Mary Steenburgen has shared her fond memories of working alongside Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and the late Diane Keaton during the filming of the acclaimed 2018 film, *Book Club*. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the 73-year-old actress opened up about the deep bonds formed on set, which served as the foundation for their enduring friendships.
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The original film, centred on a group of lifelong friends who disrupt their mundane lives by reading *Fifty Shades of Grey* in their book club, has been well received by critics and audiences alike. Steenburgen reflected on her experience, noting that as soon as she finished her very first scene with the trio, she felt an immediate connection. “I felt like something was happening,” she recalled. “You could just feel, ‘These women are going to be friends of mine.’ And they became three of my life’s closest friends.”
The actress revealed that the cast reunited for the sequel, *Book Club: The Next Chapter*, which premiered in 2023. She expressed excitement about celebrating Candice Bergen’s recent 80th birthday, during which she would be joined by both Bergen and Fonda to reminisce about their time together. A note of bittersweetness lingered, however, as Steenburgen recognised the absence of Diane Keaton, who passed away in October 2025 at the age of 79. “It’s still very hard to look at this and know that Diane’s not here,” she said. “But I feel very blessed to have the other two here and in my life.”
Steenburgen acknowledged that while each actress has had a remarkable career prior to *Book Club*, none had previously collaborated with one another. The chemistry amongst the quartet stems not only from their collective experience but also from their supportive and collaborative dynamic on set. Steenburgen recalled the pivotal moment in their first scene together, where they attempted to lift Fonda’s character out of sadness, a turning point that both defined their characters’ relationships and solidified their real-life camaraderie.
As part of a seasoned ensemble, Steenburgen noted the notable absence of conflict that is often sensationalised in the film industry. She recounted being asked by members of the press about any potential “divas” within the group, to which she expressed surprise. “It’s weird that you asked that question, that that’s what you want to know,” she said. “You want to hear about who’s not getting along, and there was no diva. Everybody showed up on time, knew their lines and came to play and to make a good movie.”
Steenburgen has had a prolific career, having achieved critical acclaim for her roles in films like *Melvin and Howard*, *Philadelphia*, *Elf*, and *Step Brothers*. Working on both *Book Club* films, she described the experience as extraordinary, declaring them as “two of the treasured experiences of my life.”
In the wake of Keaton’s passing, Steenburgen expressed heartfelt sentiments in a public statement, highlighting Keaton’s unique spirit. “Diane was magic. There was no one, nor will there ever be, anyone like her,” she said. “I loved her and felt blessed to be her friend. What a wonder she was!”
Jane Fonda also reflected on her relationship with her fellow castmates in a recent cover story. She highlighted the depth of their friendships, dispelling the notion that women in Hollywood are often at odds with one another. “When I was younger, there was this assumption that women were kind of catty and four stars working together wouldn’t work because they’d be competing, and it’s just not true,” Fonda stated. “We’re friends, and we love working together.”
Steenburgen is now set to appear in an upcoming Apple TV film titled *The Dink*. In this project, she teams up with Jake Johnson as they bond over their shared passion for pickleball. She described their characters as “two lost souls” whose bond profoundly impacts their lives. Steenburgen expressed her admiration for Johnson, hoping that their collaboration might also enhance her own pickleball skills.
*The Dink* is slated for release on July 24 and has generated anticipation among fans eager to see Steenburgen’s latest venture. As she continues to navigate her acting career, her reflections on the enduring friendships formed while creating *Book Club* showcase the positive connections that can blossom in the often challenging arena of Hollywood.