Billy Baldwin is opening up about one of the most awkward moments of his acting career—filming an intimate scene with Hollywood icon Sharon Stone in the 1993 erotic thriller Sliver.
The actor recently recalled what he describes as his “most embarrassing” on-set experience, shedding light on the challenges of shooting steamy scenes for the big screen.
While Sliver is remembered for its provocative storyline and intense chemistry between its leads, Baldwin’s behind-the-scenes experience wasn’t quite as smooth. His candid recollection offers a rare glimpse into the often-uncomfortable reality of filming sex scenes in Hollywood.
Sliver, based on the novel by Ira Levin, was one of the most talked-about films of the early ’90s. Starring Sharon Stone at the height of her fame following Basic Instinct, the film followed a young woman (played by Stone) who moves into a luxurious New York apartment, only to become entangled in a voyeuristic mystery involving Baldwin’s character.
The movie was marketed as an erotic psychological thriller, relying heavily on steamy scenes and sensual tension between its leads. Given the film’s subject matter, Baldwin and Stone were required to film multiple intimate sequences—one of which, according to Baldwin, turned into a rather mortifying experience.
Speaking about his time on Sliver, Baldwin recalled a particularly awkward moment during a sex scene with Stone, describing it as “the most embarrassing” moment of his career. While he didn’t go into graphic detail, he hinted that things did not go as planned, leading to a less-than-glamorous situation.
“It’s not as sexy as it looks,” Baldwin admitted, explaining how the technical aspects of filming intimate scenes can make them incredibly uncomfortable.
Between the presence of a full crew, strict choreography, and the pressure to make the moment look effortless, actors often find themselves in awkward positions—sometimes quite literally.
Despite the discomfort, Baldwin credited Stone’s professionalism in handling the scene, noting that even seasoned actors can find such moments challenging.
Baldwin’s experience isn’t unique. Many actors have spoken about the difficulties of filming sex scenes, revealing that what appears sultry and passionate on screen is often anything but behind the scenes.
Intimate scenes are carefully choreographed, requiring actors to follow specific directions to ensure both aesthetic appeal and the comfort of all parties involved.
In recent years, the presence of intimacy coordinators on sets has become more common, helping to ensure that actors feel safe and respected during these vulnerable moments.
For Baldwin, the Sliver scene serves as a reminder that Hollywood romance often involves more awkwardness than passion. While the film aimed to capture raw chemistry between its stars, the reality of filming such scenes was far from spontaneous or glamorous.
Despite the challenges during production, Sliver remains a memorable entry in the erotic thriller genre. Though it received mixed reviews upon release, its sultry marketing and the star power of Sharon Stone helped it achieve cult status over time.
The film’s voyeuristic themes, suspenseful storytelling, and intense performances continue to intrigue audiences, even decades later.
For Baldwin, the movie marked a significant moment in his career, placing him alongside one of Hollywood’s biggest stars at the time. While the experience may have had its awkward moments, Sliver cemented his place in the ’90s thriller scene.
Billy Baldwin’s candid reflection on his most embarrassing sex scene serves as a reminder that Hollywood magic isn’t always as effortless as it appears. Behind every steamy on-screen moment is a carefully staged, often awkward process that actors must navigate with professionalism and patience.
Though Sliver pushed boundaries with its provocative storytelling, Baldwin’s behind-the-scenes anecdote offers a humorous and humanizing look at the reality of bringing such moments to life. And while he may remember the experience as embarrassing, for fans of the film, it remains an unforgettable piece of cinema history.