10 Things You Should Know About Greta Gerwig— Including Her First Kiss!

With the upcoming release of Little Women, Greta Gerwig is quickly becoming a household name. The Lady Bird director is breaking boundaries in the film industry and being nominated in the best director category for the Oscars is only the beginning for this rising filmmaker. She's loved for her authenticity and the unspeakable way she is able to bring a film to life. Plus, did we mention she and longtime boyfriend of eight years Noah Baumbach gave birth to the cutest baby boy last March? Of course both stars aren't too big when it comes to sharing a personal life on social media, creating quite a buzz when spotted walking around New York with a stroller in hand. We've put together 10 fun facts you might not know, from how her go-to karaoke song came to be and where she had her first kiss — all of which will leave you wishing you were Greta's BFF.

She Is the 5th Woman to Be Nominated For Best Director at the Oscars
Getty | Noam Galai

She Is the 5th Woman to Be Nominated For Best Director at the Oscars

Although Greta Gerwig didn't win the coveted award for best director in 2018 for Lady Bird at the Oscars, she did break an eight-year streak where no woman was nominated in this category.

Her Go-To Karaoke Song Is "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel
Getty | Tim P. Whitby

Her Go-To Karaoke Song Is "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel

Greta Gerwig blames her love for the song on being "one of those teenage girls who think knowing all the words to this song will guarantee you a boyfriend until you realize about 30 seconds too late that it won't." She may have the boyfriend part locked down now, but I think we all would still be interested in hearing Greta sing karaoke to Billy Joel.

She Used Her High School as Inspiration For Lady Bird
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She Used Her High School as Inspiration For Lady Bird

Lady Bird isn't a direct light in the life of young Greta Gerwig, but she does hint of some similarities, one being her high school. "It's not literally autobiographical, but it's really close to my heart and it's really personal," Greta said to ABC10 while at a 2017 screening of Lady Bird in Sacramento, CA.

Her former drama teacher, Cheryl Watson, who still teaches at the high school, had such an impact on Greta that her daughter, Rebecca Light, made a cameo in the film as the wife of the school math teacher.

Her Real-Life Parents Portrayed Her Parents in the 2012 Film Frances Ha
Getty | Ray Tamarra

Her Real-Life Parents Portrayed Her Parents in the 2012 Film Frances Ha

In the black-and-white comedy, Greta Gerwig's real-life parents, Gordon and Christine Gerwig, portrayed her character's parents. Neither her mom nor dad had had any acting experiencing prior to this movie. Greta was nominated for a Golden Globe in the best actress category for her role as Frances Ha.

Her First Kiss Was in a Hot Tub! Steamy!
Getty | Taylor Hill

Her First Kiss Was in a Hot Tub! Steamy!

You're in the hot tub with your crush who you've been wanting to kiss for the last six months and you both finally muster up the courage to do it. It's great and you start making out, quoting the Little Prince, and then you both ride your bikes back home. That was Greta Gerwig's first kiss and it's almost as if it was played out like '90s movie love scene.

Greta Wore a Prom Dress While Directing Prom Scenes in Lady Bird
Getty | Tommaso Boddi

Greta Wore a Prom Dress While Directing Prom Scenes in Lady Bird

Greta Gerwig's decision to wear a prom dress while directing the scenes in which Lady Bird heads to her senior prom wasn't just so she, herself, could get into character or the high school spirit; but, to make everyone on set feel like they were on an even playing field. "I know some directors like to run their sets based on fear, but I wanted to create an environment where people can come and talk to you and not try to hide or throw someone else under the bus," Gerwig told Entertainment Weekly.

She Grew Up as a Ballerina
Getty | KYLE GRILLOT

She Grew Up as a Ballerina

Before she was a filmmaker, Greta Gerwig dabbled in the dance world. First she tried ballet but with troubled knees and a rigorous (and unhealthy) diet, she traded her ballet slippers for hip-hop moves. In high school her hip-hop dance troupe was called Touch of Style.

Greta Was Rejected From Film School
Getty | Phillip Faraone

Greta Was Rejected From Film School

You would never guess it, but Greta Gerwig was never accepted into any MFA programs for playwriting. She took this opportunity to learn the ropes by acting in low-budget and independent films such as LOL, Nights and Weekends, and Hannah Takes the Stairs. It wasn't until 2010 when she hit mainstream filmmaking after starring in Greenberg. It was also on set of this film where she met her partner, Noah Baumbach.

Her College Has Recognized Her as a Trailblazer in the Film Industry
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Her College Has Recognized Her as a Trailblazer in the Film Industry

The Joan Rivers '54 Trailblazer Award is given to an honoree who "exemplifies the boldness, creativity, courage, and strength of character that were integral to Joan Rivers' groundbreaking career" according to Barnard College's website. The 2006 graduate received the award in 2019 at its Annual Gala.

The Future of the Internet Might Be What Greta Is Most Worried About
Getty | Tibrina Hobson

The Future of the Internet Might Be What Greta Is Most Worried About

When asked what she thinks about the internet, Greta Gerwig compared herself to an old man. In a Screen Test with W magazine, Greta said, "I am actually worried about what it is doing to our brain and our sense of connection. I just worry that it is actually making people more lonely than it is bringing people joy."