Matilda's Mara Wilson on childhood stardom

Shortly after the release of the 1996 film “Matilda”, Mara Wilson was forced to grow up much faster than other children. In her new memoir she lays bare the struggles of dealing with her mother's death at a young age, growing older and attaining peace. Wilson joins guest host Candy Palmater to discuss the book “Where am I now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame”, which explores her coming of age in the public eye.

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[pinkunicornglitter]

I don't think Mara realises that SHE made Matilda. You can only give so much credit to a character, the actress who portrays the character gives their unique take and that's what makes it so special. Matilda would not have been as popular had Mara not have been such an great actress.

I see Mara as funny, charming and inspirational, and as fine example of a strong woman, -it even comes across in her writing. She may not have the same "magical powers" as the character but there is definitely something magical about her, and no, that's nothing to do with watching Matilda, that's from watching this interview.

[smoothcriminal]

She's so articulate and quick minded.

[horrorshock]

And it's so sad to hear her talk about her looks when she looks perfectly fine and isn't ugly in any way at all. She's so sweet and seems like she had such a difficult time which is a shame considering how wonderful an actress she was and how the industry is so cruel.

[chrisjones]

Holy cow...Mara hit me close to home when she talked about being alone in a house full of boys after her mom died. In my case, I was a boy and my dad died when I was young and I grew up in a house full of girls. I had that overwhelming sense of lonelyness and unhappiness.

[beeman]

Mara seems very grounded, very smart, and with a warm personality - and she is also very pretty.
She is a very good writer, and her published words are a pleasure to read. Wishing her nothing but happiness in life and success with her writing.

[klassicalmuzik]

I love Mara Wilson. She’s so smart, beautiful, tenacious, and she has such a wonderful spirit. It’s sad that she’s critical of the way she looks, because she’s beautiful. And the way she speaks, she’s so eloquent. Never once did I hear her say “um”.

[bigginsd]

My Mum is English and is very resistant to American adaptations of British stories. She can’t stand the Disney version of Winnie the Pooh for example.
I think Matilda is one of the few American adaptations of a British author’s work that she was full of praise for. It perfectly transplanted the story whilst capturing the essence of what made it special.
My wife is very intelligent and gifted, I was happy to find out it was also one of her favourite novels as a child too. The book’s message of a little girl fighting anti-intellectualism and acquiring knowledge until it started to develop into a form of superpower was such a great message.

[weathersytv]

One of the few celebrities that hasn't totally lost her shit from being a child actress. Much respect to her.

[.eqw]

Watched this movie a million times as a kid. I would watch this every weekend and maybe every other night in the summer time.

[richdog]

I always love hearing Mara Wilson talk about herself! What a marvelously perspicacious and intelligent and interesting person she has become :)

[alyssajones]

Mara Wilson, Brenda Song, The Mowry twin sisters, Raven Symone, and Hilary Duff are some of the very few child stars who didn't end up as trainwrecks in the entertainment industry. Kudos to them for having a staunch support team; keeping them well grounded all the way into adulthood.

[CoffeeQueen]

I truly look up to Mara and this interviewer was really good, I love how she actually listened to the things Mara had to say and didn't ask invasive questions. Two lovely people

[horrorshock]

She looks so different (obviously) but it's so good that she didn't go the way most child actors go and mess it up. She seems very smart and although it sounds like she had a lot of typecasting from Matilda and a love/hate relationship she seems to understand it was her springboard instead of a lot of child actors who resent their past work. Very sad about her mum and the issues she had as well 😭

[carolan]

Cindy Palmater is a great host- very empathetic and real

[KYJello]

She has no idea I exist but yet she feels like a sister I never had. Mara, I’m sorry you were in the spotlight against your will but thank you for utilizing your strength, intelligence and openness to continue bringing light into the world. 🤗

[trashtvinternational]

Very interesting. She sounds very smart. I love this radio station

[LakhnBer]

The fame machine has wrecked so many psyches: everyone must hope that the one who did such a terrific job acting as a kid is now truly the intelligent, levelheaded person we hear in this interview. I have to find that book!

[YourFellowRNRSisterFan]

That’s why she was so great as Matilda and I love Mara I remember her in a lot of things. I wonder what she’s gonna say or think about the new movie.

[leahlurie]

Mara Wilson is literally my role model

[Burps___]

I loved her as the youngest child of Mrs. Doubtfire.