Interview: Valerie Mahaffey on the eccentricity of ‘French Exit’ and her collection of cherished characters [VIDEO]

Over the years, Valerie Mahaffey has carved out a space for herself as a much-adored character actress of the television medium, starring in hit series such as Wings, Desperate Housewives, and Dead to Me, and also earning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in Northern Exposure in 1992.

Though she has additionally adventured over into film from time-to-time – making appearances in Jungle 2 Jungle and Clint Eastwood’s Sully – her supporting role in this year’s French Exit is perhaps her big-screen breakout performance. As the erratic but endearing Madame Reynard, Mahaffey acts as the primary pal to Frances, the film’s protagonist (portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer), as she traverses Paris after escaping her penniless existence in America, and Reynard’s peculiar personality provides the movie with much of its heart and humor.

Last week, Mahaffey was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female for her performance in French Exit. AwardsWatch contributor Zach Gilbert had the chance to chat with Mahaffey about embracing the absurdity of the film and crafting such an idiosyncratic yet instantly iconic character.

Sony Pictures Classics will release French Exit in NY/LA on February 12, 2021, and the film will open nationwide on April 2, 2021.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Zoë Rose Bryant

Though Zoë Rose Bryant has only worked in film criticism for a little under three years – turning a collegiate passion into a full-time career by writing for outlets such as Next Best Picture, AwardsWatch, and Loud and Clear Reviews – her captivation with cinema has been a lifelong fascination, appreciating film in all its varying forms, from horror movies to heartfelt romantic comedies and everything in between. Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, she made the move to Los Angeles in 2021 after graduating from college and now spends her days additionally working as a List Editor and occasional writer for Screen Rant (as she attempts to attend every screening under the sun). As a trans critic, she also seeks to champion underrepresented voices in the LGBTQ+ community in film criticism and offer original insight on how gender and sexuality are explored in modern entertainment. You can find Zoë Rose on Twitter at @ZoeRoseBryant.

Latest posts by Zoë Rose Bryant (see all)

• Interview: How Leo Woodall made “nephew” Jack a mystery and more on ‘The White Lotus’ - June 7, 2023
• This season’s box office for traditional awards films is bad, but does it matter? - December 2, 2022
• Interview: In ‘Stranger Things’ and Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well,” Sadie Sink is rising to the top - June 22, 2022