They took a chance on the long-awaited sequel to “Mamma Mia,” but the rapturous reaction at Monday’s London film premiere suggested it was worth the 10-year gap. While the new film features the same A-list cast as the 2008 original, it was the introduction of , playing ’s mother Ruby Sheridan, that made everyone starstruck.
“Acting with her was on my bucket list,” Andy Garcia told Variety on the blue carpet at the “” launch at London’s Hammersmith Apollo theater. “The acting is one thing but the singing and all that… you have to look up to the heaven and say thank you.”
Cher was modest about the reaction, saying she was “really surprised” at how many fans had gathered to see her.
At 72, she’s only three years older than Meryl, something that amused them both. Cher was being interviewed at the premiere when Streep ran up and put her arms around her and shouted: “That’s my mommy! She’s got taller.”
When asked about the secret to their energy on set, Cher replied: “We’re immature.”
Writer-director Ol Parker, who attended the premiere with his actress wife Thandie Newton, revealed that the majority of the cast and crew gathered to watch Cher sing “Fernando.” “It was ridiculous,” he told Variety. “People brought their husbands, wives, children and dogs to watch… and there was a storm of applause.”
“Cher is a remarkably lovely person,” he added. “She didn’t have to…
