Los Angeles, CA – Goldie Hawn has shared a lighthearted response to her longtime friend and Death Becomes Her co-star Meryl Streep's recent admission of on-set tension during the filming of the 1992 cult classic. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight on May 6, Hawn, 80, acknowledged her habitual tardiness as the source of what Streep described as 'beef' between the two actresses, but emphasized that any friction has long since dissolved into fond memories and inside jokes.
Hawn's comments come just days after Streep, 76, reflected on the production in a Vanity Fair interview published on April 30. The three-time Oscar winner recounted how Hawn's frequent lateness clashed with her own punctuality, creating a minor conflict amid the high-energy shoot directed by Robert Zemeckis. 'Goldie, she was always late to set,' Streep said. 'But she was so adorable. And I’m always on time, you know, and annoying. But she’s late, and she had a red convertible, I remember, and she’d drive herself to set. So that was probably the problem.'
Streep continued, painting a vivid picture of Hawn's arrivals: 'She’d drive herself to set. She had her hair all … ‘Oh, gosh, sorry!’ And everybody thought, ‘Oh, she’s so cute.’ Yeah. So I had a beef with her.' Despite the retrospective candor, Streep was quick to clarify the positive evolution of their relationship. 'I loved her. I love her,' she added. 'She’s one of my buddies, and over the years, we’ve had some laughs about that movie because people love it. I thought it was like a documentary on Beverly Hills.'
Hawn, speaking to Entertainment Tonight, owned up to her time management quirks without defensiveness. 'I think I’m 15 minutes late to everything. … I mean, honestly, it’s unbelievable,' she admitted. 'But, I think we got through that. I mean, we’ve been such great friends for so long. But it is our joke.' In a playful counterpoint, Hawn suggested Streep's strict adherence to schedule might have amplified the issue. 'So, she said I was too late on the set. Maybe she’s too early, I don’t know,' Hawn remarked. 'You know, sometimes when you’re too early, you’re still waiting for somebody and you think, ‘Oh god, where the hell is she?’'
The exchange highlights the contrasting working styles of two Hollywood icons who portrayed rival aging actresses in Death Becomes Her. In the film, Streep played Madeline Ashton, a vain diva, while Hawn embodied Helen Sharp, a vengeful writer, both of whom consume a magical potion promising eternal youth but delivering grotesque consequences. The dark comedy, released on July 31, 1992, grossed over $149 million worldwide against a $55 million budget, marking a commercial success despite mixed reviews from critics at the time.
Over the decades, the movie has garnered a devoted cult following, appreciated for its satirical take on vanity and the entertainment industry. Its groundbreaking visual effects, which depicted the stars' bodies deteriorating in horrifying detail, earned the film the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects at the 65th Oscars on March 29, 1993. Zemeckis, known for blending live-action with innovative CGI, used the project to push boundaries in digital makeup and animation, influencing future blockbusters.
The film's enduring appeal extends beyond cinema. In 2024, a Broadway musical adaptation premiered, earning 10 Tony Award nominations, including for Best Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for Megan Fairchild as Madeline and Jennifer Simone as Helen. Producers praised the stage version for capturing the original's campy horror and sharp wit, drawing packed houses in New York City throughout the season.
Hawn and Streep's friendship, forged in the chaos of the 1992 production, has only strengthened since. Both actresses have spoken warmly about their collaboration in various interviews over the years, often citing Death Becomes Her as a career highlight. Hawn, who starred in the film alongside Bruce Willis as the love interest caught in the crossfire, has described the shoot as 'wild and wonderful,' while Streep has called it a 'turning point' in her exploration of comedic roles.
Recent interest in the movie has sparked talk of revival. In August 2025, Drew Barrymore expressed enthusiasm for a remake during an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show. The actress, who has fond memories of the original, revealed discussions with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, both frequent collaborators. 'We’ve batted around some ideas,' Barrymore said. 'As a joke, we say we’ll make the Three’s Company movie, but I’m really bullish on Death Becomes Her, a remake of that.'
Barrymore, who worked with Aniston on the 2009 romantic comedy He's Just Not That Into You and has shared screen time with Sandler in films like 50 First Dates, emphasized her desire to team up with the pair. 'Adam knows that I really want to work with him and Jennifer Aniston together. They both know that,' she added. While no official plans have been announced, the idea has generated buzz among fans eager for a modern twist on the story's themes of beauty, rivalry, and immortality.
The original film's cast and crew have occasionally reflected on its legacy. Willis, who played the hapless Ernest Menville, has noted in past interviews how the role allowed him to blend drama with humor. Zemeckis, in a 2020 retrospective, credited the project's success to the chemistry between Hawn and Streep, saying their real-life rapport mirrored the on-screen tension in a way that elevated the material.
As Hollywood continues to revisit classic properties, Death Becomes Her stands out for its prescient commentary on the pressures of aging in show business. With Hawn and Streep both in their later years yet remaining active—Hawn in family projects and Streep in high-profile roles like her recent appearance in The Devil Wears Prada 2—their anecdotes serve as a reminder of the human side of stardom. The 'beef' story, far from scandalous, underscores the camaraderie that has defined their decades-long bond.
Looking ahead, the potential remake could introduce the story to a new generation, potentially updating its visual effects with contemporary technology. Barrymore's involvement would add a layer of nostalgia, given her own iconic roles in the '90s. For now, Hawn and Streep's playful banter keeps the original alive in public discourse, proving that some Hollywood tales only get better with time.
In the broader context of celebrity memoirs and retrospectives, such revelations are common but rarely as endearing. Streep's Vanity Fair piece, part of a larger profile on her career, touched on various milestones, from her early theater days to her Oscar-winning performances. Hawn, meanwhile, has been promoting her own ventures, including reflections on her son Oliver Hudson's comments about her 'iconic' status in the family, as noted in recent Us Weekly coverage.
Ultimately, the lighthearted 'beef' between Hawn and Streep encapsulates the collaborative spirit of filmmaking, where personal quirks can fuel creative magic. As fans await any updates on a remake, the original Death Becomes Her remains a testament to their talent and enduring friendship.