Steel Magnolias is one of those timeless movies that we hold close to our hearts, known for its emotional rollercoaster of laughter and tears. Released in 1989, the film, based on Robert Harling’s play, follows a close-knit group of Southern women dealing with life’s highs and lows. But while many remember the film for its gut-wrenching scenes and unforgettable characters, there’s a whole lot more to Steel Magnolias than meets the eye.
Behind the scenes, the movie’s production was filled with fun, unexpected moments, and fascinating tidbits that you probably didn’t know. Here are 30 Steel Magnolias secrets that will certainly surprise you—without making you cry.
1. Dolly Parton Was the First Choice for Truvy
Dolly Parton wasn’t just the perfect pick for Truvy, the sassy beauty salon owner—she was actually the first actress considered for the role! And, as you might imagine, Dolly’s charm and authenticity made her the obvious choice.
2. Julia Roberts Was Almost Replaced
Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Shelby Eatenton might seem iconic now, but at one point, she was nearly replaced during casting. There were concerns about her being too young and inexperienced, but after a standout audition, she was given the role that would make her a star.
3. Olympia Dukakis Was Not Initially Interested in the Role
Olympia Dukakis, who played Clairee, wasn’t initially interested in the role because she didn’t think she would fit in with the rest of the cast. However, after reading the script, she realized how special the role was and agreed to join the team.
4. The Cast Bonded Over Southern Cooking
While filming in Louisiana, the cast became experts in Southern cuisine. They often gathered for dinner and indulged in dishes like gumbo and crawfish, with Dolly Parton serving as the unofficial food expert.
5. The Film Was Shot in Just 8 Weeks
Despite the emotional weight and deep character work required for Steel Magnolias, the entire film was shot in just eight weeks. Talk about efficient!
6. The Title Was Inspired by Robert Harling’s Sister
The title Steel Magnolias was inspired by Harling’s late sister, who passed away from complications related to diabetes. She was the inspiration for the character Shelby, whose fight against the disease serves as the central plotline.
7. Sally Field’s Oscar Buzz Came from M’Lynn’s Heartbreaking Scene
Sally Field received Oscar buzz for her portrayal of M’Lynn, particularly for the scene where her character breaks down after the loss of her daughter. That scene is so moving, it’s hard to imagine anyone else pulling it off with such raw emotion.
8. The Cast Was Close in Real Life, Too
The bond between the actresses on-screen translated into real-life friendships. Sally Field, Dolly Parton, and Shirley MacLaine have often talked about the closeness they shared while filming, and their off-screen connection remains strong to this day.
9. The Real-Life Location Was Key to the Film’s Success
The film was shot in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where the local charm and Southern hospitality added an authentic touch to the movie. The town embraced the film wholeheartedly, and locals played a part in bringing the story to life.
10. The Movie’s Success Was Not Guaranteed
When Steel Magnolias was first released, there were doubts about whether it would resonate with audiences. The combination of a predominantly female cast and emotional subject matter led many to believe it wouldn’t be a box office hit. It was a massive success, proving the critics wrong.
11. Julia Roberts Wasn’t Initially Comfortable with Her Character’s Hairstyle
Roberts’ character Shelby has one of the most iconic Southern hairstyles in movie history. But during the early days of filming, Roberts was self-conscious about it! She later warmed up to the look, and it became one of her most recognizable features in the film.
12. Shirley MacLaine’s Character, Ouiser, Was Based on a Real Person
Shirley MacLaine’s character, Ouiser, was based on a real woman Harling knew. This woman was known for her sharp tongue and hilarious one-liners, which MacLaine brought to life with perfection.
13. Dolly Parton Almost Didn’t Sing the Movie’s Song
Dolly Parton, who performed the film’s theme song “Morning Song,” almost didn’t do it! Initially, the producers thought she was too busy with her music career, but Dolly insisted she take on the project, and the result was magical.
14. The Set Was Very Intimate
Unlike many large-scale productions, Steel Magnolias had an intimate, family-like set. With a small cast and tight-knit crew, the atmosphere on set was warm and comfortable, which contributed to the authenticity of the performances.
15. M’Lynn’s Breakdown Was Not Scripted to Be So Intense
While Sally Field was instructed to play the emotional breakdown scene in a realistic manner, it wasn’t scripted for her to get as intense as she did. The rawness in her performance came from Field’s own personal connection to the material, and it was that energy that made the scene unforgettable.
