Molly Ringwald reflects on her peculiar connection with John Hughes
- Molly Ringwald discussed her feelings regarding John Hughes' influence on her career during a podcast with Monica Lewinsky.
- She revealed that Hughes used her headshot as inspiration while writing 'Sixteen Candles,' chosen when she was just 15 years old.
- Reflecting on their complex relationship, Ringwald acknowledges this connection has continued to affect her throughout her life.
In a recent discussion on Monica Lewinsky's podcast, Molly Ringwald reflected on her work with filmmaker John Hughes, who passed away in 2009. The actress shared her thoughts on how at 15, she became the muse for Hughes, who based his 1984 film "Sixteen Candles" on her headshot. Ringwald admitted it feels a bit peculiar now looking back at that time, noting that while she understood Hughes had chosen her with a particular vision in mind, she lacked the full perspective to process it at such a young age. The film showcases her character's romantic dilemmas surrounding her birthday, and Hughes' choice of Ringwald was significant as he prominently displayed her headshot while writing the script, indicating her importance to the creative process. Reflecting on her relationship with Hughes, she described it as complex and expressed that it is a topic she continues to think about deeply even today, indicating its lasting impact on her life whether it be in terms of her personal experiences or her career trajectory as it unfolded in the shadow of Hughes' cinematic legacy. Given Hughes' significant role in her early acting career, Ringwald highlights the confusion of being thrust into such a position without a full understanding of the implications at the time.