Judy Greer Recalls Sleeping on Friend Sean Gunn’s Floor in Order to Get Hired for “Jawbreaker ”(Exclusive)

Judy Greer, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in various films and television series, recently reflected on her formative experience while filming “Jawbreaker” in 1999. In an interview with PEOPLE, the 50-year-old recalled how this dark comedy significantly impacted her early career and brought her lasting friendships with co-stars Julie Benz and Rebecca Gayheart.

During her conversation, Greer shared insights into the chaotic times she experienced before officially moving to Los Angeles. As she began her ascent in Hollywood, she found herself staying on the floor of her friend’s apartment, actor Sean Gunn, in the lead-up to filming. Greer humorously recounted, “I was pretending to be a local hire to secure the role.”

This ruse, however, did not go unnoticed by the film’s producer, Clint Culpepper. Upon learning about her living situation, he arranged for her to stay in a hotel for the remainder of the shoot. “I was staying at a hotel right off the 405, but I swear to you, I thought it was the Ritz-Carlton. I can’t even believe it; I had this whole hotel room to myself,” she added, reminiscing about the early days of her career with a touch of nostalgia.

“Jawbreaker” features a storyline that revolves around a group of high school friends who accidentally kill one of their own during a prank. Alongside Greer, the film also stars Rose McGowan and Pam Grier. Despite the film’s dark premise, it has garnered a cult following over the years, and Greer expressed gratitude for the ongoing connection she shares with her co-stars.

The actress highlighted the efforts made by director and writer Darren Stein to maintain the cast’s camaraderie. Over the last few years, Stein has encouraged periodic reunions, allowing the original cast to reminisce and strengthen their bonds. “We have all made an effort to get back together now and then, which has been wonderful,” Greer noted.

As the cast prepares to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary in 2024, they reflected on its enduring legacy. Greer described how fans often approach her, quoting lines from the film or expressing their affection by wearing merchandise featuring her character. This, she noted, speaks to the film’s relevance that continues to resonate with audiences.

Benz, in the same interview, commented on why “Jawbreaker” remains impactful, saying, “I think people still connect with it because it feels like it portrays the politics of high school, and we all can relate to those dynamics.” She emphasized the tight-knit atmosphere on set, which mirrored the conflicts and camaraderie of high school.

Gayheart was recognised by her fellow co-stars for her nurturing nature during production. Benz acknowledged her crucial role in keeping the cast united, remarking, “Rebecca really was the heart of the cast. She kept us all together.” The enduring friendship amongst the three actresses showcases the lasting impact of their time together on set.

As the trio reflected on the past and looked forward to future reunions, Greer concluded, “It’s nice to know that we remain friends after all these years and support each other in our careers.” Her journey from a struggling actress sleeping on a friend’s floor to a successful star exemplifies the trials faced by many in the entertainment industry, while also highlighting the importance of friendship and collaboration in overcoming those challenges.

Greer’s nostalgic trip down memory lane serves as a reminder of the strong connections forged in the world of film, illustrating that the bonds created during significant experiences can last a lifetime, regardless of the mainstream success far removed from those early struggles.