16. Julia Roberts Was Nervous About Playing Shelby
Roberts was initially nervous about playing Shelby, especially given the gravity of the role. Her portrayal of the character’s strength and vulnerability, however, made her an instant star and earned her numerous accolades.
17. The Film’s Color Palette Was Carefully Chosen
The vibrant colors throughout Steel Magnolias, from the floral prints to the soft pastels, were intentionally chosen to reflect the personalities of the characters. The palette mirrored the film’s themes of resilience and beauty.
18. Shirley MacLaine Didn’t Always Get Along with Her Co-Stars
While the women of Steel Magnolias shared a deep bond, Shirley MacLaine was known for her strong opinions. She and Dolly Parton sometimes disagreed on set, but those moments only served to make their on-screen dynamic even more entertaining.
19. The Final Scene Was One of the Last to Be Filmed
The powerful final scene of the film, where the women come together in the face of grief, was one of the last to be filmed. The actresses reportedly struggled to hold it together during the emotional scenes, but their bond kept them strong.
20. The Characters Were Inspired by Real-Life Women
The characters in Steel Magnolias were based on real people Harling knew growing up. Many of the women’s quirks and personalities were inspired by the strong women in his life.
21. Sally Field Almost Didn’t Accept the Role
Sally Field initially hesitated to take on the role of M’Lynn because she was concerned it was too similar to roles she’d played in the past. Ultimately, she realized the opportunity to portray a strong, vulnerable mother was too good to pass up.
22. The Salon Set Was a Real Beauty Shop
The beauty salon in the film was a fully functional set, designed to look just like a real beauty shop in a small Southern town. The set was equipped with working hairdryers and other beauty equipment to make it feel authentic.
23. Dolly Parton Was Insistent on Keeping the Script Honest
Dolly Parton was a big advocate for keeping the script true to its Southern roots. She pushed for the dialogue to reflect the way women in small Southern towns actually spoke, adding a layer of realism to the film.
24. The Film Had a Smaller Budget Than You’d Think
Despite its all-star cast and emotional depth, Steel Magnolias was made on a relatively small budget. The filmmakers relied on creativity and resourcefulness to create the magic we now know and love.
25. The Women of the Cast Became Real-Life Friends
The women formed strong friendships during the making of Steel Magnolias, which have lasted long after filming wrapped. They’ve often reunited to reminisce about their time on set and to support each other’s careers.
26. The Film Helped Launch Julia Roberts’ Career
While Steel Magnolias was Julia Roberts’ breakout role, it wasn’t her first film. However, it was the role that truly established her as a star, setting the stage for her legendary career in Hollywood.
27. The Movie’s Success Surprised the Cast
Though they all believed in the film, the Steel Magnolias cast didn’t expect it to be as big a success as it was. The emotional depth and portrayal of female relationships struck a chord with audiences, and it became a beloved classic.
28. Dolly Parton Made Her Own Clothes for the Movie
Dolly Parton, known for her larger-than-life style, designed many of her own costumes for the film. Her fashion choices for Truvy were a perfect reflection of her character’s personality—colorful, bold, and full of life.
29. The Film’s Success Led to Several Awards
Steel Magnolias earned multiple nominations and awards, including Golden Globe nominations for both Sally Field and Julia Roberts, showcasing the powerhouse performances that helped elevate the film.
30. The Legacy Lives On
More than 30 years after its release, Steel Magnolias remains a cherished film. Its portrayal of strong, supportive women continues to inspire audiences, and it holds a special place in pop culture history.
Conclusion: Surprising Moments in a Classic Film
Steel Magnolias may be a film known for making us cry, but the behind-the-scenes secrets add a layer of charm, humor, and intrigue to the classic story. From casting surprises to quirky moments on set, the film’s journey to success was full of twists and turns that make it all the more special.
FAQs
1. Was Steel Magnolias based on a true story?
Yes, the film is based on the real-life experiences of Robert Harling, whose sister, Susan, passed away from complications related to diabetes.
2. How long did it take to film Steel Magnolias?
The film was shot in just eight weeks, with an efficient crew and cast working together to create the emotional masterpiece.
3. Did the actresses become friends after filming?
Yes, the actresses formed real-life friendships, and their strong bond helped them bring authenticity to their roles.
4. Why is Steel Magnolias so beloved?
The film resonates with audiences due to its portrayal of strong, relatable women navigating life’s ups and downs, and the emotional performances from its all-star cast.
