Meryl Streep has candidly revealed that the on-screen rivalry she shared with Goldie Hawn in the cult classic 'Death Becomes Her' extended into real life during the film's production in the early 1990s. The 76-year-old actress, best known for her role in 'The Devil Wears Prada', admitted in a recent interview that she was left frustrated by Hawn's habitual lateness on set.
Lateness as a Source of Tension
Streep, who prides herself on punctuality, expressed her annoyance in an interview with Vanity Fair. 'Goldie, she was always late to set,' Streep said. 'I'm always on time, you know, and annoying, but she's late. She had a red convertible, I remember, and she'd drive herself to set. And so that was probably the problem. She'd drive herself to set.' The three-time Oscar winner elaborated on how Hawn's charm seemed to excuse her tardiness: 'She had her hair all over. She's like, “Oh gosh, sorry!” And everybody thought, “Oh, she's so cute.” Yeah, so I had a beef with her.'
Enduring Friendship Despite Differences
Despite the friction, Streep noted that they had 'a great laugh' while shooting the film and remain friends with Hawn, now 80, to this day. The black comedy, directed by Robert Zemeckis, follows Madeline Ashton (Streep) and Helen Sharp (Hawn) in a deadly rivalry over a man (Bruce Willis) after consuming an immortality potion. The film won an Oscar for its visual effects and later inspired a Broadway musical adaptation.
Reflecting on the movie's lasting appeal, Streep remarked: 'Over the years, we've had some laughs about that movie because people love it. I thought it was like a documentary on Beverly Hills.' She also praised Bruce Willis as 'divine,' adding, 'We had so much fun with him. He was such a gent and so game and willing to be ridiculous.'
Current Projects and Future Roles
Streep is currently starring in the sequel to 'The Devil Wears Prada', reprising her iconic role as Miranda Priestly. The film also brings back Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. The Independent's film critic Clarisse Loughrey awarded the sequel four stars, noting that 'the main quartet were so well-suited to their original roles that all Streep needs to do is play thoughtfully with a beaded necklace and, instantly, it's like Miranda never left us.'
Looking ahead, Streep is set to appear in Greta Gerwig's 'Narnia: The Magician's Nephew', playing an undisclosed role. Her candid revelations about the 'Death Becomes Her' set offer a glimpse into the dynamics that shaped one of cinema's most memorable comedic rivalries.
