When Steel Magnolias hit theaters in 1989, it was an instant classic, beloved by fans for its heartfelt performances, emotional depth, and memorable quotes. The ensemble cast, including Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, and of course, Julia Roberts, all contributed to the film’s success. However, while the film’s legacy has been one of affection and admiration, behind the scenes, not everything was as smooth as it seemed.
In a recent interview, Sally Field opened up about the “awful” experience Julia Roberts endured while working with the film’s director, Herbert Ross. Field’s recollections shed light on the difficult process Roberts had to go through, offering a new perspective on the making of one of Hollywood’s most iconic movies.
The Steel Magnolias Magic: A Classic Movie with a Dark Side
Steel Magnolias is the heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking story of six Southern women navigating the ups and downs of life, love, and loss in a small town in Louisiana. The film, based on Robert Harling’s play, explored the close-knit relationships among the characters, particularly between mother and daughter, played by Sally Field and Julia Roberts.
Julia Roberts, in her role as Shelby Eatenton Latcherie, delivered a career-defining performance that would eventually propel her to superstardom. At the time, she was still a relatively unknown actress, with Steel Magnolias being one of her breakout roles. But despite the film’s success, Roberts’ experience on set was not all rosy.
Sally Field’s Revelations About Julia Roberts’ Tough Experience
Sally Field, who played Roberts’ character’s mother, M’Lynn, in the film, recently recalled the difficulties her co-star faced while working with director Herbert Ross. According to Field, the director’s approach to Julia was, at times, harsh, and it left Roberts feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable.
The “Awful” Experience on Set
Field described how Ross, known for his perfectionism, often took a tough and demanding approach with Roberts. This was particularly difficult for the then-unknown actress, who was still adjusting to the demands of the film industry. While Ross pushed all the cast members to give their best performances, Field pointed out that Roberts was subjected to extra pressure, especially given the emotional intensity of her character.
- Field’s Protective Instincts: Sally Field, who had already built a strong career by the time she joined Steel Magnolias, acted as a mentor and protector to Roberts. In interviews, she has spoken about how she often took the role of comforting and reassuring her co-star during difficult moments. Field even went as far as to call the experience “awful” for Roberts, noting that the director’s relentless approach sometimes went too far.
- Julia’s Vulnerability: According to Field, one of the hardest parts of Roberts’ experience was the vulnerability she had to display in the film, especially during the emotional scenes. Roberts, who was still in her early twenties, was often put in situations that required her to tap into deep emotional reserves, which only added to the intensity of the already stressful set environment.
Herbert Ross: The Director’s Tough Style
Herbert Ross, known for his work on films like The Turning Point and Footloose, was a seasoned director with a reputation for being both meticulous and demanding. While his approach to filmmaking earned him success, it didn’t always sit well with the actors. In fact, many on the Steel Magnolias set were taken aback by how harsh Ross could be.
Ross’s Intense Approach
Herbert Ross was known for pushing his actors to their limits, often demanding perfection in every scene. While this style worked for some, it created tension for others—particularly Julia Roberts. Ross would sometimes push Roberts to deliver emotionally charged scenes multiple times, even though she had already given an excellent take. This constant pressure began to take a toll on Roberts, as she struggled with the emotional intensity required for the role.
- Sally Field’s Observations: As a seasoned actress, Sally Field understood the pressures of working with a demanding director. She observed that Roberts, who was much younger and newer to the industry, often found the process overwhelming. Field tried to shield her co-star from the worst of the tension, but it was clear that the experience wasn’t easy for Roberts.
The Emotional Impact on Julia Roberts
Steel Magnolias required a lot from its cast, particularly Roberts, whose character Shelby suffers from a life-threatening illness. The scenes leading up to Shelby’s eventual death were particularly harrowing, and Roberts had to tap into a deep well of emotion to convincingly portray the pain, fear, and love her character experiences.
The Challenges of the Role
Roberts’ character, Shelby, is diagnosed with diabetes and faces the emotional and physical consequences of her illness throughout the movie. The final scenes, where Shelby’s mother, M’Lynn, has to cope with her daughter’s death, are heart-wrenching, and Julia’s portrayal of Shelby’s vulnerability added to the raw emotion of the film. However, filming these scenes took a significant emotional toll on Roberts, especially when coupled with the intense direction from Ross.
- Tough Takes: Roberts was forced to perform the scene of Shelby’s decline numerous times, which made an already challenging role even harder. This constant emotional strain led Field to comment on how difficult the process was for Roberts, recalling that the experience left her co-star emotionally drained.
Julia Roberts’ Breakthrough and the Director’s Influence
Despite the difficulties on set, Steel Magnolias was a huge turning point for Julia Roberts’ career. Her portrayal of Shelby was widely praised and earned her a Golden Globe nomination. However, the experience on set would shape her future in Hollywood. Roberts, who was initially a newcomer to the industry, had to navigate the challenges of working with a tough director while finding her footing in such a high-profile role.
Learning from the Experience
The tough experience with Herbert Ross and the intense scenes in Steel Magnolias became part of Julia Roberts’ evolution as an actress. While the process wasn’t easy, it gave her valuable lessons in resilience and emotional depth. Over time, Roberts became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, with roles in films like Pretty Woman, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Erin Brockovich, for which she won an Academy Award.
- A Changed Perspective: In interviews years later, Roberts admitted that the difficult moments on Steel Magnoliaswere part of what made her a better actress. While she struggled with the emotional weight of the role and the tough direction from Ross, it ultimately prepared her for the demanding nature of a career in Hollywood.
Sally Field’s Reflections: A Protective Mentor
For Sally Field, the experience of working on Steel Magnolias not only gave her the chance to create one of her most memorable roles but also solidified her role as a mentor to Julia Roberts. Field has expressed in multiple interviews how protective she felt of Roberts, especially considering the young actress’ vulnerability on set.
A Bond Between M’Lynn and Shelby
On screen, Field and Roberts portrayed a mother-daughter duo, and the connection between them was undeniable. Off-screen, the bond between the two was just as strong, with Field stepping into a protective role for her co-star. Field, who had already been in the industry for years, understood the importance of guiding younger actors through the difficulties of the process.
- Field’s Support: Field often spoke up for Roberts, ensuring that she didn’t have to carry the emotional weight alone. She reassured Roberts, offering both advice and comfort during tough scenes. Field’s nurturing attitude was essential to Roberts’ success, and their on-screen chemistry can be attributed, in part, to their real-life friendship.
Conclusion: A Tough But Necessary Experience for Julia Roberts
The making of Steel Magnolias may have been tough for Julia Roberts, but it was also a transformative experience that shaped her future in the industry. Herbert Ross’ tough approach as a director pushed Roberts to her limits, but it also allowed her to demonstrate the depth of her talent. For Sally Field, the role of M’Lynn not only solidified her place in Hollywood but also provided her with an opportunity to mentor and protect her younger co-star. In the end, while the process was undeniably challenging for Roberts, it was one that ultimately propelled her career to new heights.
FAQs About Julia Roberts’ Experience on Steel Magnolias
- Why was Julia Roberts’ experience on Steel Magnolias difficult? Julia Roberts faced tough direction from Herbert Ross, who demanded perfection from the cast, especially in emotionally intense scenes. This pressure, coupled with the emotional toll of her character’s illness, made the experience challenging for Roberts.
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How did Sally Field support Julia Roberts on set? Sally Field took on a protective role, offering guidance and comfort toa
