It’s official—Ava Phillippe is stepping into the spotlight, and her very first acting role is already giving major Legally Blonde vibes. The 24-year-old daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe makes her debut on ABC’s Doctor Odyssey, and fans are immediately spotting the sweet (and very pink) tribute to one of her mum’s most legendary movie moments.
Ava appears in tonight’s (April 3) episode titled “Spring Break,” airing at 9/8c on ABC, and it’s safe to say viewers are already buzzing about it. The network teased the episode with a delightfully chaotic synopsis:
“Spring break hits The Odyssey as three college ‘vixens’ set their sights on Max (Joshua Jackson).”
So, who are these so-called vixens? Ava’s joined by Paris Jackson (yes, that Jackson) and singer Charlotte Lawrence—making this an unofficial “nepo baby” guest star spectacular. Each of the three women plays a wild college student looking for a little fun (and maybe a little flirtation) while spring breaking on board the luxurious medical ship that gives the show its title.
Also popping up in the episode are Kathryn Newton (who eagle-eyed fans will remember played Reese’s daughter in Big Little Lies), TikTok star Noah Beck, actor Anthony Turpel, and Ariel Yasmine.
But what really got fans talking was Ava’s outfit—specifically, the bright pink bikini she rocks in the episode. It’s nearly identical to the one Reese Witherspoon wore as Elle Woods in her iconic college admissions video in Legally Blonde (2001), complete with that unapologetically glam, smart-and-stylish energy. Subtle? Not really. But that’s kind of the point.
Though Ava hasn’t said outright that the bikini is a tribute to her mum, the visual reference is pretty clear. It’s Elle Woods energy, 2024 edition—and a pretty fun way to nod to her roots while forging her own path.
While Ava has previously steered away from acting (focusing more on college and modeling gigs), it looks like she may finally be ready to test the Hollywood waters. And she’s doing it on her own terms, with a character that leans more fun and flirty than full-on dramatic. And seeing Ava channel Elle Woods—even just sartorially—is undoubtedly a full-circle moment.
