Known for her quirky, high-pitched voice and roles like the gangster moll in Bullets Over Broadway and the bride of a killer doll in the Chucky films, Jennifer Tilly has carved out a unique niche in Hollywood. But behind the scenes, she’s also a formidable force at the poker table, having outplayed some of the best in Las Vegas. In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Jennifer, now 61, reveals how her passion for poker almost derailed her acting career. “I was so focused on becoming a grandmaster of poker that winning the 2005 World Series of Poker bracelet made me question everything,” she shares. “Do I really want to spend my life acting? Now, I’ve found a way to do both. Life is all about balance, and I’ve learned to embrace it.”
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Off-screen, Jennifer finds harmony in her life with her long-term partner, poker champion Phil Laak, 47. “He’s an incredible guy,” she says with a smile. As she gears up for two indie films and a reprisal of her iconic role in the upcoming Syfy series Chucky, we caught up with Jennifer at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection show in February to uncover her fascinating journey.
Scroll below to read our exclusive Q&A with Jennifer!
From Stage to Screen: Landing an Oscar Nomination for Bullets Over Broadway
When Jennifer landed her Oscar nomination for Bullets Over Broadway, it was far from a foregone conclusion. “No one expected me to get nominated,” she recalls. “Harvey Weinstein was pushing Dianne Wiest for the supporting actress category, so I had to take matters into my own hands. I bought ads and ran my own campaign! It felt like a testament to sheer perseverance, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
Costars: The Good, the Bad, and the Doll
Throughout her career, Jennifer has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. So, how does she rate her famous co-stars? “Chucky is probably the most annoying,” she jokes. “I think of him as a real person because his puppeteers are always working. Between takes, he’s wandering around, sticking his fingers in food at craft services or grabbing me. But when it comes to the humans, Jeff Bridges is amazing. He’s proof that kindness trickles down on set—if the top guys are great, everyone follows. And John Cusack? He’s fantastic. He gives as good as he gets, which makes for a fun dynamic on set.”
A Voice Like No Other: A Blessing or a Curse?
Her distinctive voice is one of Jennifer’s defining traits, but it wasn’t always a strength. “When I started out, I was doing this breathy Marilyn Monroe impression. It was almost like a crutch—I couldn’t act without it,” she admits. “During The Getaway, the director cleared the set and told me, ‘Talk in your normal voice.’ I literally couldn’t. But over time, I’ve developed a huskier, lower voice. It’s great for cartoons—I play Bonnie on Family Guy and a role in Disney+’s Monsters at Work. It’s a voice that works for me now.”
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Sisterhood: The Bond Between Jennifer and Meg Tilly
Not everyone knows that Jennifer’s younger sister, Meg Tilly, is also a celebrated actress. “Meg was on her way to becoming a prima ballerina, but an injury derailed her dreams,” Jennifer explains. “She decided to become an actress, and I thought, ‘Well, I’ve been training my whole life!’ But within months, she was starring alongside Matt Dillon in Tex. It took me a couple more years to find my footing, but we both ended up being successful. We even both got Oscar nominations!”
