Jenna Elfman Remembers Minnie Driver’s Encouragement After Blanketing on Lines

Jenna Elfman’s most cringe-worthy moment on set occurred while she was shooting Grosse Pointe Blank in the ‘90s — but thankfully, Minnie Driver stepped in to help.

“On my very first feature film, Grosse Pointe Blank, I was on set all day and when it came time for my scene, I completely blanked on my lines,” Elfman, 53, shares exclusively in her 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me feature in the latest issue of Us Weekly, available now. “We had to wrap up so we could get John Cusack for a film premiere or something. I knew my lines all day, but when it was my turn, they vanished from my mind.”

Fortunately, the actress remembers, her co-star was present to guide her through the tough moment.

“Minnie Driver was incredibly supportive,” she told Us. “Since it was my first film, she said, ‘Just look at me. Say the line.’ She was patient and kind, really having my back that day.”

She added: “To this day, whenever we meet at events, we reminisce about that scene and the bond we formed.”

Keep reading for more delightful behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Elfman, who stars in season 3 of Dark Winds, premiering Sunday, March 9, at 9:00 p.m. ET on AMC and AMC+:

1. My childhood nickname was Mack. It was given to me by my gymnastics coach, and to this day, I have no clue why.

2. I keep my Golden Globe award displayed on my office bookshelf.

3. What I appreciated most about Dharma & Greg was that work felt like play. I felt like a child in my imagination sandbox, doing all the things I truly enjoyed. It was a genuine connection to my inner child.

4. The wildest thing I witnessed while touring with ZZ Top [in 1994] was seeing an 8-year-old on his dad’s shoulders in the front row at a concert, while I was in a pretty revealing outfit. It made me think, “I need to wrap up this tour now.”

5. From Fear the Walking Dead, I took home a bracelet with an infinity symbol and a leather necklace with a metal loop from the final season. I just came across them in my set bag while cleaning out my closet the other day. I tend to keep unusual items in my set bag since we were often on location in remote areas. Each project creates its own universe with unique aspects supporting the character and narrative. Every show I work on feels like its own artwork. So, for an artist, each ‘painting’ requires different materials. You adjust to different environments, music, lighting, and rooms for each piece. This parallels the actor’s experience.

6. Being a Los Angeles native, I am absolutely thrilled at Dodger Stadium. I adore the Dodgers, the stadium, and even the parking situation there.

7. I have a strong desire to collaborate with Quentin Tarantino.

8. I enjoy interior decorating quite a bit, and I think I’m fairly proficient at it.

9. My first car was a gold Chevy Cavalier station wagon that my parents handed down to me.

10. The song that evokes vivid teenage memories is “Hold Me Now” by the Thompson Twins.

11. My very first job was bagging groceries at Hughes Market in Northridge, California.

12. I tend to hold onto clothes, with my favorite being a maroon JW Anderson jacket that I cherish.

13. The celebrity I frequently get mistaken for is Rosamund Pike.

14. A childhood memory that brings a smile to my face is lying on the driveway with my dad, handing him tools while he worked on a ’67 Chevy Malibu engine.

15. To refresh my mental state, I enjoy daydreaming. I’ll relax on the couch, gazing outside at the view, allowing my mind to wander freely.

16. My most mortifying moment on set happened during my first feature film, Grosse Pointe Blank. After being on set all day, when it came time for my scene, I blanked on my lines. We needed to finish quickly to get John Cusack for a film premiere. I knew my lines perfectly throughout the day, but when it mattered, I couldn’t recall any of them. Minnie Driver helped immensely. She guided me saying, ‘Just look at me. Say the line.’ She was incredibly supportive and patient with me that day. … Even now, when we run into each other at events, we cherish the bond created by that moment.

17. The actresses I admired while growing up were Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett.

18. My proudest career moment was the immense success of Dharma & Greg. It aired in multiple countries and resonated with many, bringing joy to fans. I received fan mail from across the globe expressing how it brought happiness to their lives. I feel fulfilled knowing I contributed joy to people’s homes.

19. If I could watch only one movie for the rest of my life, it would be It Happened One Night.

20. A project I would love to revisit is Keeping the Faith. I would enjoy doing more scenes with Edward Norton and Ben Stiller, as they are such talented actors.

21. My most starstruck moment occurred when I was strolling down Sunset Boulevard in the ’90s, and I spotted Jean Reno. I couldn’t resist approaching him at his table and gushing; he was polite but eventually said, “Alright, I’m going to get back to my lunch now.”

22. My favorite comfort food is pizza with black olives, from a renowned pizza place in Austin, Texas, located on South Congress.

23. My wildest fan encounter was when someone followed me into the restroom at an event and asked for a photo through the stall door. I replied, “Could I finish using the restroom first? Then we can discuss it outside?”

24. My favorite book is She’s Come Undone. I was astonished to learn it was written by a man; it captures the female psyche so well. Every book I read resonates with a different part of my soul, and I cherish each read.

25. I dream of visiting Croatia with my sons and sister. We’re long overdue for a trip, especially as we have distant relatives there from my dad’s side.