On a recent episode of The View, Joy Behar expressed sharp criticism toward Nicolas Cage’s role in the 1987 romantic comedy Moonstruck. This follow-up came after Cage shared amusing reflections on his past relationship with Sarah Jessica Parker during Watch What Happens Live on July 13, igniting discussion about his acting career and personal life. Behar’s remarks targeted both Cage’s performance and the film’s depiction of Italian culture, stirring tension among the panelists.
Cast Relationship Highlighted by Cage’s Comments About Sarah Jessica Parker
Nicolas Cage humorously speculated on why actress Sarah Jessica Parker ended their relationship, joking that he might have failed the “Mom test.” He recalled a dinner visit at the Russian Tea Room with Parker and her mother, wondering if his leather motorcycle jacket or a bout of sinusitis put her off. This anecdote caught attention during The View’s Hot Topic segment, adding a personal angle to the conversation about his acting legacy.
Behar’s Sharp Remarks Prompt Defense from Whoopi Goldberg and Alyssa Farah Griffin
During the broadcast, Behar questioned what people disliked about Cage aside from his Moonstruck performance, implying his portrayal was a weak point. This led whoopi Goldberg to defend Cage’s work, praiseing his great performance in the film. Behar, maintaining her critical tone, argued that Moonstruck did not represent Italians well, to which Alyssa Farah Griffin challenged Behar for openly criticizing an Oscar-winning actor.
“I’m not saying it wasn’t, but that could’ve been something that irritated them,”
Behar stated, before adding,
“I’m Italian. I never thought that movie represented Italians that well.”
—Joy Behar, Comedian
When Goldberg asked for any examples of films representing cultures accurately, Behar jokingly named The Godfather II, indicating how challenging cultural representation can be in cinema.
Background: Cage and Parker’s Past Relationship and Career Updates
Rumors about Cage and Parker’s relationship first arose during the filming of their 1992 romantic comedy Honeymoon in Vegas. Although their romance did not last, Parker has been married to Matthew Broderick since 1997. Cage has experienced multiple marriages, most recently tying the knot with Riko Shibata in 2021. The banter on The View lightheartedly suggested Broderick might have succeeded where Cage did not in earning maternal approval.
The Broader Impact of Behar’s Comments on The View’s Tone and Audience
Behar’s remarks injected a sense of tension and discomfort into the discussion, reflecting frustration over cultural representation within Hollywood. The contrast between her critical stance and the defending voices of her co-hosts underscored ongoing debates about authenticity and respect in depicting ethnic groups on screen. This exchange also highlighted how celebrity personal histories often intertwine with public perception of their careers.
The View continues to explore such cultural and entertainment topics, airing weekdays at 11/10c on ABC, where debates like this resonate strongly with viewers observing shifts in social commentary.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Nicolas Cage’s religion?
A. Cage was born in Long Beach, California. His father, August Coppola, worked as a literature professor, and his mother, Joy Vogelsang, was a dancer and choreographer. He grew up in a Catholic household.
Q. What was Nicolas Cage’s downfall?
A. Cage faced money problems after several movies flopped at the theaters, harming his reputation as a leading actor. Without big studio offers, he appeared in more than twenty-five direct-to-video films to pay off his debt.
Q. Did Nicolas Cage’s mom have schizophrenia?
A. Cage’s mother had schizophrenia and severe depression, which shaped how he understood the character’s mental health. He mentioned, “It’s the voices, not really him; something else has taken over,” likening it to his mother’s challenges.
Q. Did Nicolas Cage’s mother have schizophrenia?
A. The actor’s mother, Joy Vogelsang, experienced schizophrenia and severe depression throughout her life until she passed away in 2021.
