Just three of the reasons why Ally Sheedy has been on our interview wish-list for some time.
And we finally tracked her down for a chat…
Even before she hit her teens, Ally Sheedy had written a best-selling books.
And with a movie career that then took in the likes ofThe Breakfast ClubandWarGames, her fame was cemented.
My mother was a writer and I would read my stories to her.
It was Joyces idea to bring it to McGraw Hill.
And then she worked with me editing the book.
And are you still actively writing now?
Yes, I actively write.
Was that a tough time, or did things fall into place for you?
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In hindsight, it didnt take too long for things to fall into place.
Although at 18 it felt like it did.
I pounded the pavement finding an agent just like everyone else.
I started to work in television.
My first break wasBad Boyswith Sean Penn.
I auditioned forWarGamesover and over for four months.
And John Hughes came up with the idea of offering me Allison inThe Breakfast Club.
I lovedHill Street Blues.
It was my first part on a TV series.
WarGamesis one of many of your films that still enjoys a lot of affection today.
What do you remember about working on it?I learned a lot onWarGames.
It was a huge production filmed on location and on soundstages at MGM.
It was like a fairytale.
Lots of equipment, a huge crew.
Just fun and wonderful people all around.
I didnt understand the computer angle at all.
But Jennifer wasnt supposed to, so that worked for me.
Im still somewhat computer challenged actually.
How was working with Matthew Broderick back then?
Matthew Broderick is one of the funniest people I have ever met.
He was also well-versed in showtunes even back then.
He loved musical comedy, he loved the stage and he loved Neil Simon.
It was quite an ahead of itself film for the time; was that something you were conscious of?
I realise now it was ahead of its time.
I loved the message.
If that makes sense.
These days, by the time a movie comes out, its time and relevance could already be past.
Back then the editing took even longer.
Ironically because none of that was done on computers, as it is today of course.
The Breakfast Clubis an iconic 80s movie, and remains an absolute treat.
What are your memories of working on the film?
And how has it impacted your career since?The Breakfast Clubgave me my career.
Its still very popular and I am recognised on the street or wherever as Allison all the time.
I guess it isnt dated because the kids at my daughters school are watching it and love it.
Again, a dream of an experience.
Judd, especially, killed me.
There were times I could npt even look at him.
A lot of his scenes have improvised lines added to Johns dialogue.
When they worked he kept them in.
They were on a similar wavelength and I think that really worked.
We never got sick of each other.
We spent three months in that library.
And yes, I really ate the sandwich.
That movie holds a special place in my heart.
Obviously, I guess.Was the quality of the film right there in the script?
And when did you get a feel for how loved the film was going to be?
The script was great.
But somehow John Hughes made it magical.
Im not quite sure how he did it.
The chemistry of the cast was great.
Also, there was an amazing editor, DeDe Allen.
She worked onRedswhich is one of my favourite movies so I was really in awe of her.
She put it together.
She was right on set and one day she told me, Im watching you.
We all had a good feeling about the film.
But I dont think anyone really had an idea that it would be such a phenomenon.
How didSt Elmos Firecome about?
I met the director, Joel Schumacher, right at the end of filmingThe Breakfast Club.
He saw me as Leslie and offered me the part.
I think Ned Tanen helped with that one.
He was the producer on both films.
And whats it like, again, being a part of such a terrific cast?
Again, the cast makes up so much of a film.
And again, I was really happy to be in that group.
Filming both movies that year was just a happy golden time for me.
Also, I got to be with Judd and Emilio again so it was old home week.
Youve hinted in the past at unhappiness with the term The Brat Pack.
What are your feelings on it today, in retrospect was it a help or a hindrance?
Being classified as The Brat Pack ended up being a problem for most of us.
There was pressure to break out and become a success individually.
It held true for everyone.
We all felt we had to prove ourselves as actors and be in successful films on our own.
Things turned somewhat negative.
Sometimes there are strange consequences for being successful in this society.
Moving on toShort Circuit, whats it like working with a robot on a day to day basis?
It was unbelievably challenging working with the robot.
There isnt a person across from you so theres absolutely nothing coming back.
I was out there on my own.
Without reciprocal energy its exhausting.
Did the fact that you were the star name on a film like that add any pressure?
And were you pleased with the end result?
I didnt feel pressure about being the star name because the film was really about the robot.
If the robot worked the film would work.
It was all on him.
And yeah, I was pleased with the end result.
I like that movie.
You only had a voiceover role in the sequel toShort Circuit.
Im only partly kidding.
The second movie was about Fisher [Stevens].
Actually, Fisher was one of the big reasons the first film worked.
It is thrilling, as you put it, that so many people love the movies.
How conscious a choice was that?
I felt stuck in my career by 1988.
I wanted dark complex roles and a whole lot more variety so I could discover my range.
I had an idea it was pretty big and I wanted to put it to the test.
The indie world was taking off right about then.
It was a conscious choice.
High Artwas very very important for me.
I know that it changed the way people perceived me and what roles they believed I could play.
It took ten years before it came and every minute was worth it.
I never know which film will be well received and which wont.
Its a gamble in the indie world because often movies dont get a distributor.
But this is where Ive had a variety of challenging roles.
I feel I have to have something to do when I work.
Something thats difficult and interesting and, again, a challenge.
I cant stand it when its the same old or if its too easy.
Anyway, I keep going.
What am I going to do?
I want to be Helen Mirren!
My favourite 80s movie isTerms of Endearment.
Actually, Id like to work with Ellen Burstyn again [after 1985sTwice In A Lifetime].
Now that was an honour.
What next for Ally Sheedy?Whats next?
I also did three episodes ofKyle XYwhich my kid thinks is a cool show.
Now that the writers strike is over, who knows?
Ally Sheedy, thank you very much!
