Coolidge told Grande: “You got things going for me”
(Picture: HBO)Jennifer Coolidge has credited Ariana Grande with helping to revive her “flatlining” career when she was offered a cameo in the singer’s thank u, next music video.
The 61-year-old has experienced a career renaissance of late with an Emmy-winning turn in HBO’s The White Lotus, as well as Netflix’s true crime series The Watcher.
Now in a new interview with Grande for Entertainment Weekly, Coolidge praised the 29-year-old for giving her the opportunity to reprise her Legally Blonde character, Paulette Bonafonté, in the 2018 music video which paid homage to classic teen movies from the 90s and 00s.
The Best In Show star told Grande: “But wait, I do want to say this: I mean, a lot of people say very flattering things to you all the time because you are who you are, and you’re the youngest iconic legend I can think of.
“I’m curious if you know that when people ask about how my life has changed… Yes, I got to do White Lotus, but I think it really started with you asking me to be in the thank u, next video.”
Coolidge continued: “I mean, from there I got [Emerald Fennell film] Promising Young Woman, and this whole thing. You were sort of the instigator. I really believe that. I think if you hadn’t put me in thank u, next, and done that imitation, I don’t think I would be here where I am.
However, Grande protested the American Pie actress’ comments and claimed it was completely “untrue”, but Coolidge continued to heap praise on the God is a woman singer.
“No, I really think that!” she said. “And I think it’s pretty cool. I was kind of flatlining, and you got things going for me. I just want to thank you. I know you’re a very humble person, you wouldn’t admit to it, but I’m just going to thank you.”
The sit-down between the two stars was part of the Emmy winner being named one of Entertainment Weekly’s 2022 Entertainers of the Year.
