Where is Jeanie Drynan now? The mother from Muriel’s Wedding is back

Where is Jeanie Drynan now? The mother from Muriel’s Wedding says people STILL stop her in the street 27 years after her starring role as Betty Heslop in the iconic comedy

Jeanie Drynan starred in one of Australia’s most iconic comedies, Muriel’s Wedding, in 1994. 

Taking on the role of Muriel’s mother, Betty Heslop, was one of the most beloved characters in the film. 

These days Jeanie is based Los Angeles, but says she is still stopped on the street by fans of the film, close to 30 years since it debuted in theatres. 

Star: Jeanie Drynan starred in one of Australia’s most iconic comedies, Muriel’s Wedding, in 1994. Taking on the role of Muriel’s mother, Betty Heslop, was one of the most beloved characters in the film. Pictured in this week’s Stellar 

‘[It was] a wonderful role. I came home to do it and just loved working with PJ Hogan and that brilliant cast,’ she tells this week’s Stellar Magazine. 

‘It meant a lot to me and all these years later, people will still stop me in the street and tell me why the film resonated with them.’

Jeanie recently returned to Australia with her screenwriter and director husband, Antony, after a long stint living in the United States, in order to spend time with her grandson. 

Loves it: 'It meant a lot to me and all these years later, people will still stop me in the street and tell me why the film resonated with them,' she said. Pictured with Toni Collette in the 1994 film

Loves it: ‘It meant a lot to me and all these years later, people will still stop me in the street and tell me why the film resonated with them,’ she said. Pictured with Toni Collette in the 1994 film

She says the process of mandatory hotel quarantine was ‘scary’. 

‘No fresh air and a wave of claustrophobia. We soon came to the harsh reality that we couldn’t leave this small, sealed room for two weeks,’ she said. 

‘In the end the hotel was OK and very efficient, with a nurse checking up on us every day. The food was ordinary so we lived on croissants and coffee. Oh, and wine!’

Memories: '[It was] a wonderful role. I came home to do it and just loved working with PJ Hogan and that brilliant cast,' she added

Memories: ‘[It was] a wonderful role. I came home to do it and just loved working with PJ Hogan and that brilliant cast,’ she added

Back in town: Jeanie recently returned to Australia with her screenwriter and director husband, Antony, after a long stint living in the United States, in order to spend time with her grandson and work on her comeback film, Arrivederci

Back in town: Jeanie recently returned to Australia with her screenwriter and director husband, Antony, after a long stint living in the United States, in order to spend time with her grandson and work on her comeback film, Arrivederci

The actress, who has also worked as a producer, is making a comeback to the big screen in he upcoming film Arrivederci, being shot in rural NSW later this year. 

Muriel’s Wedding was an international smash success that made household names of several of its stars.  

 The ’90s classic follows Muriel, played by Toni Collette, who spends her days dreaming of the perfect wedding day – despite never having been on a date.

Read more: In this week's Stellar Magazine

Read more: In this week’s Stellar Magazine 

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