Jennifer Tilly is no stranger to on-screen horror, having faced off against the infamous Chucky doll in the Child’s Play franchise. However, her latest venture into reality television has proven to be an entirely different kind of terrifying. The 65-year-old actress recently opened up about her experience joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) for its upcoming 14th season, and she didn’t hold back on her feelings.
“Oh my God, it’s insane. It’s, like, scarier than Chucky. I’ll tell you that,” Tilly revealed during a July 2 episode of the It Happened in Hollywood podcast. Despite her trepidation, Tilly is not joining the show as a full-fledged Housewife but rather in the role of a Friend, which she believes will make her experience somewhat easier. “I’m not a Housewife. I’m a Friend, though, which is a lot easier. You just dip in and out. You try to avoid, like, flying shrapnel. And you know, if drinks are thrown, I have good reflexes,” she quipped.
Tilly’s hesitance is understandable, given the high drama and intense feuds that often characterize the Bravo reality series. Her longtime friend and former Bound co-star, Gina Gershon, also appeared on the podcast and shared her own reservations about joining the show. “They approached me,” Gershon admitted. “I was too scared.” Despite her own fears, Gershon was confident that Tilly would excel on RHOBH. “You know what? You’re gonna be genius on that. You’ll take over that whole set, Jen. I have no doubt. I’d actually even watch it with you on it!”
Tilly has already had a taste of the RHOBH drama, having made cameo appearances during season 13 alongside her close friend and longtime cast member Sutton Stracke. This time, however, she will be a more prominent figure in the show, joining returning Housewives Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Garcelle Beauvais, and Dorit Kemsley, as well as newcomer Bozoma Saint John. Additionally, Kathy Hilton will be making her return as a Friend after taking season 13 off.
The decision to join RHOBH was not one Tilly took lightly. Known for her comedic timing and quick wit, she is well aware of the challenges that come with being part of such a high-profile reality show. “It’s a lot of pressure,” she admitted. “But I think I can handle it. I’ve faced worse things on screen.”
Tilly’s entry into the world of RHOBH comes at a time of significant cast changes. Notably absent from the upcoming season is Crystal Kung Minkoff, who announced her departure after three seasons. “It’s very bittersweet,” Kung Minkoff said via Instagram in April. “Never did I think I would have been asked to do the show in a million years, let alone film it for three seasons. Every single year I was asked back, it was a blessing. It was an honor.” A source later revealed that Kung Minkoff was “fired because she didn’t deliver,” adding, “Producers told her she doesn’t have a storyline, so they had to let her go.”
Annemarie Wiley, who joined the cast during season 13, also announced her departure after just one season. “To say that I’m disappointed is an understatement. I never auditioned for this show,” Wiley shared in a since-deleted Instagram statement. “The show found me and asked me to be on it out of the blue six weeks after the cast had already started filming. I was thrown into filming two weeks later, mid-season.” Despite her brief stint, Wiley expressed gratitude for the opportunity and wished her former castmates well.
As Tilly prepares to navigate the tumultuous waters of RHOBH, she remains optimistic about her role. “I’m excited for the new opportunities ahead that celebrate positivity, truth, authenticity, and the values I truly align with,” she said. Her fans, who have followed her career from her iconic role in Bride of Chucky to her voice work on Family Guy, are eager to see how she will fare in the reality TV arena.
Tilly’s addition to the RHOBH cast is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the show. Known for her sharp humor and candid personality, she is likely to be a fan favorite. “I think people will be surprised,” she said. “I’m not just an actress. I’m a real person with real feelings, and I’m ready to show that side of me.”
As filming for season 14 continues, viewers can look forward to seeing how Tilly adapts to her new role. Whether she will be able to dodge the drama and maintain her composure remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Jennifer Tilly is ready to take on the challenge, no matter how scary it may be.
Source: US Magazine, People
