Mary Steenburgen: Book Club Cast Became Lifelong Friends

Mary Steenburgen reflected on the profound bonds formed while filming the "Book Club" movies, highlighting how she became close friends with her costars Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and the late Diane Keaton. She shared that the quartet experienced an immediate connection during their first scene together, solidifying their friendships.

Steenburgen expressed deep affection for Keaton, who passed away in October 2025 at age 79, calling her "magic" and a unique individual. She feels blessed to still have Fonda and Bergen in her life, with plans to celebrate Bergen's 80th birthday soon.

She also recounted the surprise of promoting the films, noting that interviewers often inquired about potential on-set diva behavior. Steenburgen emphasized that the entire cast, including Craig T. Nelson, Andy Garcia, and Don Johnson, demonstrated exceptional professionalism, arriving on time, knowing their lines, and collaborating effectively.

Fonda herself has spoken about the supportive nature of their female friendships, challenging the stereotype of competitive actresses. Steenburgen's upcoming Apple TV+ movie, "The Dink," pairs her with Jake Johnson as pickleball partners, a role she hopes will improve her own skills.