Some of the biggest stars of today got their starts in 80s movies. This is one of those movies that helped make a myriad of unknowns into major stars. Let’s talk about Mystic Pizza.
#1 – The Restaurant Became A Tourist Attraction
While there is an actual Mystic Pizza joint in Mystic, Connecticut, an entirely new restaurant had to be constructed for filming. The set was built inside an old home turned warehouse and office (the Garbo building) on Water Street in Stonington Borough. The film’s success transformed the small-town parlor into a major tourist attraction and, following the film’s success, the actual restaurant redesigned its interior to match the movie set. On their website, they note that menus were continuously disappearing and traffic on Main Street was affected by fans standing in the street trying to get the perfect photo.
#2 – You Probably Recognize The Entire Cast From Something Else
Let’s go through the list. You know Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman, of course. It’s hard to say what you know Annabeth Gish from because she’s been in so many things, though none of them were huge roles or hits. I always think of Shag and Double Jeopardy. Same goes for Lili Taylor who was in Six Feet Under and the Conjuring series. She also stars on Daredevil: Born Again, alongside her Mystic Pizza love interest Vincent D’Onoforio. I can’t help but think of him as the alien in Men In Black. The pizza shop’s owner Leona is played by Conchata Ferrell, who is probably best known for Two And A Half Men.
#3 – Introducing Matt Damon
Matt Damon made his on-screen debut in the film as Charlie Windsor’s brother Steamer. Apparently, he beat out buddy Ben Affleck for the role. They both impressed the casting director but Damon landed the role thanks to a legal technicality. Affleck was 15 while Damon was 17. That means he could legally partake in the scene’s night shoot if his mom was on the set.
#4 – The Scooter Is A Spree
If you are Gen X, you know what a big deal it was to have a scooter in the 80s. The most popular models in my hometown were the Honda Spree, Honda Elite and Yamaha Riva Razz. Kat drives a Spree around Mystic, delivering pizzas to her mom down at the dock, to her babysitting job and her gig at the seaport museum.
#5 – Mar-A-Lago Has A Cameo
When Kat and Daisy’s mom is seen asleep on the couch, the TV is on an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. The episode is about the opulence of Mar-a-Lago, which was already owned by Trump at this time. He purchase it in 1985.
Mystic Pizza received two thumbs up from Siskel and Ebert, calling it a well-acted coming-of-age story destined to be remembered for showcasing future stars.