Actor and SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher is enjoying a return to the big screen in Marty Supreme, where she plays the mother of Oscar-nominated star Timothée Chalamet. While Drescher says she loved working with Chalamet, she jokes that her efforts to become close friends off camera didn’t exactly succeed. Speaking to PEOPLE, Drescher described her onscreen son as “delightful” and immensely gifted. Still, she admits their relationship on set remained professional. “It’s not like he wanted to be my best friend or anything,” she said with humor. “Even though I was open to it.”
A Generational Gap on Set
Drescher, 68, says she fully understands why Chalamet wasn’t interested in long chats and bonding sessions between takes. According to her, the actor is focused on his rapidly rising career and enjoying the moment.
“He’s a young lad, living his dream,” she said. “I’m very happy for him. His success is well deserved.”
The actress added that she has admired Chalamet’s work for years. “I’ve always been a big fan of his. I like everything he does,” she said, noting that she was thrilled when she learned she had been cast as his mom in the film.
How the Role Came Together
Drescher revealed that her casting in Marty Supreme was influenced by her leadership role during the 2023 actors’ strike. As president of SAG-AFTRA, she was frequently in touch with director Josh Safdie, who kept calling her for updates during negotiations.
“It made us friends, because I always took his call,” Drescher explained. When Safdie began developing Marty Supreme, she was already top of mind.
According to Drescher, Safdie felt she and Chalamet shared a resemblance and believed she had the emotional depth needed for the role. “He said, ‘I know your background, and I know there’s a depth to you that I want to extract for this movie,’” she recalled. “You have to love a director like that.”
Awards Buzz and Personal Moments
Marty Supreme, produced by A24, centers on the life of a legendary ping pong player and has quickly gained awards-season attention. Chalamet’s performance has earned critical acclaim and fueled Oscar buzz. Earlier this month, Chalamet won a Critics’ Choice Award and made headlines during his acceptance speech by thanking his longtime partner, Kylie Jenner. Calling her his foundation, he expressed gratitude for her support over the past three years.
A Proud Onscreen Mom
With Marty Supreme now playing in theaters, Drescher says she feels proud of the film and of Chalamet’s achievements. While their off-screen bond may not have turned into a friendship, her admiration for her co-star is clear.
