Jennifer Tilly Reveals The Reason She Almost Said ‘No’ To Chucky
What To Know
- Jennifer Tilly initially hesitated to join the Chucky franchise.
- She feared it would be a step back after her Oscar nomination, but ultimately embraced the iconic role of Tiffany Valentine.
- Tilly credits the character of Tiffany with providing her long-term job security.
When it comes to the Chucky franchise, the only demonic toy as iconic as the red-headed Good Guy™ talking tot with a bloodlust and a love for cheeky humor is his main squeeze, Tiffany. Dolled up in a white gown, platinum locks, and a sociopathic streak to match her murderous beau, Tiffany Valentine quickly carved out her own place in horror history.
Introduced in 1998’s Bride of Chucky, she wasn’t just a counterpart to Chucky; she was his equal, as volatile, vain, romantic, and ruthlessly violent as he was. Played by Jennifer Tilly, she matched the energy brought by Chucky actor Brad Dourif, making the duo a match made in plastic hell.
MCA Universal/courtesy Everett Collection
Over the years, she has evolved from accomplice to antihero, proving that behind the bridal veil is one of the franchise’s most enduring and unpredictably dangerous forces. But in the beginning, Tilly wanted nothing to do with Chucky.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Tilly talked about being cast in Don Mancini‘s horror franchise and why she had her doubts.
“Tiffany was a totally iconic role. I really fought tooth and nail against doing it, because I had come off my Oscar nomination and my career was coming along quite well,” explained Tilly.
At the time, Tilly had recently received an Oscar nomination for her turn as Olive in Woody Allen‘s Bullets Over Broadway, so taking a part in a slasher series seemed like a step back. “In the beginning, I did not want to do Bride of Chucky.”
MCA Universal/courtesy Everett Collection
But then the actress had a change of heart. “I started getting into the idea of playing this character, and thank God I did, because it’s given me job security for over 27 years,” laughed Tilly. “I never thought 27 years later I would still be playing Tiffany.”
Tilly would not only go on to embody Chuck’s partner Tiffany, but she also reveled in it. “I’m very proud of Seed of Chucky. Seed of Chucky was a little bit reviled when it came out because it was so campy.” However, over the years, the film has found its audience and is now considered a favorite in the series.
But don’t worry. Tiff and Pookie will be back. “The television series just ended, but I know for a fact that there’s more Chucky and Tiffany in the works, the Gruesome Twosome,” said Tilly.