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Romy, Michelle, and Everything In Between: A Candid Chat with Mira Sorvino

  • 3 days ago
  • 10 min read

Interview by Miguel Ortuno, Grab Magazine



Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino has been serving laughs, heart, and unapologetic charm for decades, but few roles have captured pop culture hearts quite like Michelle in Romy & Michelle’s High School Reunion. From over-the-top dance moves to quotable one-liners that fans still scream at her today, Sorvino has a way of making awkwardly fabulous forever. We caught up with her for a fun, candid conversation about her career, her family, her advocacy work, and what it’s like to still have fans sending her videos of their own dances and recreations—because some icons never go out of style.


Now, fans will have the chance to experience that magic in person at “An Evening with Mira Sorvino,” taking place March 6 at 7:30 PM at the Woodstock Opera House, featuring a special screening of Romy & Michele's High School Reunion followed by a live audience Q&A moderated by Dean Richards of WGN-TV.



Miguel Ortuno: When did you realize the LGBTQ community had fully claimed Romy and Michelle as one of our own?

Mira Sorvino: I think it really hit me when I saw people performing our characters in drag shows, or as Romy and Michelle in the West Hollywood Halloween parade. And it’s not just performance art—people were sending me videos of their weddings, doing the dance from the movie. Both queer and

straight couples! It’s amazing to see how attached people feel to the film, to the point that they want to bring our dance into their own celebrations.

(Miguel) I mean, it’s an iconic dance—how could you not?


(Mira) Honestly, I had no idea this was happening until I started seeing these videos, and it’s such a joy. It’s wild and unexpected, but so validating in a way. People feel like the characters are part

of their lives, and that’s a very special thing for a performer to experience.


Miguel Ortuno: What’s one line from Romy and Michelle that fans shout at you the most?


Mira Sorvino: “I’m the Mary!” That’s the one I hear the most. It really captures the energy of the characters—the over-the-top, joyous, slightly absurd side that people connect with. And honestly, I love that it resonates, especially in the gay community—it’s so fun to hear it shouted back at you.


Miguel Ortuno: You have a beautiful family. Have your children seen Romy and Michelle, and what were their reactions?


Mira Sorvino: They saw it when they were little, so some of the content flew over their heads, like the Oh Ramon part, or I would just fast forward through that scene. But as they got older, they grew to love it. It’s one of the few films of mine that’s accessible for all generations. Most of my work has more explicit adult themes, so Romy and Michelle is one they can actually watch.


Even Mighty Aphrodite, which doesn’t have true sex scenes in the storyline, has adult dialogue/themes. I remember my son saw it at a film festival when he was about 14 and got a little embarrassed. Nobody really wants to see their mom in romantic or slightly risqué situations! And honestly, a lot of my projects

contain love scenes or complex adult situations, so this film really stands out as something the whole family can enjoy.


Miguel Ortuno: Romy and Michele are unapologetically themselves. Has there been a moment in your real life when you had to channel that same fearless confidence of Michele? (I accidentally refered to her as Michele but I meant Romy! Apologies!)


Mira Sorvino: You mean Romy? I’m Romy (laughs) Definitely. I think being true to yourself is something you have to do every day. There are moments in life where you have to choose to

speak up or stay silent. I usually err on the side of speaking up, and sometimes it does get me into trouble.


Big things, small things—it doesn’t matter. For example, being part of the MeToo movement required speaking out. I had told everyone I knew at the time of Weinstein’s assault/harassment, but no one did anything. Then when Ronan Farrow called—I felt it was the only moral choice to stay true to myself and my beliefs. You can’t let yourself be abused. You have to be authentic, honest, and assertive. These situations remind you how important it is to express yourself and not shrink. Even though it was

terrifying. I hope it led to others feeling that they are not alone, and maybe some societal change, though what we are seeing out there is horrific on the human trafficking and sexual assault level

in the Epstein Files



Miguel Ortuno: So many fans are excited about the sequel. Is there anything you can reveal?


Mira Sorvino: I wish I could! We don’t have a start date yet, but I can say the script is great, the director is amazing, and the two leading ladies you already know and love are back. Beyond that, I can’t share more—but trust me, it’s something fans will enjoy.


