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Some actresses are born to play mothers. Others, like Dianne Wiest, have motherhood thrust upon them. For the last six years, the 42-year-old actress has played virtually nothing but dizzy, neurotic, and endearingly befuddled moms. This week Wiest slips into a slightly less traditional maternal figure, starring as Winona Ryder's mother in Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. The role adds to her already impressive repertoire.

Cookie (1989): Wiest played Peter Falk's mistress and Emily Lloyd's mom.

Parenthood (1989): In Ron Howard's hit, she played a lonely divorcée with a 16-year-old pregnant daughter and a withdrawn, porn-aholic 13-year-old son.

Bright Lights, Big City (1988): As Michael J. Fox's terminally ill mom, Wiest spent most of the picture on her deathbed, but still managed to give one of her best performances.

The Lost Boys (1987): Wiest played the mom of two teens ensnared by a gang of vampires.

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986): She wasn't a mom, but in the film's final few seconds, she reveals to Woody Allen that she is expecting.

Footloose (1984): Wiest played the wife of the anti-dancing minister — and mother of his children.


Posted Dec 07, 1990 | Published in issue #43 Dec 07, 1990 | Order Article Reprints