MURIEL’S WEDDING STAR JOKES YOU’RE TERRIBLE, TONI!

GENNIE NEVINSON REMEMBERS THE AUSSIE CLASSIC

- Gavin Scott

Given the great acclaim Muriel’s Wedding got when it was released in 1994, it wasn’t a coincidence that Hollywood quickly came calling for stars Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths. Yet the success of one of the leading ladies still took Gennie Nevinson a bit by surprise.

Gennie, who played Deidre Chambers, the mistress of Toni’s on-screen dad, tells New Idea she “didn’t warm to Toni”, but does wonder if it was because the star was staying in character.

“I don’t know if it was because she was carrying through the relationship we would’ve had in the film. She was a little bit cold.

“I thought Rachel was stunning. I didn’t really think about Toni [becoming a success], and then when I’ve seen her in stuff, she’s such a talent, my goodness.”

BACK ON THE BOX

Since starring in Muriel’s Wedding, Gennie, now 71, has consistently worked in some of Australia’s best-loved dramas including All Saints and Packed to the Rafters.

She’s currently portraying Margaret Brown in Foxtel’s courtroom drama, The Twelve.

Her characters sweet connection with a fellow juror serves to counterbalance the more action-packed storylines.