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Posted by on Aug 20, 2014 in Blog, Movie Reviews | 2 comments

Observations on Jennifer Tilly

 

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What the most surprising thing to know about Jennifer Tilly?

I’ll get to that secret in just a moment.

 

First, let me tell you a bit more about the famous Hollywood actress and avid poker player who recently graced the green felt in the latest edition of Poker Night in America, filmed at Turning Stone Casino in Upstate New York.

The first thing about Jennifer that’s something of a surprise is learning she actually grew up in Canada.  She’s been working in movies for more than 30 years.  I remember seeing Jennifer on screen the very first time in a fun horse racing caper called Let It Ride, starring Richard Dreyfuss.  Those who saw that movie will never forget that amazing red dress.

Over the years, Jennifer worked with some of the true greats in the film business, including a supporting role in Woody Allen’s movie, Bullets Over Broadway, which earned her an Oscar nomination.  She’s been paired with a killer doll (Chucky) and a sultry lesbian (Bound).  She’s starred on Broadway.  She was even married to one of the most successful producers in television history, Sam Simon, who created The Simpsons.

Today, Jennifer tries to blend into the poker scene, where she often competes in many of the biggest events in the game.  Here’s where she fails.  It’s impossible for Jennifer Tilly to blend into any crowd.  Sorry, Jennifer.  You do have your limitations.

Oh, one more thing.  Jennifer also won a World Series of Poker gold bracelet, becoming the Ladies World Champion in 2005.

Most of us who have seen her from a distance or have come into contact with her briefly in poker instantly recognize what’s called — star appeal.  That’s obvious.  But when it comes to film, she’s also been typecast in many less than flattering roles — often as a bimbo or seductress.

Which now brings me to what’s perhaps most surprising thing to really know about Jennifer Tilly.

After spending several days with her on the set in New York, watching her work both on and off camera, one realizes she’s a remarkably intelligent woman — and at times even brilliant.  Consistently witty and poignant, yet never self-absorbed to the point of being annoying, Jennifer not only matches any talker in the game, but often comes over the top while at the table.  She played in the high-stakes cash game for nearly two days of filming, delivering a barrage of unscripted zingers that were every bit as good as what one might hear from a top comedian.

After the game, when Jennifer joined famed movie critic Richard Roeper along with Phil Laak and moderator Chris Hansen for a one-hour roundtable during which most of the most memorable poker scenes in movies were discussed and dissected, Jennifer’s observations were often eye-opening and hysterical.  I had seen every one of the films being discussed, in some cases several times.  Yet the panel consistently pointed out things about the scenes that I’d never considered before.  Indeed, Jennifer’s grasp of cinema history and sidebars about working with various actors over the years in other movies had the entire crew wanting more — this after a 12-hour day of shooting.

The following night, I got to interview Jennifer one-on-one which went on for another 30 minutes, or so.  Again, she was witty and remarkably insightful — following yet another long day of playing poker.  I’ve interviewed lots of players over the years.  Not too many are conversational at the end of a long poker session.  Yet, Jennifer remained very much “in the zone.”

Poker is blessed to have Jennifer in the game as a player.  Not because of her celebrity or the obvious benefits she brings to any event just by being in the room.  No, we are lucky to have her among us playing poker, just for being herself.

2 Comments

  1. Nothing to add here. I’ve spoken to her as well as been in her presence. She’s charming and intelligent and she uses the weapons of mass distraction to maximum effect. I love it when poker players who no nothing about her under estimate her. The do so at their own peril.

  2. Nolan, your writing is terrific. Loved the piece on Daniel vs. Doyle. Have you written on the stand-off between the math heads and old school? I wonder how much math Stu Unger (from my hood) had in his head. I’m not convinced the math players have reinvented or deepened the game. Would love yr thoughts. Thanks 🙂

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