Before Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book was made into a seven-time Olivier award-winning musical, Matilda was a celebrated film of the Nineties.
Directed by and starring Danny Devito – as the conniving Mr Wormwood – the film also starred Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz and Mara Wilson in the title role, a child actress on a par with Macaulay Culkin as being one of the most well-known young stars in the world at the time.But 17 years after the movie was made, Mara, 26, reunited with her Matilda co-stars for a fun barbeque down memory lane.Getting together for a picture, Mara, Rhea, Embeth and Danny were joined by Donna Spangler, Brian Levinson, Pam Ferris, Jimmy Karz, Leor Livneh Hackel, Jacqueline Steiger, Kiami Davael and Sara Magdalin.Brian starred as Matilda’s mean older brother Michael and the son of Mr and Mrs Wormwood, played by Danny and Rhea.
Pam can be remembered as the menacing Miss Trunchball, Embeth as the delightful teacher Miss Honey, with Jacqueline, Leor, Kiami and Jimmy as school kids Amanda Thripp, Julius Rottwinkle, Lavender Brown and Bruce Bogtrotter, the little boy who had to eat the not so tasty chocolate cake.Mara – who also starred in Miracle on 34th Street and Mrs Doubtfire – quit the acting game in 2000 after starring in Thomas And The Magic Railroad with Alec Bladwin and Peter Fonda because she said, ‘film acting is not very fun’.
Writing on her blog, the former child star said: ‘Doing the same thing over and over again until, in the director’s eyes, you “get it right,” does not allow for very much creative freedom.’Film can be exciting, but more often, it’s tedious.
The celebrity aspect is nothing short of ridiculous, and auditioning is brutal and dehumanizing. Every time I see a pretty young girl on the subway reading sides for an audition, my only thought is, “Man, am I glad I’m not doing that anymore.” I never feel nostalgia, just relief.’After studying art at the University of New York, Mara has focused more on being a playwright, rather than acting – although she does ‘enjoy acting with or for good friends’ – and works with Publicolor; a design-based program and academic support to revitalize public and civic spaces through creative art.
And with the Matilda stage musical taking home Oliviers and Tony awards, the 26-year old has seen the show with Oona Laurence playing the title role. ‘It’s an excellent show and I highly recommend it. Tim Minchin stays true to Dahl’s spirit, and the actress playing Matilda when I saw it (Oona Laurence) was great.’