Miguel Ortuno: You’ve played everything from drama to comedy. Which feels more natural to you: heartbreak or hilarity?


Mira Sorvino: I’m super sensitive—My Dad called me “the empath” growing up, like the character from Star Trek who feels the pain of the world. So sadness comes naturally to me. My color is sad. I’m always a little bit heartbroken. I know that might sound a little pathetic, but it’s true!


But comedy is my true love. I enjoy making people laugh and doing crazy, unpredictable things. Drama often requires digging into trauma or personal pain, which can be exhausting, whereas comedy allows me to explore characters freely who are unfettered without that weight. It’s just more fun to me. I like the joy and unpredictability comedy brings. But you can have both. I mean, Romy cries several times in the movie.


Miguel Ortuno: Your new movie, Finding Tony Raymond, comes out March 3rd. What drew you to that role and what can audiences expect?


Mira Sorvino: I play a southern mom whose son is a top football recruit. College scouts descend on our small town, and my husband and I navigate the chaos, trying to protect him while figuring out which offers are real. She’s a hot mess—wild, feisty, and sometimes a little unruly, like she hasn’t brushed her hair in 200 days—but there’s a heart beneath it.


There’s a hilarious scene where I try to seduce a young coach in the kitchen, climbing on a table like it was a car in an 80's hairmetal video, sprinkling myself with Season Salt. But there are also tender, moving moments. I just really enjoy playing these outspoken, surprising women—you never know what they’ll say next.


Miguel Ortuno: Besides being an extraordinary actress, you have also been a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for over 15 years. From speaking out against human trafficking to championing women’s rights and fighting for safer workplaces, you use your voice to stand up for the underdogs and the marginalized. Thank you for all of the amazing work that you do. What is something that inspires you to keep fighting for change?


Mira Sorvino: I think when you see injustice or suffering and have the chance to do something, you should. It makes you feel better as a human, not worse. Being a woman and raising daughters, I’m acutely aware of how the world treats marginalized people. Human trafficking is heartbreaking, and

sadly, it’s not uncommon. Advocating for survivors and trying to change the equation for them has been deeply fulfilling. It’s hard work, but incredibly meaningful.


You meet people who’ve been trafficked, and your heart just breaks. These experiences, unfortunately, are far too common. Being able to lend my voice and do what I can—whether it’s public awareness, legislative change, fundraising or advocacy—keeps me moving forward. My children probably appreciate me more as a mom than as an activist, but I try to balance it all.


Miguel Ortuno: In your Oscar speech, you said you wanted to move people and highlight the human spirit — and you’ve done just that. From Mighty Aphrodite to Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion to Sound of Freedom, you’ve made us laugh, cry, and reflect. Looking back, which of those moments brings you the most joy as an actor?


Mira Sorvino: Making people laugh. Comedy allows people to see themselves and their quirks reflected back. That’s the joy of acting for me—creating moments of connection, humor, and recognition. I love seeing people embrace the weirdness of life through my characters.


Miguel Ortuno: Now it's time for Pop Culture Confessions! Just a little way for us to be able to get to know a bit more about you and the topics of today! - What was the last song you streamed that you couldn’t stop playing?


Mira Sorvino: I’ve been obsessed with Brandi Carlisle’s The Story. It’s not a new song, but I love it. It resonates deeply, and I’ve played it over and over.


Miguel Ortuno: And the last movie you watched?


Mira Sorvino: Well, I’m watching all the Academy films because I’m a member of the Academy, so I try to catch everything that’s in consideration. The last movie I watched was Elio, from the animated category. It’s about a young man who isn’t very happy and ends up being taken by aliens. He goes on a whole quest to save someone and discovers love and meaning along the way. It’s funny, heartfelt, and imaginative. I’ve also been catching up on foreign language films and other entries because you have to

watch all the eligible films to vote in the categories. It’s kind of a lot, but I really enjoy seeing the wide range of stories being told.


