Molly Ringwald surprised to be offered Shirley MacLaine role
By Ian Mohr November 3, 2016 New York Post
When “Sixteen Candles” star Molly Ringwald, now 48, was offered a role in the off-Broadway version of the 1983 tear-jerker “Terms of Endearment,” she assumed she’d play the part originated by Debra Winger. Turns out the role was that of the older family matriarch played in the film by Shirley MacLaine.
Ringwald revealed at an ICP Spotlights Q&A it was Laurie Simmons, the artist mom of Lena Dunham whom she met last year and became close with, who talked her into the role. After all, MacLaine was just 49 when she played it.
