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Mara Wilson has opened up about the kindness and support she received from Danny DeVito while filming the beloved 1996 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda.
DeVito’s Support
The film, which marked a high point in her early career, also coincided with a deeply difficult period in her personal life.
Speaking at Fanboy Expo Knoxville, Wilson shared, “[Danny] really helped me and my family when we were going through something terrible. And they were very loving and kind, and I made so many lifelong friends on that. And yes, there were hard days, but there were also days where it felt like summer camp, and I am still friends with the people that I worked on it today.”
DeVito, who directed the film and played the role of Harry Wormwood, Mara’s on-screen father, alongside his then-wife Rhea Perlman as Zinnia, provided crucial support off-screen. During production, Wilson’s real-life mother, Suzie Wilson, was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment, passing away in April 1996, just three months before the film’s release. DeVito, now 81, dedicated Matilda in her honor.
Enjoying Her Role
Mara, 38, fondly reflected on the bond she formed with her co-star, calling him her “favorite uncle” and noting the level of care he showed her family.
She said, “Matilda means the most to me because I had a lot to do. It was a big responsibility. I was the title character. It was difficult at times, I was also going through a hard time, but as I told you, Danny DeVito did not literally adopt me – that’s a myth – but he did take very good care of my family.”
Despite the emotional weight, Wilson described her overall experience on set as “wonderful,” remembering joyful moments like celebrating her birthday during filming with a cake shaped like Matilda’s red hair ribbon.