I’ve actually had my own UFO encounter a few years ago. I saw a very big orb over the ocean—a rose gold, extremely bright light hovering there. I felt like it was watching me watch it, and then it zoomed away at an impossible speed. It was spooky, but also very fascinating. So, yeah, I’m a believer, and it definitely makes me watch alien stories like Elio with a little extra curiosity! Like, what big reveal are they softening us up for?!!


Miguel Ortuno: So, my last question is a fun one—my friends and I are notorious for going to brunch and asking unsuspecting waitresses for their “businesswoman special.” Sometimes they get it, sometimes they don’t, but either way, it’s a moment we always laugh about and cherish. And trust me, if they don’t get it, we’ll be like, “Hey, it’s from Romy & Michele's High School Reunion! It’s a classic—you have to watch it.” Honestly, we’re probably responsible for a ton of people discovering the movie who hadn’t seen it before, especially the younger generation (haha). So, my best friend Sebastian had a genius question that I had to ask you: What would be your ideal businesswoman special in 2026?


Mira Sorvino: If I were to eat out at a restaurant today, oh it would be an artichoke salad with parmesan cheese flakes, lemon dressing and a cappucino, but if I was feeling naughty a glass of champagne. (and then we both burst into laughter at the question and surprisingly she said nobody has asked her that question)


Before we could even wrap, Mira flipped the script. (Editor’s Note: During our conversation, Mira came up with a fantastic idea to incorporate fan cosplay into the evening. While the timing doesn't allow us to properly roll it out for the March 6 event, the suggestion speaks volumes—she genuinely loves that audiences continue to celebrate her characters and embrace Romy & Michele's High School Reunion with such enthusiasm.)


Mira Sorvino: I have a question for you. Do you think people would enjoy it if I encouraged them to come dressed as Romy and Michelle—kind of cosplay—and I judged their costumes? Would that be fun?


Miguel Ortuno: Oh, absolutely. Especially for the event. That would be amazing.


Mira Sorvino: I mean, it would just be a Q&A, but afterwards—if we did the costume thing—I could judge it. And maybe there could be a prize.


Miguel Ortuno: Even if the prize was something simple—like a signed DVD or a quick meet-and-greet moment—that would make it really interactive. People would love that. It adds such a fun, interactive element.


Mira Sorvino: I once did a Romy and Michelle event where someone came as both Romy and Michelle. Their dress was half pink and half blue, haha, they had the wig and everything was divided perfectly. It was hilarious.


Miguel Ortuno: No way. That's very cool. I actually... for my 20th high school reunion, I actually made a T-shirt that said, “I invented Post-its,” and wore it. And I'm from the generation where the movie was huge so people definitely got the reference, I loved it!


Mira Sorvino: That’s awesome.


Miguel Ortuno: Thank you so much for your time, Mira. It's been a pleasure, and I just want you to know that I'm so grateful for the joy and magic that you've brought into the world with Romy and Michelle. I don't think you realize that with you making this movie, you put so much into the character of Romy that the rest of the world is enjoying this forever, you know. I'll be quoting the movie with my friends for the rest of my life and that is something so special. So, thank you so much for that.


Mira Sorvino:  I love that, Aw, thank you so much. Thank you. That's very sweet. No problem.



As our conversation wrapped, the energy felt perfectly aligned with what the night itself promises to be—fun, nostalgic, and a little bit fabulous. The interview took place as we prepared for and promoted “An Evening with Mira Sorvino,” happening at the Woodstock Opera House on March 6 at 7:30 PM. The special event will feature a screening of Romy & Michele's High School Reunion followed by a live audience Q&A moderated by Dean Richards of WGN-TV. If our chat was any indication, the evening will be filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of businesswoman energy.




Miguel Ortuno brings big energy and even bigger curiosity to Grab Magazine. An avid traveler with a passport full of stories and a true pop culture junkie, Miguel always has an opinion—and he’s not shy about sharing it. From must-see concerts and buzzy films to the latest binge-worthy series everyone’s obsessing over, he delivers sharp takes, thoughtful insights, and the occasional hilarious hot take. By day (and often by night), he’s a graphic designer and marketing guru with a keen eye for branding and a talent for turning ideas into buzzworthy moments. His writing blends cultural savvy, creative instinct, and wit—making every piece as entertaining as it is on point.


 
 
 
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