They came, they cried, they conquered. Director Herbert Ross, famous for The Goodbye Girl and Footloose, assembled an all-star female cast, including a then-newcomer named Julia Roberts, to adapt Robert Harling’s play Steel Magnolias into one of the top-grossing films of 1989. Here are 23 intriguing facts about this beloved late-’80s tearjerker.
1. It’s Based on a True Story
Writer Robert Harling penned Steel Magnolias as a way to cope with the loss of his sister, Susan, who passed away due to complications related to diabetes in 1985. In the play, Susan’s character became Shelby.
2. It Took Just 10 Days to Write
Harling described the writing process as a “24/7 tsunami of Southernness,” pouring out the story in just 10 days. He wasn’t even sure it resembled a play but knew it captured his sister’s life and spirit.
3. The Play Was an Instant Hit
Harling’s original Off-Broadway play opened on March 28, 1987, at the WPA Theatre in New York City. It closed on February 25, 1990, after 1,126 performances.
4. The Movie Deal Happened Quickly
The play’s success in New York led to immediate interest from Hollywood. Ray Stark purchased the rights and promised Harling that the movie would be filmed in his hometown of Natchitoches, Louisiana.
5. Bette Davis Wanted a Role in Steel Magnolias
After seeing the play in New York, Bette Davis campaigned to be cast as Ouiser (the role eventually played by Shirley MacLaine). She also envisioned Katharine Hepburn as Clairee and Elizabeth Taylor as Truvy.
6. Nicole Kidman Played Shelby in Sydney
Before she became a Hollywood star, Nicole Kidman played Shelby in a Sydney stage production of Steel Magnolias.
7. Before She Was Sally, Meg Ryan Was Shelby
Meg Ryan was initially cast as Shelby but dropped out to star in When Harry Met Sally….
8. Winona Ryder Was Also Considered for Shelby
Producers considered Winona Ryder for the role of Shelby, but she was ultimately deemed too young. Laura Dern was also in the running, but Julia Roberts, who was filming Mystic Pizza at the time, won the role.
9. Julia Roberts Was Perfect for Shelby
When Julia Roberts auditioned, Harling immediately knew she was the one, describing her as lighting up the room with her smile.
10. Daryl Hannah Was Too Attractive to Play Annelle
Daryl Hannah really wanted the role of Annelle and went through a significant transformation to prove she could handle the character, convincing director Herbert Ross in the process.
11. Herbert Ross Was Tough on His Actresses
Ross was known for being strict and sometimes harsh, which led the cast to bond closely as they supported each other through the challenging filming process.
12. Ross Told Dolly Parton to Take Acting Lessons
Despite being an accomplished performer, Ross suggested Dolly Parton take acting lessons. However, her natural charisma made her a beloved cast member.
13. Ross Was Particularly Hard on Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts struggled during filming, often questioning her performance. However, her efforts paid off with an Academy Award nomination.
14. The Film Earned Julia Roberts Her First Oscar Nomination
Roberts received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role, although she lost to Brenda Fricker for My Left Foot.
15. The Male Roles Were Criticized for Lack of Depth
The male characters in the film were minimal, reflecting the play’s focus on its female leads. Critics noted the male roles were not much more substantial than their off-stage presence in the play.
16. Roberts and McDermott’s On-Screen Chemistry Was Real
The chemistry between Julia Roberts and Dylan McDermott was genuine, as the two actors began dating during filming and eventually became engaged.
17. The Film Put Natchitoches, Louisiana, on the Map
Filming in Harling’s hometown of Natchitoches had a lasting impact, significantly boosting tourism in the area.
18. Steel Magnolia Tours Are Still Popular
Visitors to Natchitoches can still take tours of the film’s locations, which remain a significant draw for fans.
19. You Can Even Stay in M’Lynn’s House
The Cook-Taylor House, used as M’Lynn’s home in the film, is now a bed and breakfast called The Steel Magnolia House.
20. The Doctors and Nurses in the Hospital Scenes Were Real
Director Herbert Ross hired the actual medical staff who cared for Susan Harling to play the roles in the film for authenticity.
21. A TV Series Based on the Movie Didn’t Take Off
CBS aired a pilot for a Steel Magnolias series in 1990, but it didn’t get picked up for a full season.
22. A 2012 Lifetime Movie Remake Was a Hit
Lifetime’s 2012 remake of Steel Magnolias featured a star-studded cast and became one of the channel’s most-watched telecasts, though Robert Harling wasn’t a fan of the commercial interruptions.
23. Shirley MacLaine Doesn’t Consider Steel Magnolias a Chick Flick
MacLaine emphasized that the film isn’t just for women, suggesting that men could learn a lot about the women in their lives by watching it.
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