During a recent episode of Jenna & Friends, the daughter of former First Lady Laura Bush, Jenna Bush Hager, shared an unexpected revelation about her mother's favorite movie. In a light-hearted conversation with actor Ben Stiller, Jenna disclosed that her mother's all-time favorite film is Stiller's comedy hit from 2001, Zoolander. The show provided insights into the personal life of the former First Lady and showcased her unique taste in cinema.
In a charming moment on Wednesday, January 15th, broadcaster Jenna Bush Hager, aged 43, sat down with acclaimed actor Ben Stiller, 59, for an interview on Today with Jenna & Friends. During their conversation, Jenna mentioned how her mother, Laura Bush, has a particular fondness for Stiller’s iconic comedy Zoolander. This 2001 film, starring Stiller alongside Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell, tells the story of Derek Zoolander, a male model who inadvertently becomes entangled in an assassination plot involving Malaysia’s prime minister.
Jenna recounted how her mother organized a screening of the movie at the White House, inviting friends to enjoy the film. More recently, during a family game night, Laura Bush once again demonstrated her love for the film by listing it as her favorite when asked. Despite being 78 years old, Laura Bush's choice stood out among other classic films like The Shawshank Redemption.
Stiller expressed his delight at this revelation, jokingly mentioning that he had hoped to include Laura Bush in a cameo role for the sequel, Zoolander 2. However, she gracefully declined the offer, wisely choosing not to participate in a scene that might have been controversial. Stiller praised her decision, acknowledging her wisdom in turning down the invitation.
This exchange highlighted the enduring popularity of Zoolander and offered a glimpse into the personal side of a prominent political figure, revealing that even former First Ladies can have unconventional tastes in entertainment.
From a journalist's perspective, this moment serves as a reminder that public figures often have surprising and relatable aspects to their personalities. It underscores the importance of looking beyond the public image to discover the human elements that connect us all. The revelation also demonstrates how popular culture can bridge generations, bringing together different age groups through shared experiences and humor.