Jennifer Tilly's journey in the long-running Chucky franchise has been nothing short of remarkable. Through her role as Tiffany Valentine, she has not only become a beloved camp icon but has also left an indelible mark on the horror genre.

Embracing the Camp Legacy with Jennifer Tilly

Looking Back at the Chucky Franchise

In a Q&A with Interview published on Dec. 4, the 66-year-old actress fondly looked back at the films and spin-off TV series. She voiced the titular demon doll's partner in mayhem, Tiffany Valentine. But it wasn't an easy decision for her to take on the role in 1998's Bride of Chucky. Tilly had the idea that a horror movie is something one does in the beginning or at the end of their career. She mentioned examples like Jennifer Aniston in Leprechaun and Bette Davis in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, which are phenomenal classic films. However, she felt it wasn't something to do in one's prime.Before taking on the Tiffany role, Tilly had reached a career high with an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1994's Bullets Over Broadway. She wanted to be a major motion picture star, craving the kind of acclaim she had when younger. But Chucky, a foul-mouthed little doll that kills people, seemed like an unlikely path to that goal.

Chucky's Impact and Fanbase

Tilly only realized the phenomenon of the Chucky movies when the Internet came along. She praised the Chucky fans as the greatest in the world, noting their fanatical yet loyal and smart nature. She has been part of four movies and three seasons of the TV series and feels she will likely be doing Chucky until the day she passes into spirit, as Sally Kirkland would say.The franchise was ahead of its time with the inclusion of Chucky and Tiffany's genderfluid child, Glen/Glenda, in 2004's Seed of Chucky. Non-binary performer Lachlan Watson played the character in the Chucky TV series. Tilly explained that Glen/Glenda was celebrated in the trans community as they had never seen themselves represented on screen before. Even in Bride of Chucky, the most sympathetic character was the gay best friend, a testament to the franchise's progressive nature.Jennifer Tilly's story is a testament to the power of embracing different roles and genres. Her journey in the Chucky franchise has shown that one can achieve great success and leave a lasting legacy.