Steel Magnolias, the 1989 beloved film based on Robert Harling’s play, is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of millions. With an ensemble cast featuring Hollywood heavyweights like Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, and Shirley MacLaine, it’s no surprise that the film has become a touchstone of emotional storytelling and poignant performances. However, what many don’t know is that the role of Ouiser Boudreaux in Steel Magnolias was originally sought after by none other than legendary actress Bette Davis, who was known for her fierce determination and unforgettable presence on screen.
But the road to casting Ouiser was not an easy one. Bette Davis, one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood history, had a specific vision for the role—and she wasn’t about to let anyone stand in her way. Davis was so desperate to land the part that she reportedly threatened the film’s screenwriter, Robert Harling, to ensure her place in the film. This revelation adds yet another layer of intrigue to the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of Steel Magnolias.
Bette Davis and Her Fierce Pursuit of the Role
Bette Davis, a two-time Academy Award-winning actress, was known for her commanding performances and her ability to play strong-willed and complex women. In fact, many of her most memorable roles were those in which she portrayed characters with a sharp tongue, similar to the character of Ouiser Boudreaux in Steel Magnolias. The role of Ouiser, the feisty, independent, and acerbic character, seemed to be a perfect fit for Davis.
However, as with many legendary actresses, Davis didn’t just want the role—she needed it. Reports suggest that Davis was so determined to play Ouiser that she went as far as threatening Robert Harling, the screenwriter of Steel Magnolias. Davis reportedly told Harling that if she was not cast as Ouiser, she would make his life difficult. This may seem extreme, but given Davis’s reputation for being both fiercely protective of her career and unafraid of speaking her mind, it wasn’t entirely surprising.
Why Was Bette Davis So Drawn to the Role of Ouiser?
Bette Davis had an intense connection to the character of Ouiser, and it’s easy to understand why. Ouiser is a strong, bold woman with an acerbic wit and a sharp tongue. She’s independent, unapologetically herself, and doesn’t care what others think. Davis herself was known for being similarly outspoken and unafraid to challenge expectations. In many ways, Ouiser seemed to embody traits that Davis had made famous throughout her career.
The role also provided an opportunity for Davis to show her comedic chops. While Davis was known for playing more dramatic roles throughout her career, Steel Magnolias required a perfect blend of comedy and pathos. Ouiser is a character that could easily have been over-the-top and one-dimensional, but with the right performance, she could become a complex and layered character—something that Davis would have relished.
The Reality of Casting Ouiser
Despite Davis’s intense desire to play Ouiser, the role ultimately went to Shirley MacLaine, an actress known for her ability to balance both comedic timing and emotional depth. At the time, MacLaine was an established star in Hollywood, but her casting in Steel Magnolias still caused a stir. MacLaine brought a different kind of energy to Ouiser, portraying her as sharp and witty but also vulnerable and endearing.
MacLaine’s performance was widely praised, and she was even nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of the cantankerous character. While it’s impossible to say how Davis would have interpreted the role, MacLaine’s portrayal of Ouiser became one of the defining aspects of the film. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role, and MacLaine’s ability to balance humor and heartbreak made Ouiser one of the standout characters of the movie.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama and the Legacy of Steel Magnolias
While Bette Davis may not have landed the role of Ouiser, the story of her pursuit of the part adds an interesting layer to the behind-the-scenes drama of Steel Magnolias. Like many great films, the journey to casting and production was filled with unexpected twists, and the story of Davis’s determination only adds to the film’s rich history.
The film itself has become a beloved classic, with a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences more than three decades after its release. The ensemble cast, the unforgettable performances, and the powerful themes of friendship, love, and resilience are all part of what has made Steel Magnolias a cultural touchstone. The film’s success may have been partly due to the behind-the-scenes dynamics, including the unexpected casting decisions and the unique personalities of the actresses involved.
Bette Davis’s Impact on Hollywood and the Role of Strong Women in Film
Even though she didn’t get the part of Ouiser, Bette Davis’s influence on Hollywood and the portrayal of strong women in film cannot be overstated. Throughout her career, Davis fought for complex roles for women—roles that weren’t just love interests or background characters, but fully realized, multi-dimensional women. Her passion for playing strong, independent characters paved the way for actresses who would follow in her footsteps.
In many ways, the characters in Steel Magnolias, including Ouiser, are a testament to the kind of roles Davis championed throughout her career. These women are not simply defined by their relationships to the men in their lives—they are strong, flawed, and multifaceted individuals. They are allowed to be both humorous and heartbroken, tough and vulnerable. In this way, Steel Magnolias reflects Davis’s legacy of pushing for more complex roles for women in film.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity or a Perfect Fit?
While it’s fascinating to imagine Bette Davis as Ouiser Boudreaux, it’s impossible to deny the magic that Shirley MacLaine brought to the role. MacLaine’s portrayal of the character became iconic in its own right, and her comedic timing, combined with emotional depth, is one of the reasons Steel Magnolias remains such a beloved film.
That said, Bette Davis’s desire to play Ouiser speaks to her enduring commitment to challenging the norms of Hollywood and pushing for roles that allowed women to shine. In many ways, her pursuit of the role underscores the themes of Steel Magnolias itself: strong women who aren’t afraid to fight for what they want and stand up for themselves.
Ultimately, Steel Magnolias is a film that celebrates female strength, resilience, and friendship, and while Bette Davis may not have had her way in this instance, her legacy as one of the most powerful women in Hollywood history remains untarnished.
FAQs
1. Why did Bette Davis want to play the role of Ouiser in Steel Magnolias?
Bette Davis was drawn to the role of Ouiser because she saw herself in the character. Ouiser is a strong, outspoken woman with a sharp tongue, qualities that Davis was known for in her own career.
2. Did Bette Davis get the role of Ouiser in Steel Magnolias?
No, despite her intense desire for the role, Bette Davis did not get the part of Ouiser. It was eventually played by Shirley MacLaine, whose performance was widely praised.
3. What was Bette Davis’s reputation in Hollywood?
Bette Davis was known for being a strong-willed, talented actress who often fought for complex, multidimensional roles for women. She was also known for her fiery personality and willingness to challenge the status quo.
4. What makes Shirley MacLaine’s portrayal of Ouiser so iconic?
Shirley MacLaine’s portrayal of Ouiser stands out because she brought a perfect blend of humor, vulnerability, and toughness to the character, making Ouiser both memorable and relatable.
5. How did Steel Magnolias impact Hollywood?
Steel Magnolias helped to solidify the importance of complex female characters in Hollywood, highlighting the strength, resilience, and emotional depth of women. It continues to inspire audiences and actresses alike.
