Cecily Strong Admits She Didn’t Meet 'Garfield' Costar Chris Pratt Until the Red Carpet Premiere
Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillen, Hannah Waddingham, and Chris Pratt were present at the Columbia Pictures World Premiere of 'The Garfield Movie' at TCL Chinese Theatre on May 19, 2024, in Hollywood, California. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Cecily Strong confesses that she didn't spend any time with her Garfield costars before meeting them at the movie's Los Angeles premiere. She exclusively shared with We that they only met on the red carpet. Strong, who is 40 years old, mentioned that she was alone in the recording booth throughout the filming. Therefore, it was a thrilling experience for her to finally meet her costars at the premiere event.
Strong costars in the animated feature alongside Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang, Janelle James, and Snoop Dogg. The movie will be released in theaters on Friday, May 24. The story follows Garfield (played by Pratt) who reunites with his long-lost father (portrayed by Jackson), a street cat involved in a risky heist. Strong's character is Marge, a dedicated security guard.
Marge is described as a tough woman from Wisconsin by the Saturday Night Live alum. She is in charge of security at the milk factory in the film. Drawing inspiration from her Midwestern roots near Chicago, Strong channeled the moms of her friends and people she knew while growing up.
Strong shared her excitement about playing a role in the Garfield series. She mentioned that being a longtime fan of the famous orange cat, she was thrilled to see a new generation of kids enjoy the character. Strong also revealed that she shared inside jokes with friends from 20 years ago, all thanks to Garfield. In fact, some of her friends were even more excited about her Garfield role than anything else she has done.
Cecily Strong Admits She Didn’t Meet 'Garfield' Costar Chris Pratt Until the Red Carpet Premiere
Marge, who is voiced by Cecily Strong, appears in ‘The Garfield Movie’ created by DNEG Animation.
According to Strong, one of the special qualities of the Garfield franchise is its ability to appeal to both children and adults. She mentioned that the movie hits a perfect balance that can make audiences of all ages laugh.
It's amazing that Garfield is still popular in society, with characters that will be remembered forever. As an adult, I really appreciate this. He's a guy who loves Italian food and taking naps - just like me.
Garfield first appeared in a comic strip created by Jim Davis in 1976, originally named Jon before becoming Garfield. Since then, this lovable feline has become a staple in pop culture, inspiring three TV shows and two movies: Garfield: The Movie in 2004 and Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties in 2006.
Cecily Strong Admits She Didn’t Meet 'Garfield' Costar Chris Pratt Until the Red Carpet Premiere
Garfield, voice by Chris Pratt, in ‘The Garfield Movie.’ DNEG Animation
Strong shared with Us that her love for animals played a significant role in her decision to join the film. As a dog mom herself, she partnered with Hill’s Pet Nutrition for the Senior Pet Adoption Campaign. She promoted this campaign at the film’s L.A. premiere, expressing her excitement for the cause.
For Strong, collaborating with the brand was an easy decision. She appreciated their focus on senior dogs, as she understands the anxiety that comes with caring for older pets. Strong mentioned her own fears of taking her dog to the vet, emphasizing the importance of celebrating senior pets as they age. She found the idea of honoring these animals very heartwarming.
Strong added that she also hopes to change the “mindset” of pet adoptions, urging people to consider bringing adult and senior dogs into their family.
Cecily Strong Admits She Didn’t Meet 'Garfield' Costar Chris Pratt Until the Red Carpet Premiere
Cecily Strong was seen at the Columbia Pictures World Premiere of ‘The Garfield Movie’ on May 19, 2024. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
She shared, “I know [my dog] Lucy, she certainly has maybe even more personality now than when I got her. And I feel like she’s got a lot of life left to live and I love the chance to celebrate that.”
The Garfield Movie hits theaters on Friday, May 24.
With reporting by Sarah Jones
Editor's P/S:
Cecily Strong's enthusiasm for the Garfield franchise and her commitment to animal welfare are both endearing and inspiring. Her personal connection to the character and her advocacy for senior pet adoption demonstrate her genuine passion for both entertainment and social responsibility. It's refreshing to see celebrities using their platform to raise awareness and encourage positive change.
Moreover, the article highlights the enduring appeal of the Garfield franchise across generations. The character's relatability, humor, and cross-generational appeal are a testament to its timeless nature. As Strong suggests, Garfield's love for Italian food and naps resonates with both children and adults, making it a beloved and enduring pop culture icon.