80’s Babe Diane Franklin Talks Fame and Autobiography
We got the awesome chance to geek out with Diane Franklin, the 80’s babe from Better Off Dead and the Last American Virgin star. The 80’s star talked to us about her new autobiography “The Excellent COMEDY of the Last American, French Exchange Babe of the 80’s.” While telling us about her successful career in the 80’s, she tells us about her improv in movies, her big movie roles and fame, and cast members.
Diane joined the gang for the very first time today and while some of the gang were fanboying over their 80s crush, she talks to us about her autobiography and how it will take us back to the 80’s. While filming Better Off Dead, Diane tells us about how she was originally casted as Beth, but improvised a French accent, despite not having and French lineage. The producers then decided to make her character a French student. Diving into her roles as “the babe,” Diane talks about her experiences outside of filming and hoe she dealt with creeps and stalkers. “I was shier than because I didn’t know people’s intentions. But now that I’m older, it’s really nice.” She says she’s been very fortunate that people have been very respectful towards her.
Speaking of her roles, The Last American Virgin’s ending was one that was shocking to all, and even to Diane and the cast themselves. She tells us how shocked the cast was and how they all thought the ending was a mistake. Diane speaks to us about how when she found out the ending wasn’t going to be happy, she knew she had to fake it until she made it. “I was like…Oh Wow! I have to readjust what I’m doing in the film because I didn’t want the audience to see it coming.” Diane tells us about her chemistry she has with cast members including John Cusack, her costar in Better Off Dead. She tells us about how John was always the shy one and wishes that he could’ve been given what he needed. Diane reiterates that John is an endearing person and would love to work together again in the future.
Being a big star in the 80s was definitely thrilling but also was a “party haven” back in the day. When we asked Diane how she managed to avoid that scene, she opens up about how she was never a partier back then. Being very young and acting at the starting of 10, Diane says she missed all of that and who whole world was only acting.
When coming to an end with Diane, she tells us that she loves that people are still talking about the movie. “I love that people are bringing Better Off Dead back.” She tells us that her book is about the making and behind the scenes of the movie and how everything came together for this impactful movie.
Watch the full interview:
– Carmela Falotico, The Preston & Steve Show Staff
