Geena Davis, the Academy Award-winning actress who dominated Hollywood in the 1990s, is reflecting on her career as her landmark film Thelma & Louise approaches its 35th anniversary. The Massachusetts native began her acting career with a minor role as a soap opera actress in the 1982 comedy Tootsie alongside Dustin Hoffman. She later starred in David Cronenberg's 1986 science-fiction horror The Fly with then-boyfriend Jeff Goldblum, followed by appearances in Beetlejuice (1988) and The Accidental Tourist (1988), the latter earning her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Thelma & Louise: A Cultural Phenomenon
Released in May 1991, Thelma & Louise became one of the biggest hits of Davis's career. She played Thelma Dickinson, a naive housewife who transforms into a bold outlaw during a road trip with her best friend Louise Sawyer, portrayed by Susan Sarandon. The film also featured a breakout performance by Brad Pitt as J.D., a charming cowboy thief with whom Thelma has a one-night stand. Directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri, the buddy comedy-drama became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its feminist themes and iconic ending.
Anniversary Celebrations
The film will celebrate its 35th anniversary on May 24, with high-profile tributes at the Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 12 to 23. The festival has made the cult classic the centerpiece of its official poster and visual identity. Additionally, a world-premiere musical adaptation and special screenings are planned. In 2006, the American Film Institute ranked Thelma & Louise 78th on its list of most inspiring films, and in 2016, the Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry, deeming it culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant.
Plot Summary
The story follows Thelma, a housewife married to the controlling salesman Darryl (Christopher McDonald), and Louise, a single waitress. They set out for a weekend getaway in a 1966 Ford Thunderbird convertible. After a stop at a roadhouse bar, a man named Harlan attempts to rape Thelma. Louise intervenes with Darryl's gun, but when Harlan taunts them, Louise shoots and kills him. Fearing they won't be believed, they decide to flee to Mexico. Along the way, they encounter J.D., who steals Louise's life savings after seducing Thelma. Desperate, Thelma robs a convenience store, and the pair become fugitives. The FBI closes in as they reach the Grand Canyon, where they choose to drive off a cliff rather than surrender. The film also starred Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, and Stephen Tobolowsky.
Davis's Current Projects
On Wednesday, Davis, now 70, appeared on CBS Mornings in New York City to discuss her new Netflix series The Boroughs, which debuts on May 21. She also reflected on her enduring legacy, including roles in A League of Their Own (1992) with Tom Hanks and Madonna, Cutthroat Island (1995), the Stuart Little franchise (1999–2005), and a stint on Grey's Anatomy.
