‘Mamma Mia!' actor recalls ‘unbearable' day on set — and how Christine Baranski reacted to complaints
'Mamma Mia!' actor Juan Pablo Di Pace is recalling an unbearably hot day on the set of the franchise's first film — and how Christine Baranski kept it cool.
Baranski, 73, played Tanya in the 2008 musical comedy and reprised her role in its 2018 sequel, 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.'
7 Baranski played Tanya in 2008's 'Mamma Mia!' and 2018's 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.'
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
7 Di Pace appeared as Petros, later revealed to be Harry Bright's (Colin Firth) partner, in the original film.
Universal Pictures
Di Pace portrayed Petros in the original installment, appearing in dance numbers throughout and later revealed to be Harry Bright's (Colin Firth) partner.
'I just loved every second of rehearsing and shooting it,' Di Pace, 45, exclusively told The Post, specifically reflecting on the iconic 'Does Your Mother Know' beach scene with Baranski.
'We were all just so hot, and it was really summer, like the heat was unbearable,' he explained. 'We had to do this massive number, all the boys around her, and eight hours later, all the boys, who were 20, were complaining.'
That's when Baranski spoke up.
7 Baranski in the iconic 'Does Your Mother Know' beach scene in 'Mamma Mia!'
Universal Pictures
'Come on, guys, we're doing what we love,' he recalled her saying.
'All of a sudden, everyone just got it. We were like, 'Yeah, what are we complaining about? This is exactly what we're here for,'' Di Pace said.
'It was amazing, and she's amazing, and everyone in that movie was just so great,' he concluded.
7 'Mamma Mia!' premiered 17 years ago on July 18, 2008.
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
'Mamma Mia!' premiered 17 years ago on July 18, 2008. Both a prequel and a sequel, 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again' hit theaters on July 20, 2018, within days of its predecessor's release.
Since then, there have been ongoing talks of a 'Mamma Mia! 3,' which Baranski said is in the works.
'I was in London [producer] Judy Craymer at our favorite watering hole, [and] she is planning 'Mamma Mia! 3,'' she told the Hollywood Reporter in an interview published in August 2024. 'She gave me the narrative plotline of how it's going to happen.'
7 There have been ongoing talks of a 'Mamma Mia! 3.'
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
'The Gilded Age' star said Craymer 'makes things happen,' noting that she made the second 'Mamma Mia!' movie, and it was 'a phenomenal hit.'
'I wouldn't put it past Judy Craymer to get everybody back together,' Baranski added.
In the meantime, the stage production of the hit musical is heading back to Broadway this summer.
7 Di Pace makes his feature debut this month with 'Before We Forget.'
New York Post
It is returning to the Winter Garden Theatre, where it originally opened in 2001, with previews set to begin on August 2 and opening night scheduled for August 14.
The limited Broadway engagement is set to run through February 1, 2026.
Di Pace is known for his role as Fernando, Kimmy Gibbler's on-again, off-again lover, in 'Fuller House.' He also portrayed Jesus in NBC's 'A.D.: The Bible Continues' and finished fifth on Season 27 of 'Dancing with the Stars.'
7 The Broadway revival of 'Mamma Mia!' is returning to the Winter Garden Theatre this summer.
Getty Images
The Argentine actor makes his directorial debut this month with 'Before We Forget,' a nostalgic, years-spanning story of queer first love — in which he also stars.
The film is set for theatrical release in New York on July 11, Los Angeles on July 18, and additional markets on July 25.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cosmopolitan
2 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan
Are King Princess and Christine Baranski Dating?
