'The First Wives Club' Cast: Where Are They Now? Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton And More

When The First Wives Club hit theatres in 1996, it wasn’t just another Hollywood comedy, it was a cultural moment. The film told the story of three college friends, ‘Annie’, ‘Brenda’, and ‘Elise’, who reunite after the tragic loss of their friend ‘Cynthia’. Realising they have each been cast aside by their husbands for younger women, the trio decides to turn their heartbreak into empowerment, sparking both laughter and applause from audiences worldwide.

The movie resonated deeply with its audience, not only because of its sharp wit and memorable one-liners but also because it spotlighted the struggles women face in middle age, something that was rarely seen in mainstream cinema at the time. Themes of sisterhood, self-discovery, and reclaiming one’s power struck a chord with female audiences who had longed for such representation on screen. Its enduring popularity has since cemented it as a feminist comedy classic.

The Lasting legacy of The First Wives Club

More than two decades later, the film remains an iconic part of pop culture. It paved the way for future ensemble comedies centred around women and showed Hollywood that a female-led story can do well commercially as well. Discussions about a sequel have surfaced over the years, while no official confirmation is made yet, fans are eagerly waiting for part two. So, let’s take a look at where the stars of The First Wives Club are today. 

Diane Keaton played ‘Annie MacDuggan-Paradis’ on The First Wives Club

Diane Keaton’s career has been nothing short of unstoppable. Since playing the neurotic yet lovable ‘Annie’, she has continued to dominate both film and television industry. Her career highlights include projects like, Something’s Gotta Give, Father of the Bride Part 3(ish), Book Club: The Next Chapter, and a role in the HBO drama, The Young Pope. Diane, known for her eccentric fashion sense and signature turtlenecks, never got married. However, she proudly embraced motherhood by adopting two children: Dexter and Duke.

Goldie Hawn played ‘Elise Elliot Atchison’ on The First Wives Club

Goldie Hawn’s portrayal of glamorous actress, ‘Elise’ was a highlight of the film, and she hasn’t slowed down since. Her career flourished with projects like Town & Country, Snatched, and the holiday favourites, The Christmas Chronicles and its sequel, where she starred alongside longtime partner, Kurt Russell.

Hawn and Russell are one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples, they have been together for over four decades now. Their blended family includes Oliver Hudson and Kate Hudson, Goldie’s children with Bill Hudson, Boston Russell, Kurt’s son from his marriage to Season Hubley, and their son, Wyatt Russell who was born in 1986. The Hawn-Russell clan has become something of a Hollywood dynasty in its own right.

Bette Midler played ‘Brenda Morelli-Cushman’ on The First Wives Club

As ‘Brenda’, Bette Midler brought sass, heart, and humour to the screen. After the film, Bette expanded her musical legacy, releasing six more studio albums and embarking on seven tours. On screen, she continued to charm audiences in films like The Stepford Wives, Parental Guidance, and the fan-favourite, Hocus Pocus 2.

Bette also starred in the sitcom Bette, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination, and appeared in Netflix’s The Politician. Off-screen, she has enjoyed a long and happy marriage to artist, Martin von Haselberg since 1984. The couple shares one daughter, Sophie von Haselberg, born in 1986, who has followed in her mother’s footsteps and has become an actress.

Sarah Jessica Parker played ‘Shelly Stewart’ in The First Wives Club

Two years after playing ‘Shelly’ the much-younger mistress who sparked much of the drama in the film, Sarah Jessica Parker skyrocketed to fame as ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ in HBO’s Sex and the City. The role made her a cultural icon, earning her six Golden Globes and a loyal fan base. Parker reprised the role in two feature films and the reboot And Just Like That, which ran for three seasons.

Outside of acting, Parker has built a fashion empire, cementing her status as a style icon. She has been married to Matthew Broderick since 1997 and is a proud mom to her son, James, and twin daughters, Tabitha and Loretta.

Maggie Smith played ‘Gunilla Garson Goldberg’ in The First Wives Club

Maggie Smith had already established herself as a Hollywood legend long before appearing as the elegant ‘Gunilla’. Post-First Wives Club, she added even more acclaimed roles to her work profile, most notably she was seen as ‘Violet Crawley’ in Downton Abbey and ‘Professor McGonagall’ in the Harry Potter franchise.

Maggie's illustrious career earned her two Academy Awards, four Emmys, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award. Sadly, she passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89, leaving behind a towering legacy in film industry. She is survived by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, who are both accomplished actors themselves.

Elizabeth Berkley as ‘Phoebe LaVelle’ in  The First Wives Club

Elizabeth Berkley’s role as ‘Phoebe’, though brief, remains a memorable part of the film. Since then, she has maintained a versatile career. She reprised her beloved character ‘Jessie Spano’ for the Saved by the Bell reboot on Peacock, delighting fans of the ‘90s sitcom. Berkley also competed on Dancing With the Stars in season 17, finishing in sixth place. She has been married to artist, Greg Lauren since 2003, and they share a son named Sky, born in 2012.

Marcia Gay Harden played ‘Dr. Leslie Rosen’ in The First Wives Club

Marcia Gay Harden made her mark as ‘Dr. Leslie Rosen’ in The First Wives Club and has since become one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood. Her film credits include Pollock, Mystic River, and Into the Wild, while her television résumé boasts roles in The Morning Show and Code Black. Harden won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Pollock and continues to balance work in both film and television. She was married to filmmaker, Thaddaeus Scheel from 1996 to 2012, and they share three children: Eulala, Hudson, and Julitta.

Why does The First Wives Club still matter today?

Nearly 30 years after its release, The First Wives Club continues to resonate with audiences. It remains a memorable film that celebrates female friendship and shows the importance of reclaiming one’s narrative. Its cast, each one, went on to build remarkable careers and helped create a film that is as relevant today as it was in the ‘90s. 

Whether fans rewatch it for the laughs, the fashion, or the iconic 'You Don’t Own Me' scene, one thing is clear that, The First Wives Club will forever hold its place in Hollywood history.

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