Amanda Peet“ ”Feels ‘Very Sentimental’ About “The Whole Nine Yards” 25 Years Later, Says Bruce Willis Picked Her ‘Out of Nowhere’

Actress Amanda Peet has reflected on her early career and the lasting impressions left by her co-stars during a recent event in New York City. Following a screening of her latest film, *Fantasy Life*, Peet shared her fond memories of working alongside Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry in the 2000 crime comedy *The Whole Nine Yards*.

During a Q&A session on March 26, Peet, along with writer and director Matthew Shear and fellow actress Andrea Martin, recalled her experience of being cast for the film, which marked a significant breakthrough in her career. The actress, now 54, expressed both nostalgia and a tinge of regret regarding certain aspects of the film, revealing that her feelings have deepened, especially following the passing of her co-stars.

Peet reminisced about how Bruce Willis chose her for the role of Jill St. Claire – a dental assistant with ambitions to become a hitwoman – during a competitive audition process. “I was just doing Law and Order episodes and stuff,” she noted, highlighting the challenges she faced as an unknown actress among a group of 20 women vying for the same part. “He [Willis] picked me kind of just out of nowhere,” she remarked, signifying the importance of this role in launching her career.

*The Whole Nine Yards*, directed by Jonathan Lynn, featured an ensemble cast that included Matthew Perry as a mild-mannered dentist, Willis as a contract killer, and other notable actors like Rosanna Arquette and Michael Clarke Duncan. Reflecting on her experiences from that time, Peet acknowledged that while there were elements of the film she would have changed, her overall memories remain positive. “It was a big thing and I feel sentimental about him [Willis], Jonathan Lynn, and the whole experience,” she stated.

The actress mentioned that both Willis and Perry hold a special place in her heart, especially in light of recent events. Willis, who retired from acting in 2022 following a diagnosis of aphasia that has since progressed to frontotemporal dementia, has been a central figure in Peet’s reflection. Meanwhile, the untimely death of Perry on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, has further intensified her sense of nostalgia. “Now that they’re kind of gone, I feel very sentimental about that,” she shared, hinting at the emotional weight the film holds for her amid these losses.

Peet also recalled her own youthful seriousness during the filming, describing an experience where she was determined to immerse herself into her role and master her lines. “I was really young and I thought I was doing Molière, the way I treated going to work,” she laughed. In contrast, she noted that her co-stars often embraced a more carefree approach, with parties and drinks in the lobby while she remained focused on her craft.

While the memories of *The Whole Nine Yards* are tinged with bittersweet sentiments, they represent a pivotal chapter in Peet’s career. “Ultimately, I look back on it with fondness now,” she concluded, reflecting a sense of gratitude for the opportunities the film presented and the relationships she built along the way.

Peet’s latest project, *Fantasy Life*, is currently showing in theatres, continuing to showcase her talent in a new light. As she navigates both her professional journey and the emotions tied to her past, Amanda Peet exemplifies resilience and an appreciation for the enduring legacy of her co-stars.