Originally a 1987 off-Broadway production Steel Magnolias tells the story of six eccentric Lousiana women’s trials and tribulations.
Julia Roberts played Shelby Eatenton Latcherie, young bride to be, who is a diabetic who falls into a state of hypoglycemia. Idealistic and stubborn, she is determined to have her way, no matter the consequences. She focuses on being happy instead and leaves the practicality to her friends.
She could be replaced by Paula Patton. She proved she has the dramatic acting chops in Precious and anyone with eyes can see she’s a real beauty. Could be a breakout role for her.
Sally Field played M’Lynn Eatenton — mothering, domineering, and possessing a great strength of will. Bullies her friends into doing what’s right for them — but because she cares. She wants the best for her friends and family.
Seems like a great part for Vanessa Williams. She’s carved out a strong career on TV (Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives) and this would be another strong, sensitive role for her.
Dolly Parton played Truvy Jones, owner of the beauty salon in which this story is anchored. Steady, solid, always willing to lend to lend a hand, the glue that holds the group together.
Why not Alfre Woodard? For decades she’s been one of the most dependable (and underrated) character actresses in Hollywood. She’s never given a bad performance as far as we’re concerned.
Shirley MacLaine played Ouiser Boudreaux, a grouchy, two-time widow, with a bad-temper. She is the the sarcastic member of the group, with no desire to fit into anyone else’s idea of what she should be. While her friends may be sunshine and light, she is happy to be the negative one.
We love Jennifer Lewis, who stoles scenes in The Preacher’s Wife, What’s Love Got to Do With It and many more films with her hilarious one liners and been there/done that attitude.
Daryl Hannah played Annelle Dupuy Desoto, a recent beauty school graduate. Timid and shy, she has a questionable past, but she’s a really good person. She’s searching for something to ground her.
The beautiful and talented Jurnee Smolett could do wonders with this role. She has the versatility to pull off one of the trickier parts in this production.
Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis (right) played Clairee Belcher, widow, still cheerful and makes a lot of jokes. Eccentric and prone to gossip, she is the communications center. She knows everything that’s going on with everyone!
The incomparable Cicely Tyson would be fierce and funny in this role. Her TV movie performance as Miss Jane Pittman is still the stuff of legend.
Steel Magnolias, the big-screen tearjerker adaption of a successful off-Broadway show about a collection of Lousiana women was a big hit back in1989. Now, there’s plans to remake the film for television with a predominately black cast. Who can replace the likes of Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton and Olympia Dukakis? Click on this slideshow to find out.
