I havent been able to play someone like her, she explained.
No one had to coax me into this job, she added.
This was a dream, a dream.
Jennifer Coolidge in ‘Riff Raff’ (2024)Roadside Attractions/Courtesy Everett Collection
DEADLINE:I really loved your performance in Riff Raff.
It was so funny as usual, but also heartbreaking.
JENNIFER COOLIDGE:I havent really gotten a role like that before.
Jennifer Coolidge in ‘Riff Raff’ (Roadside Attractions/Courtesy Everett Collection)
Ive never been offered that.
Thats really why I wanted it.
I read the script, it was such a fast read, it was such a wild ride.
And I was like, Are you serious?
You want me to have this killer part?
Because I havent been able to play someone like her.
No one had to coax me into this job.
This was a dream, a dream.
The only negative was just it was quite cold, freezing in the woods in New Jersey.
Thats the only complaint I can make.
DEADLINE:Ruth has a good for her moment that I really appreciated.
Can you tell me about that journey for her and getting closure?
Its so painful when theyre not having any of the emotions that youre feeling.
And hes really into her and hes moved on, and he feels nothing for her, for me.
Someone like Ruth really didnt have anything else to fall back on.
I think its very sad.
COOLIDGE:He didnt like that, by the way.
He really didnt like that.
DEADLINE:Well, it was cool that you brought that kind of levity to the the film.
The characters in this movie have like such a fucked-up dynamic, but its ultimately a movie about family.
COOLIDGE:I think thats sort of the genius.
Really, I owe it all to John Pollono, he really did sort of balance it outwards.
And she really didnt have other options at all.
Ruth would never go get therapy, would never go get help.
Especially if youre hanging out with gangsters, no ones doing that.
Except inThe Sopranos, hes the exception, of course.
People love to be in love, its the greatest thing in this lifetime.
I felt terrible for her.
At the very end of filming, Dito said, I want to add a scene to the movie.
And I dont know, I thought that was a really good idea.
DEADLINE:The life she almost had.
COOLIDGE:Yes, exactly.
And I think she sees where her son is headed too, and hes got a new son.
And so in that way, hes not worried enough.
But its all painful stuff.
Thats why Im so glad theres some funny stuff in that movie.
