The Iconic Cassidy
Perhaps her most iconic role was Cassidy in The Wrestler. Cassidy was Mickey Rourke’s love interest and working as a stripper. Playing a stripper meant very different accessories and costume decisions than previous roles. She even appeared topless but with nipple rings. Tomei is firmly against stereotyping strippers. She defended the subculture, calling for understanding as them as individuals.
The Iconic Cassidy
Adapting Aunt May’s Character
We all grew up watching Spiderman or reading the comics, right? Apparently not Marisa Tomei. She boldly auditioned for the part of Aunt May without having a clue about the original character. Although Aunt May was an old and arthritic woman, Marisa’s younger look did not scare away casting directors. Turns out one co-producer spoke out about the choice, claiming they wanted to give Peter Parker an older sister feel with Aunt May in this adaptation. So Tomei in her early 50’s, fit the vision perfectly!
Adapting Aunt May’s Character