Hilary Duff recently shared insights into the Jennifer Coolidge acting method used during the filming of “A Cinderella Story,” describing how Coolidge maintained an intimidating distance to authentically portray their stepmother-stepdaughter dynamic. Duff’s recollection, revealed in a new interview, revisits their time together on set nearly twenty years ago, offering a glimpse into the techniques behind the memorable performances.
Tension On Set: How Jennifer Coolidge’s Approach Shaped Her Role
During the making of the beloved teen romantic comedy “A Cinderella Story,” Duff was just 15 years old and working with Jennifer Coolidge, who played her formidable stepmother. Reflecting on the experience, Duff revealed that Coolidge purposely adopted a cold demeanor to match their characters’ relationship.
“She was, like, mean to me, so it was a little scary because I was only 15 and she was just mean to me because she’s my evil stepmother,”
Duff shared in a recent conversation with Variety. The drama between Sam, played by Duff, and her stepmother was central to the film’s emotional tension, and Coolidge’s dedication to her craft left a strong impression on Duff.
“At the time, I think I had to be like, ‘You’re filming a movie, you’re filming a movie.’”
Duff admitted, recalling her attempt to separate the on-set behavior from real life.
Casting and Plot: Revisiting the Modern Fairy Tale
“A Cinderella Story,” produced by Warner Brothers, remains memorable for its clever twist on the classic fairytale. Duff portrayed Sam, an orphan ridiculed by her greedy step-family—Coolidge’s stepmother character and stepsisters played by Madeline Zima and Andrea Avery—after losing her father. The narrative follows Sam as she navigates high school hardships with support from Rhonda, her friend and fairy godmother figure, played by Regina King. The plot thickens when Sam attends the school dance in disguise, crossing paths with the popular quarterback Austin, portrayed by Chad Michael Murray. Mistaken identities and hidden inheritances lead to Sam’s ultimate triumph, gaining her independence and a chance to attend Princeton with Austin, while her oppositional step-family faces consequences after their fraudulent actions are uncovered.
Recognition and Career Growth for Hilary Duff and Jennifer Coolidge
After “A Cinderella Story” premiered in 2004, Hilary Duff’s career expanded into various projects, including films like “Raise Your Voice” and “The Haunting of Sharon Tate,” as well as television shows such as “Younger,” “How I Met Your Father,” and “Gossip Girl.” She is now returning to music, promoting her upcoming album “Luck… or Something” and an associated tour.
Jennifer Coolidge’s career also soared, earning her two Emmy Awards for her performance in the HBO series “The White Lotus” and roles in films such as the “American Pie” franchise, “Promising Young Woman,” “For Your Consideration,” and television shows like “2 Broke Girls” and “The Watcher.” Duff expressed admiration for Coolidge’s acting prowess and career achievements:
“It’s been so much fun to watch her career, because she just goes there in such a big way that it was really impressive and slightly intimidating as like a teenager,”
highlighting the lasting impact Coolidge’s method had on her co-stars.
Enduring Influence of Intense Professionalism
Neither representatives for Jennifer Coolidge nor official sources have commented directly on Duff’s remarks, but this behind-the-scenes look underscores how dedicated approaches such as the Jennifer Coolidge acting method can foster authentic portrayals in film. The professional distance kept on set ultimately contributed to the vivid and enduring characters that made “A Cinderella Story” a favorite for many viewers. As both Duff and Coolidge continue to evolve in their respective fields, their collaboration stands as a testament to the power of nuanced performance in shaping film history.
