Susan Sarandon (left) and Geena Davis.Photo:MGM/Pathe/Kobal/Shutterstock
MGM/Pathe/Kobal/Shutterstock
The last the world saw of best friends Thelma and Louise, the pair was sharing a kiss before driving their Ford Thunderbird off a cliff.Over the years, the 1991 buddy crime dramaThelma & Louisehas become a classic, with praise specifically directed towardSusan SarandonandGeena Davis’ performances. Upon release, theRidley Scott-directed film garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing $45 million domestically. At the 1992Academy Awards, both Sarandon and Davis received Best Actress nominations — the most recent film to have two actresses earn nods in the category. That year, scriptwriter Callie Khouri picked up an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.The cast features names who would become mainstays of the entertainment industry, including Sarandon, Davis,Harvey Keiteland then-rising starBrad Pitt.This year, at90s Conin Hartford, Connecticut, Davis and Sarandonwill team up againfor a panel. At the convention, held in the Connecticut Convention Center, the leading ladies will also hold a fan meeting, sign autographs and pose for photos, along with thestars of other beloved series and movies from the era.Here, catch up with the stars ofThelma & Louise, then and now.
The last the world saw of best friends Thelma and Louise, the pair was sharing a kiss before driving their Ford Thunderbird off a cliff.
Over the years, the 1991 buddy crime dramaThelma & Louisehas become a classic, with praise specifically directed towardSusan SarandonandGeena Davis’ performances. Upon release, theRidley Scott-directed film garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing $45 million domestically. At the 1992Academy Awards, both Sarandon and Davis received Best Actress nominations — the most recent film to have two actresses earn nods in the category. That year, scriptwriter Callie Khouri picked up an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
The cast features names who would become mainstays of the entertainment industry, including Sarandon, Davis,Harvey Keiteland then-rising starBrad Pitt.
This year, at90s Conin Hartford, Connecticut, Davis and Sarandonwill team up againfor a panel. At the convention, held in the Connecticut Convention Center, the leading ladies will also hold a fan meeting, sign autographs and pose for photos, along with thestars of other beloved series and movies from the era.
Here, catch up with the stars ofThelma & Louise, then and now.
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Susan Sarandon as Louise Sawyer
Susan Sarandon played the quick-witted and prickly Louise Sawyer, a diner waitress who is dating an absent musician at the film’s outset. Louise serves as the catalyst for a run of crimes after she shoots Harlan Puckett (Timothy Carhart) and escapes with Thelma.
Already a well-known name in film, Sarandon notched her second nomination for Best Actress with the film, her first coming in 1981 for the crime romanceAtlantic City. She later won her first Oscar in 1996 forDead Man Walking.
Reuniting with Davis and Khourifor the film’s 30th anniversaryin 2021, Sarandon recalled improvising the memorable kiss that closes out the film.
Now 77, the actress hasthree children, Eva Amurri, 38, John Henry, 34, and Miles Robbins, 31. She has roles in three films currently in post-production: war dramaSix Triple Eightand comediesNonnasandThe Fabulous Four.
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Geena Davis as Thelma Dickinson
Geena Davis as Thelma Dickinson (left) and in April 2023.Fotos International/Getty; Sam Tabone/WireImage
Fotos International/Getty; Sam Tabone/WireImage
As Thelma Dickinson, Geena Davis garnered praise for carrying out her character’s emotional arc from disrespected housewife to bold criminal. By the time Thelma and Louise are about to fly off the Grand Canyon, Davis’ character is confident enough to tell Louise to “keep going.”
She previously won Best Supporting Actress in 1989 for her role inThe Accidental Touristbut earned her first — and to date, only — nod for Best Actress forThelma & Louise.
Speaking withTHRfor the film’s 30th anniversary in 2021, theBeetlejuiceactress saidThelma & Louise"changed everything about how I chose roles moving forward."
At 68, she is mom tothree kidswith ex Reza Jarrahy: daughter Alizeh Keshvar and twin sons Kaiis Steven and Kian William. She is set to appear in theChanning Tatumand Naomi Ackie-led thrillerBlink Twice, out Aug. 23, 2024.
