Actress Carla Gugino recently reflected on her iconic role in Bon Jovi’s 1994 music video for “Always,” which has gained immense popularity over the years, amassing over 1.4 billion views on YouTube. Speaking with PEOPLE while promoting her latest horror film, Lockbox, the now 54-year-old Gugino shared her fond memories of working on the project, which marked an early highlight in her burgeoning Hollywood career.
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The “Always” music video, released as part of Bon Jovi’s greatest hits album *Cross Roads*, features a dramatic mini-film narrative, showcasing Gugino as a young woman entangled in a love triangle. At the time, she had just completed her work on films such as *The Son-in-Law* and *This Boy’s Life*, and the opportunity came as her career was beginning to take off.
Director Marty Callner helmed the music video, having recently gained acclaim for his storytelling approach in music videos, notably with Aerosmith’s “Crazy.” Gugino recalled that during the 1990s, high-budget productions like “Always” allowed for a cinematic style that made the project particularly enjoyable. “It was a total blast,” she said, reflecting on the fun and creative freedom the team enjoyed during filming.
In the video, Gugino portrays a woman who confronts heartbreak after her rock star boyfriend, a character played by actor Jack Noseworthy, cheats on her with her best friend. The plot thickens as she engages with an artist painting her portrait, ultimately leading to a surprising twist involving a series of provocative canvases. “I got to play the baddie, which is always fun,” Gugino noted, describing her character as someone from “the wrong side of the tracks.”
The video also showcased early performances from a young Keri Russell, who portrayed Gugino’s “frienemy.” Russell has gone on to establish herself as a leading actress, earning critical acclaim for her roles in series like *Felicity* and *The Americans*. Interestingly, Gugino and Noseworthy remain neighbours in New York, leading to some light-hearted moments recalling their shared history. “What a surreal moment that we got to do this Bon Jovi music video together,” she remarked about their unexpected reunion.
Despite the energetic dynamics of the video, Gugino did not have direct interactions with Jon Bon Jovi during the shoot. The band’s performance footage was filmed separately, with members including guitarist Richie Sambora filming their scenes while the narrative involving Gugino and her co-stars unfolded. However, the actress expressed excitement at meeting Bon Jovi years later, emphasising his warm nature. “He was just so lovely, and we both laughed that we hadn’t ever met each other, because the video had been so successful,” Gugino shared.
The enduring popularity of “Always” has taken Gugino by surprise. While discussing her career during a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, she learned that the music video had recently surpassed a staggering 1.4 billion views online. “It’s crazy,” she said, expressing disbelief at the number of people who have seen the video since its release.
Reflecting on her career trajectory, Gugino has since become a familiar face in Hollywood, with notable performances in projects like *Spy Kids*, *Sin City*, and *The Haunting of Hill House*. However, her role in “Always” remains etched in her memory as a significant moment in her early career. The video not only showcased her talent but also served as a stepping stone that helped pave the way for her to become a celebrated actress in the industry.
As Gugino continues to evolve her artistic career, the nostalgic memories from her time on the “Always” set remind her of the excitement and camaraderie that come with creative collaboration, even as the years have passed. The film and television industry has undergone substantial changes, yet the enduring love and appreciation for music videos from that era still resonate with audiences today.