This year has brought on a few deliciously chaotic pairings in the public eye–no, seriously, it fully feels like these names were pumped out of a randomized generator. From Madelaine Petsch and Tyga to JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes, the game of love is bringing on the unexpected. The latest duo to spark dating rumors (and, honestly, make us scratch our heads a little bit)? That'd be none other than King Princess and Christine Baranski. The musician and Mamma Mia! star initially met while co-starring on Hulu's Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 together, and fans are speculating that they may have a flirtation going on. It's unclear whether they're actually an item, but it begs the question: Are King Princess and Christine Baranski dating? The recent string of speculation comes after K.P. dropped an Instagram post with her co-star captioned '#loveislove' on August 20. Of course, it's important to note that the Girl Violence artist loves to troll her followers with a good meme from time to time. But, is this a meme, or something more? Fans flooded her comments section, likening the age-gapped pairing to real-life queer icons, Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor. One fan poked fun at their age difference with a reference to King Princess' 2017 breakout hit, writing, 'She wrote '1950' for a reason.' Others chimed in, matching the post's humorous tone. 'My fave thing about this is idk if this is real or not,' one fan wrote, as another added, 'I love the new cast of The L Word.' Someone else made another comparison to the 2015 sapphic romance film, Carol, writing, 'Close enough, welcome back Carol.' However, a certain comment from Hacks star Hannah Einbinder raised eyebrows, as she referenced her and Jean Smart's beloved characters while writing, 'ava and deborah vibes.' K.P.—whose real name is Mikaela Straus—fueled speculation when she jokingly responded, 'double date ?' (ICYMI, fans initially freaked out when Hannah liked a post from May 2025 asking about the nature of the pair's relationship.) Christine and King Princess were first spotted when they visited Oh, Mary! on Broadway in August 2024, and have made other appearances in the theater space since, including the opening night of The Picture of Dorian Gray in March 2025. They also spoke to each other for Interview Magazine in May, and played into dating rumors during their convo. When explaining how their friendship blossomed, Christine said, 'Our first date—let's give them something to talk about—we actually got dressed up and finally had dinner. I remember we went to this chic, French-y watering hole. We sat at the bar, ordered our martinis, and suddenly we're talking about our grandmothers who deeply affected and influenced our lives. I think that's where we profoundly bonded.' At the end of their interview, Christine added, 'It's going to be a beautiful relationship, baby...I can't wait for the decades ahead. I'm going to learn so much from you, and I'll teach you whatever good stuff that I know,' to which K.P. responded, 'I love you and I'm just thankful to have you in my life.' TL;DR: It doesn't seem like these two are actually an item, but damn, do they love playing into the rumors. We're obsessed nonetheless!
New York Post
18 hours ago
- New York Post
Why ‘Dawson's Creek' cast is reuniting for first time in 22 years for 1 night only
We don't want to wait for this epic reunion. The cast of 'Dawson's Creek' is set to reunite for the first time since the WB drama went off the air in 2003 after a six season run. In its entirety, the stars of the beloved series will come together at the Richard Rodgers Theatre for a charity event on Sept. 22 for a partnership with F Cancer. 12 'Dawsons Creek' reunion poster. Andy Towle James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Busy Philipps, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, and Meredith Monroe will do a live reading of the show's pilot episode. The reading will benefit F Cancer and Van Der Beek, 48, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024. 'Dawson's Creek' alum Jason Moore will direct and produce the show. 12 Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes of 'Dawson's Creek.' ©Columbia Tristar/Courtesy Everett Collection The 54-year-old will also produce the reading alongside Williams, 44, her husband Thomas Kail, the show's creator Kevin Williamson, Carl Ogawa, Maggie Brohn, and Greg Berlanti. Philipps, 46, Smith, 53, and Monroe, 55, joined the series after Season 1 and will also read various parts from the pilot episode. Williamson, 60, spoke about the reunion, sharing, 'I am so excited to reunite with James, Michelle, Katie, Joshua, and our 'Dawson's Creek' family for such a special night.' ''Dawson's Creek' changed my life,' he gushed. 'What began as a personal story about a young man and his friends navigating their way through the challenges of life became so much more than I ever dreamed.' 'It created an enduring fandom and legacy all over the world. I am so honored to be a part of it and to support our beautiful friend, James, as we continue to navigate our way through life and its many challenges,' Williamson concluded. Williams also released her own statement about the charity event. 