Kate Hudson's portrayal of Penny Lane in Almost Famous catapulted her to super-stardom, earning her an Oscar nod along the way. Penny Lane represented the cool, carefree 70's girl we all wished we could be and she taught us a thing or two about life and love:
If Penny Lane taught us anything in Almost Famous, it's this:
Lesson: Don't take life, or yourself, too seriously. That and be fiercely devoted to the music and musicians that shaped you and carry you through life, both the struggles and the successes.
"Famous people are just more interesting."
Lesson: While famous people may not be cooler or nicer or better than us non-famous folks, they are definitely more interesting. You can't tell me that Kim Kardashian's life is not infinitely more interesting than yours: Did your first marriage last only 72 days? Is your step-dad now a woman? Is your soon to be sister-in-law your half sister's boyfriend's baby mama? I didn't think so.
Embrace the power of a good nickname
Lesson: Penny Lane vs. Lady Goodman: point proven and lesson learned. You can change the entire path of your life by changing your name - and then swearing to never tell.
"You don't know what he says to me in private. Maybe it is love - as much as it can be..." -Penny Lane
Lesson: Just because someone says one thing to you behind closed doors, doesn't mean they aren't saying different things about you behind different doors. (Note: If you happen to be sleeping with a rockstar, it is all the more likely that this is happening to you too.)
Being a groupie is so uncool
Lesson: Being a groupie [or sleeping with a rockstar to be near someone famous] is totally uncool. Unless of course you're a groupie because of the music - you don't sleep with the rockstars, you inspire the music - well then, according to Penny Lane, rock on. (It is important to note here that Penny is sleeping with Russell, the rockstar, but she is apparently inspiring his music so it's okay, that according to the rules of the Band-Aids and Miss Penny Lane.)
Home is where the heart music is
Lesson: Singing "Tiny Dancer" at the top of your lungs will always make you feel right at home. Go ahead, try it.
And if you happen to be singing with a rock band and some Band-Aids on a tour bus, then you are home.
Follow your wildest dreams
Lesson: Go to Morocco, wear completely different clothes and be completely different people. Makeup a new name and make new friends. Live your biggest dreams like you're Miss Penny Lane. It's all happening!