03of 07Harvey Keitel as Detective Hal SlocumbHarvey Keitel as Det. Hal Slocumb (left) and in March 2023.MGM Studios/Getty; David Fisher/ShutterstockHarvey Keitel’s character inThelma & Louisewas a departure from his usual archetype as the “tough guy.” In the film, he portrayed a sympathetic detective trying to coax Thelma and Louise into surrendering.Throughout his nearly 60-year career, theTaxi Driveractor has become known for his morally ambiguous characters. He often collaborates withMartin Scorsese, starring in six of the director’s films including 1973’sMean Streets, 1988’sThe Temptation of Christand 2019’sThe Irishman. He earned his only Oscar nomination in 1992 forBugsy, losing Best Supporting Actor toJack Palance.A 2012Vanity Fairarticle documentingThelma & Louise’s production detailed how director Scott roped Keitel into the role. “I said, ‘Come on, you get to play a good guy for a change.’ Harvey said, ‘Arrgh.’ I said, ‘Stop f—ing about. Do it.’ He said, ‘O.K.’ ” Scott recalled.He had a fraught marriage withLorraine Braccothat ended in 1993; he later married Canadian actress Daphna Kastner in 2001. Keitel has three children: Stella with Bracco, Hudson with ex Lisa Karmazin and Roman with Kastner. At 84 years old, he has three action-thrillers in the pipeline.
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Harvey Keitel as Detective Hal Slocumb
Harvey Keitel as Det. Hal Slocumb (left) and in March 2023.MGM Studios/Getty; David Fisher/Shutterstock
MGM Studios/Getty; David Fisher/Shutterstock
Harvey Keitel’s character inThelma & Louisewas a departure from his usual archetype as the “tough guy.” In the film, he portrayed a sympathetic detective trying to coax Thelma and Louise into surrendering.
Throughout his nearly 60-year career, theTaxi Driveractor has become known for his morally ambiguous characters. He often collaborates withMartin Scorsese, starring in six of the director’s films including 1973’sMean Streets, 1988’sThe Temptation of Christand 2019’sThe Irishman. He earned his only Oscar nomination in 1992 forBugsy, losing Best Supporting Actor toJack Palance.
A 2012Vanity Fairarticle documentingThelma & Louise’s production detailed how director Scott roped Keitel into the role. “I said, ‘Come on, you get to play a good guy for a change.’ Harvey said, ‘Arrgh.’ I said, ‘Stop f—ing about. Do it.’ He said, ‘O.K.’ ” Scott recalled.
He had a fraught marriage withLorraine Braccothat ended in 1993; he later married Canadian actress Daphna Kastner in 2001. Keitel has three children: Stella with Bracco, Hudson with ex Lisa Karmazin and Roman with Kastner. At 84 years old, he has three action-thrillers in the pipeline.
04of 07Michael Madsen as Jimmy LennoxMichael Madsen as Jimmy Lennox (left) and in March 2023.MGM Studios/Getty; Chelsea Lauren/ShutterstockMichael Madsen’s Jimmy Lennox was Louise’s easygoing boyfriend, a musician on the road most of the time. The last viewers see of Jimmy is when Louise turns down his surprise proposal and abandons him in favor of Thelma.The actor has frequently worked withQuentin Tarantino, appearing in four of his films: 1992’sReservoir Dogs, 2004’sKill Bill: Volume 2, 2015’sThe Hateful Eightand 2019’sOnce Upon a Time … in Hollywood. Over his 42-year career, Madsen has collected more than 300 acting credits across film, television, music videos and video games.Madsen, 65, has five children from three different relationships; he is dad toDivergentactor Christian Madsen, whom he shares with ex-wife Jeannine Bisignano.
04of 07
Michael Madsen as Jimmy Lennox
Michael Madsen as Jimmy Lennox (left) and in March 2023.MGM Studios/Getty; Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
MGM Studios/Getty; Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
Michael Madsen’s Jimmy Lennox was Louise’s easygoing boyfriend, a musician on the road most of the time. The last viewers see of Jimmy is when Louise turns down his surprise proposal and abandons him in favor of Thelma.
The actor has frequently worked withQuentin Tarantino, appearing in four of his films: 1992’sReservoir Dogs, 2004’sKill Bill: Volume 2, 2015’sThe Hateful Eightand 2019’sOnce Upon a Time … in Hollywood. Over his 42-year career, Madsen has collected more than 300 acting credits across film, television, music videos and video games.
Madsen, 65, has five children from three different relationships; he is dad toDivergentactor Christian Madsen, whom he shares with ex-wife Jeannine Bisignano.
