British author Roald Dahl published a children’s book in 1988 titled “Matilda,” which became a global hit among young girls. The book is about a clever and pugnacious little girl who endures mistreatment and neglect from her family. However, after a while, Matilda decides to start paying her abusive parents by pulling funny pranks.
But, soon, she realizes that she possesses magical powers.
Parents and children of many generations still enjoy Matilda’s whimsical story, which shows how a person can make a big difference in their own life no matter how young they are.
Danny Devito decided in 1996 to adopt the book into a feature film. He chose 9-year-old Mara Wilson to play the starring role as Matilda.
Twitter / @MaraWilson
Mara, who was also in Miracle on 34th Street, and Mrs. Doubtfire, was a rising star at the time. However, following her performance in Matilda, she became one of the most prominent child actresses in Hollywood! Years after the movie came out; fans immediately identified Mara as Matilda.
Sadly, despite her newfound fame, Mara’s personal life was anything but ideal. Just after she finished filming Matilda, Mara’s mother succumbed to her long battle with cancer.
Twitter / @MaraWilson
As a child, Mara was a book lover, and her mom used to read Matilda to her years before she got to play the character.
Twitter / @MaraWilson
Mara’s mom encouraged her to take the role because she felt Matilda represented an excellent role model for her daughter.
Twitter / @MaraWilson
When Danny DeVito chose her for the role, Mara had no idea how important he would become in her life.
DeVito and his wife at the time, Rhea Perlman, would invite Mara over to their home for pool parties and other special events. Mara says she remembers having lots of fun while working on set with the couple who were award-winning seasoned actors.
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However, on March 10, 1985 — as Matilda was still in production — doctors diagnosed Mara’s mom, Suzie, with breast cancer.
Danny and Rhea didn’t hesitate to step up and help, offering to babysit Mara anytime her parents had to visit the hospital for treatment.
Once filming concluded, Suzie’s condition deteriorated, and Mara’s beloved mom passed away on April 26, 1996.
Suzie’s death was a devastating blow to Mara and her family. Years later, Mara would write about this experience in her memoir titled “Where Am I Now?”
Twitter / @MaraWilson
The book, which Mara dedicates to her mom, describes a meeting between Suzie and Danny — one that Mara will always cherish.
Twitter / @MaraWilson
Sadly, Mara’s mother would never see the completed film since she passed away during its post-production phase.
This tragedy always hunted Mara since she and her mom both loved the story of Matilda. However, she later learned that her mother did get to see a version of the movie before she died!
Twitter / @MaraWilson
A few years after Suzie died, Dany told Mara that he visited her mom in the hospital with a nearly complete version of the movie and watched it with her.
This one incredible act of kindness put Mara at peace, knowing her mom had seen her playing the character they both loved.
Twitter / @MaraWilson
While DeVito and Perlman played Matilda’s horrible parents in the movie, both actors proved time and time again to be kind and loving souls.
Below, you can also watch an interview Mara did with Entertainment Tonight to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the film.
Twitter / @MaraWilson
In the interview, she shares lots of behind-the-scenes stories. She also talks about DeVito and Perlman’s kindness during her mother’s battle with cancer.
Please be sure to pass this heartwarming story along to your friends and family.