Rose Byrne and Kristen Wiig Toast to Bridesmaids, 15 Years Later |
If there’s one actor who seems universally beloved, it’s Rose Byrne.
I’m Rebecca Ford, and a while back, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You writer-director Mary Bronstein told me that when casting the film’s lead role, she needed someone with ubiquitous appeal. Her number one choice? Byrne, of course.
I saw this love once again when Byrne joined forces with Kristen Wiig, her Bridesmaids costar, for a Vanity Fair Reunited conversation. They made their comedy classic 15 years ago, but there’s still a lovely warmth—and plenty of humor—between them.
Bridesmaids was a huge moment for both Byrne and Wiig. “I had done only drama. I was a ‘serious lady,’” says Byrne. “You get pigeonholed, and I was like, I’d love to try to do something funny.” Wiig, who was Saturday Night Live’s MVP at the time, hadn’t had a starring role in a movie before, let alone also being the cowriter of a project.
Byrne has gone on to star in a wide variety of film and TV projects, in both comedy and drama—but If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is her tour de force. As a mother stretched to her limits while caring for her sick daughter, Byrne delivers a visceral and brave performance that landed her her first Oscar nomination. She’s up against steep competition, namely Jessie Buckley, in the best-actress Oscar race, but Byrne has won a slew of awards along the way—including a Golden Globe and an Independent Spirit Award.
During their conversation, Wiig wondered if Byrne was intimidated by that demanding role. “Before you shot this were you like, I don’t know if I can do this?” she asked her friend.
“Every day!” said Byrne. “I think if you’re not a little bit scared, then maybe reexamine what you’re doing.” |