05of 07Christopher McDonald as Darryl DickinsonChristopher McDonald as Darryl Dickinson (left) and in November 2023.MGM Studios/Getty; Unique Nicole/GettyOpposite his former fiancée Davis, who left him forJeff Goldblumin 1985, Christopher McDonald took on the role of Thelma’s controlling husband Darryl. In a 1992 interview with theLos Angeles Times, McDonald called the experience “great” and “really cathartic.”SinceThelma & Louise, the prolific actor has amassed dozens of film and television credits — most notably as Shooter McGavin inHappy Gilmore(1996) and casino owner Marty Ghilain on HBO Max’sHacks. For the latter, he earned aPrimetime Emmynomination for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series.He married Lupe Gidley in 1992 after meeting her during a New Mexico theater production. Together, they have four children.
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Christopher McDonald as Darryl Dickinson
Christopher McDonald as Darryl Dickinson (left) and in November 2023.MGM Studios/Getty; Unique Nicole/Getty
MGM Studios/Getty; Unique Nicole/Getty
Opposite his former fiancée Davis, who left him forJeff Goldblumin 1985, Christopher McDonald took on the role of Thelma’s controlling husband Darryl. In a 1992 interview with theLos Angeles Times, McDonald called the experience “great” and “really cathartic.”
SinceThelma & Louise, the prolific actor has amassed dozens of film and television credits — most notably as Shooter McGavin inHappy Gilmore(1996) and casino owner Marty Ghilain on HBO Max’sHacks. For the latter, he earned aPrimetime Emmynomination for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series.
He married Lupe Gidley in 1992 after meeting her during a New Mexico theater production. Together, they have four children.
06of 07Stephen Tobolowsky as FBI Agent MaxStephen Tobowlosky as FBI Agent Max (left) and in July 2023.MGM; Paul Archuleta/GettyStephen Tobolowsky had a minor role as Max, an FBI agent on Det. Slocumb’s team tracking down Thelma and Louise. He has been active in the industry since 1975 and accumulated an eclectic portfolio as a character actor, with roles like insurance agent Ned Ryerson inGroundhog Day(1993) and amnesiac Sammy Jenkins inMemento(2000).TheDeadwoodactor also appearances inGlee,One Day at a Time,The GoldbergsandThe Mindy Project. From 2009 to 2021, he hosted a podcast calledThe Tobolowsky Files, in which he told “true stories about love, life and Hollywood” from his career.Tobolowsky is married to actress Ann Hearn, who appeared alongsideJodie Fosterin the 1988 legal dramaThe Accused. Together they have two children.
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Stephen Tobolowsky as FBI Agent Max
Stephen Tobowlosky as FBI Agent Max (left) and in July 2023.MGM; Paul Archuleta/Getty
MGM; Paul Archuleta/Getty
Stephen Tobolowsky had a minor role as Max, an FBI agent on Det. Slocumb’s team tracking down Thelma and Louise. He has been active in the industry since 1975 and accumulated an eclectic portfolio as a character actor, with roles like insurance agent Ned Ryerson inGroundhog Day(1993) and amnesiac Sammy Jenkins inMemento(2000).
TheDeadwoodactor also appearances inGlee,One Day at a Time,The GoldbergsandThe Mindy Project. From 2009 to 2021, he hosted a podcast calledThe Tobolowsky Files, in which he told “true stories about love, life and Hollywood” from his career.
Tobolowsky is married to actress Ann Hearn, who appeared alongsideJodie Fosterin the 1988 legal dramaThe Accused. Together they have two children.
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Brad Pitt as J.D.
Brad Pitt as J.D. (left) and in January 2023.Photo12/MGM/Alamy; Rich Polk/NBC via Getty
Photo12/MGM/Alamy; Rich Polk/NBC via Getty
When he signed on toThelma & Louise, Brad Pitt hadn’t yet become a household name. Playing the charming J.D., Pitt seduces Thelma to swindle her out of all her savings. The role gave his career momentum, and he would later have a string of critically acclaimed films that brought him to A-list status, including 1994’sInterview with the VampireoppositeTom Cruiseand 1995’sSeven.
His box office power as a leading man translated into the 21st century, and he starred in blockbusters like heist thrillerOcean’s Elevenin 2001 and historical epicTroyin 2004. Pitt has received four acting nominations at the Oscars,winning Best Supporting Actorin 2020 for Quentin Tarantino’sOnce Upon a Time … in Hollywood.
In a 2023 interview withW Magazine, theMr. & Mrs. Smithactor calledThelma & Louisehis “entry into the big leagues.” He cited Sarandon and Davis as the reason the film has stood the test of time.
source: people.com
