Judy Greer's Mortifying Memory from The Wedding Planner Set
Hollywood actress Judy Greer has opened up about a deeply embarrassing moment from her early career, recalling how she felt 'mortified' when co-star Matthew McConaughey stepped in to pay her valet fee. The 50-year-old star, who played Penny in the 2001 romantic comedy The Wedding Planner, shared this anecdote in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, shedding light on her financial struggles at the time.
The Valet Incident That Left Her Red-Faced
Greer explained that before production began on the film, a table read was held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. Not knowing any better, she took her car to the valet, only to realise she lacked the funds to pay for the service. 'I was so broke,' she admitted, describing how she had to call her close friend Sean Gunn from a payphone in the hotel lobby for assistance.
It was then that McConaughey overheard her predicament and generously handed her $20. 'I was so mortified. But also like... my hero!' Greer expressed, highlighting the mix of embarrassment and gratitude she felt. She fondly remembered McConaughey's casual demeanour on set, noting he often wore pajamas and drank Yerba Mate during hair and makeup sessions.
Reflections on a Career-Defining Role
The Wedding Planner, which also starred Jennifer Lopez in a leading role, grossed nearly $95 million at the box office upon its release 25 years ago. For Greer, landing the part of Lopez's assistant was a significant milestone. 'It was a big deal when I got that part,' she told Us Weekly in 2021, revealing she was the first to audition and ultimately secured the role after many others were considered.
Greer praised director Adam Shankman for fostering a creative environment, allowing actors to improvise their lines. 'So many of my lines in that movie were my own improv,' she said, emphasising how empowering it was for a young actress to be trusted in that way. Shankman reportedly encouraged her to deliver one take from the script and then 'say whatever the f*** you want.'
25th Anniversary and Reboot Speculations
As the film celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, Greer reflected on its enduring appeal. When asked about a potential reboot, she expressed mixed feelings. 'Yes, because I love it, and I think it'd be fun to see what people do with it, but also, like, it's great. Why do we have to keep rebooting everything?' she questioned, suggesting the original still stands strong.
McConaughey and Lopez have also reminisced about the film, with Lopez noting that rom-coms 'do something for your soul,' and McConaughey describing The Wedding Planner as 'buoyant' and evoking a perpetual Saturday feeling.
Greer's Diverse Career Trajectory
Since her breakout role, Greer has built a versatile career spanning multiple genres. She began in the late 1990s with films like Jawbreaker (1999) and went on to star in 13 Going On 30 (2004), The Village (2004), and 27 Dresses (2008). More recently, she has ventured into horror with Carrie (2013) and the Halloween franchise, and appeared in Marvel blockbusters such as Ant-Man (2015) and Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023).
Greer recently reunited with her 13 Going On 30 co-star Jennifer Garner for season two of the Apple TV+ series The Last Thing He Told Me, showcasing her ongoing relevance in the industry. Her candid recollection of the valet incident underscores the humble beginnings and unexpected kindness that can shape a Hollywood career.