12 The cast of 'Dawson's Creek.' ©Columbia Tristar/Courtesy Everett Collection 'We grew up in Capeside and that's a bond that will last a lifetime,' the actress detailed. 'We wanted to gather around our dear friend James and remind him that we are all here. We always have been and we always will be. And I know the fans of 'Dawson's Creek' feel the same way.' Van Der Beek teased fans on Instagram with a picture of himself, Williams, Holmes, 46, and Jackson, 47, from the early aughts, set to the drama's theme song, 'I Don't Want to Wait' by Paula Cole. He also quoted the iconic line: 'If we were truly meant to be then we'll find a way back to each other.' 12 Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson pose together for 'Dawson's Creek.' Getty Images Fans flocked to the comments section to share their excitement, with one social media user writing, 'Millennials need this so much right now.' Another follower gushed, 'OH GOD OKAY IT'S HAPPENING! I'm literally in the middle of a rewatch.' The beloved '90s series quickly became a cult classic. Fans followed Joey (Holmes) as she navigated school after the death of her mother and juggled a love triangle with Dawson (Van Der Beek) and best friend Pacey (Jackson). 12 James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes star in 'Dawson's Creek' in 1998. Getty Images In July, viewers were sent into a frenzy after Holmes and Jackson reunited for a new movie. The pair was spotted walking down a street in New York City. The 'First Daughter' star later revealed on Instagram that they teamed up for 'Happy Hours,' a new feature film trilogy she is set to write, direct and star in. 12 Katie Holmes as Joey Potter and James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in 'Dawson's Creek.' Getty Images 'I am so very grateful to be working again with so many of my wonderful friends on this film HAPPY HOURS,' Holmes teased. 'And working with Josh after so many years is a testament to friendship.' 'HAPPY HOURS is a love story that includes so many people I adore. We can't wait for everyone to see what we make.' While his co-stars are working on a new project, Van Der Beek, meanwhile, has been focusing on his health. 12 Joshua Jackson in 'Dawson's Creek.' Warner Bros. 'I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,' Van Der Beek told People in November after opening up about his health struggles. 'There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good,' he added. Earlier this month, Van Der Beek explained there was a subtle colorectal cancer symptom he had ignored before his diagnosis. The actor noticed minor changes in his bowel movements. 12 Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Kerr Smith, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson at the 2003 WB Upfront Presentation. WireImage 'There wasn't any red flag or something glaring,' he told Healthline at the time. 'I was healthy. I was doing the cold plunge. I was in amazing cardiovascular shape, and I had stage 3 cancer, and I had no idea.' As Van Der Beek forged ahead with treatments, he reconnected with many of his 'Dawson's Creek' cast members. Turns out, the stars reunited after not speaking for years following the end of the WB series, which ran from 1998 to 2003. 12 Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson on set in New York City. Jose Perez / BACKGRID 'I've gotten in touch with them recently and it's just been so nice,' he admitted on a March episode of Jana Kramer's 'Whine Down' podcast. 'It's just been so great to talk to them and catch up with like who they are now this many years out and to have that shared experience from back in the day,' expressed Van Der Beek. 'It's just so lovely every time I get to catch up with one of them.' 'We all went our separate ways and just didn't speak for years because we were just living our lives and doing our things,' the actor added. 'And to just kind of reconnect and be like, 'Oh, wow, I love who you've become.'' 12 Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson reunite in New York City. Jose Perez / BACKGRID Despite moving away from the show to pave his own career in the early 2000s, Van Der Beek doesn't mind reminiscing. 'I have such a nostalgia for it,' he gushed. I don't know whether it's just time or what, but yeah.' In June, Williamson gave fans a bit of hope for a possible reboot. 12 Katie Holmes on set in New York City in August. Steve Sands/ New York Newswire / BACKGRID 'Not in television form. I think there's other ways that [a 'Dawson's Creek' revival] can come to fruition,' he told The Post. 'But I'm not so sure… I feel complete. I feel like we told the story.' The 'Scream' writer said that at the end of the teen drama, 'we even flash forward five years at the end to show where all the characters ended up, and how they were doing.' 12 Joshua Jackson, James Van Der Beek and Stephen Colbert seen at Showtime's Annual Summer Soiree in 2015. Getty Images Williamson stated, 'I feel that's a box, and it's exactly where it should be.' Tickets for the 'Dawson's Creek' event are available for purchase on Friday, Aug. 22, at 1:00 p.m. ET on Broadway Direct.
