Dolly Parton’s On-Set Clash: The Director Who Doubted Her
Dolly Parton faced sharp criticism from director Herbert Ross during Steel Magnolias, who claimed she needed acting lessons. Despite this, Parton stood firm and continued to earn praise for her performances.
It’s no secret that harmony between a director and their cast can make or break a film. Yet, in the world of cinema, such rapport is far from guaranteed. Sometimes, creative differences or outright dislike are simply part of the job. Dolly Parton, celebrated for her music, found herself in precisely this situation when she stepped into acting. Despite her status as a beloved singer-songwriter, with hits like ‘Jolene’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’, her transition to the big screen was not without its challenges.
Parton’s first foray into film came with 9 to 5, a project that capitalised on her popularity. She had no formal training in acting, but her natural charisma and stage presence made her a compelling choice. The gamble paid off: critics responded warmly to her performance, and she held her own alongside established names such as Jane Fonda. The film’s success, coupled with an Oscar nomination for her title song, cemented her place in Hollywood’s gaze. Further roles followed, including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Rhinestone, but it was Steel Magnolias that truly tested her resolve.
On-Set Tensions and Unwelcome Critique
Steel Magnolias brought together a formidable cast, including Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, and a young Julia Roberts. However, the atmosphere on set was far from congenial, largely due to director Herbert Ross. Known for his work on Footloose, Ross seemed to take issue with nearly every member of his cast. Sally Field later recalled,
“My deepest memories of the film were how we bonded together after he told one of us or all of us we couldn’t act. He went after Julia with a vengeance. This was pretty much her first big film.”
The director’s criticism was not reserved for newcomers; even seasoned performers felt the sting of his remarks.
Parton, in particular, bore the brunt of Ross’s disapproval. He questioned her abilities, suggesting she was not up to the task. The logic behind casting someone he doubted remains unclear, but it seemed Ross derived some satisfaction from keeping his actors on edge. When he told Parton she ought to take acting lessons, she was quick to respond.
“I’m not an actress, I’m Dolly Parton. I’m a personality who has been hired to do this movie. You’re the director. It’s your job to make me look like I’m acting,”
she retorted, refusing to be cowed by his criticism.
Standing Firm Amidst Adversity
Rather than let Ross’s comments undermine her confidence, Parton found solidarity with her fellow cast members. The shared experience of working under a demanding director brought them closer together. Julia Roberts, despite being told she couldn’t act, went on to receive an Oscar nomination for her role. Parton herself, though not awarded for her performance, was met with positive reviews, disproving Ross’s doubts.
After Steel Magnolias, Parton chose to limit her appearances on screen, returning to her musical roots where she felt most at home. Her experience on set may have been trying, but it did little to diminish her reputation as a performer. In the end, she demonstrated that resilience and self-assurance can outshine even the harshest criticism.