most beloved coming-of-age movies of its time.
Behind the scenes, however, there was an untold story that remained hidden for years, only now coming to light through Page’s memoir, Pageboy.
During the filming of Juno, Page was in a unique situation, sharing a hotel room with his mother while working on the movie in Vancouver.
This arrangement, he later admitted, made things complicated when he met someone who would change his perspective on relationships.
Page described how he was instantly captivated by Thirlby the moment he saw her. He recalled how her long brown hair moved in slow motion, making her appear confident and mature beyond her years.
While they were the same age, Page felt that Thirlby had a sense of control and freedom that he hadn’t yet discovered in himself.
At the time, Page struggled with feelings of shame surrounding his identity. He had not yet publicly come out and was grappling with emotions he wasn’t entirely ready to confront. Despite these internal battles, a connection formed between him and Thirlby, something he had never experienced before.
The turning point came when Thirlby made her attraction clear, telling Page, “I’m really attracted to you.” Surprised but feeling the same way, Page responded, “Uh, I’m really attracted to you, too.”
From that moment on, things escalated quickly. Page described how they started kissing, and before long, they were intimately involved. What followed was a passionate relationship that played out in private, hidden from the rest of the world.
Page revealed that he and Thirlby were having s*x “all the time” during the filming of Juno. He detailed their encounters in various locations, including her hotel room, their trailers on set, and even a tiny, private room in a restaurant.
He admitted that they thought they were being discreet, but looking back, he now questions how subtle they really were. Despite the secrecy, the relationship helped Page in ways he didn’t expect.
Being with Thirlby allowed him to feel something new hopeful and free. He shared that his shame began to dissipate through their intimacy because he never saw a hint of judgment in her eyes. For the first time, he felt seen and accepted in a way that changed his outlook on himself.
Thirlby, who later came out as bis*xual in 2011, has spoken about the importance of embracing one’s true self. She once stated, “No one should have to hide their s*xual orientation.
Loving people is a necessary part of being human, and it is very difficult to love people in secret.”
Page’s memoir, Pageboy, dives deep into his journey, from struggling with his identity to embracing his truth as a transgender man. His experience with Thirlby was a significant chapter in that journey, shaping his understanding of love, acceptance, and self-worth.
The revelations from Pageboy have given fans a new perspective on Juno and the relationships formed behind the scenes. While the movie remains a fan favorite, the personal stories of its cast continue to add depth to the legacy it left behind.
Feature Image Credit: (SearchlightPictures)