New York Post
a day ago
- New York Post
‘Ferris Bueller' stars Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck reunite nearly 40 years later on set of new comedy film
Their day off is over. Nearly 40 years after starring in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck have reunited for a new comedy film. The duo were spotted on the set of 'The Best Is Yet to Come' in Vancouver, Canada on Wednesday. 12 Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck on the set of their new comedy 'The Best Is Yet to Come' in Vancouver on Aug. 20. BACKGRID 12 Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck head to lunch during a break from filming. BACKGRID 12 Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck's wife, actress Mireille Enos, and Ruck on the film set in Vancouver. BACKGRID In the photos, the actors walked to get lunch during a break in filming. They were joined by some of Ruck's family, including his wife, actress Mireille Enos, and their two children. The 'Succession' alum, 69, wore a maroon suit with black dress shoes and glasses, while Broderick, 63, had on a blue suit with a grey tie, brown shoes and glasses. 12 Alan Ruck heads to lunch with his family on the set of his new movie. BACKGRID 12 Matthew Broderick joins Alan Ruck's family for lunch in Vancouver. BACKGRID In Jon Turteltaub's 'The Best Is Yet to Come,' Broderick and Ruck 'play best friends who, through a colossal misunderstanding that creates a ticking clock, hop in a car to find the estranged son of one of them and also try to do all the things that life has prevented them from do,' according to Deadline. 12 Alan Ruck grabbing lunch on a break from filming his new comedy in Vancouver on Aug. 20. BACKGRID 12 Matthew Broderick eating lunch on the set of 'The Best Is Yet to Come.' BACKGRID The comedy flick, written by Allan Loeb, is based on the 2019 French film of the same name. The upcoming movie is being produced by Dimitri Rassam, who produced the original. Broderick and Ruck have stayed close friends since starring in 1986's 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off.' 12 Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara and Alan Ruck in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off.' ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection 12 Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck in 2005. FilmMagic In the late John Hughes' 1986 classic, Broderick played the titular high school senior who skips classes for a day with his best friend, Cameron Frye, (Ruck) and his girlfriend, Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara). Before 'Ferris Bueller,' Broderick and Ruck worked together in a 1985 Broadway production of 'Biloxi Blues.' Twelve years after their beloved comedy, they co-starred in the 1998 drama film 'Walking to the Waterline.' 12 Alan Ruck and Matthew Broderick in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off.' ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection 12 Mia Sara, Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off.' ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection In May 2023, the pair reunited at the 'Succession' Season 4 premiere in New York City. HBO shared a clip of them in the photo booth with the caption, 'Life moves pretty fast.' A month earlier, the actors chatted for Interview Magazine and Ruck explained to Broderick why he owes him for his career. 12 Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck at the 'Succession' Season 4 premiere afterparty in March 2023. Marion Curtis/StarPix for HBO Originals / Shutterstock 'Because if there was no Matthew Broderick, there probably wouldn't have been a 'Biloxi Blues,' and that was a major springboard for me,' Ruck shared. 'If it wasn't for 'Biloxi Blues,' 'Ferris Bueller' wouldn't have happened for me,' he said. 'I've told you this before, but I think in a previous life you saved me from some horrible death.'
