“Thank you so much for having me, The Hollywood Times… I’m thrilled to be here, thrilled to be talking to you.” – Bonnie Rose
By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/23/25 – After decades of supporting roles in some of the most respected film and television projects of the last 30 years, Bonnie Rose is finally claiming the spotlight. With Living with Grandma and My Kind of People both hitting the festival circuit this June—and a Best Actress win at the World Film Festival in Cannes—Rose’s moment feels triumphant, deeply earned, and refreshingly grounded.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Bonnie in Los Angeles, where she was appearing for the premiere of My Kind of People at Dances With Films LA. The conversation quickly turned heartfelt, spanning everything from her start as a Bette Midler stand-in to working with the Coen brothers, and her long journey to Cannes acclaim.
In Living with Grandma, directed by Finise Avery, Rose plays Grandma Rose, a woman opening her heart to a struggling grandson. The film, which will screen at the Roosevelt Island Film Festival on June 28, earned Bonnie her first major acting accolade—Best Actress at the 2025 World Film Festival in Cannes.
Click below for our exclusive interview:
“The minute I read it; I just really fell in love with the character. Grandma Rose… her compassion and her love for her grandson—it really spoke to me.”
Though Rose couldn’t attend Cannes due to a scheduling conflict with Roosevelt Island’s fest, the win was deeply meaningful.
“It was the first time I’ve had any kind of accolades or Best Actress award for my work. I was really moved. Really thrilled.”
The film’s intimacy is enhanced by Rose’s chemistry with co-star Charlie Solis, who plays her grandson.
“We had one reading together, and then really met on set. But we just bonded. I think that comes across on screen.”
Her performance is restrained and deeply emotional proof that, even in the quietest moments, great acting can speak volumes.
Next, Rose stars in Joe Picozzi’s short My Kind of People, which will premiere at Dances With Films LA on June 24. The film, a winner of the 2024 Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum, is a vibrant slice-of-life story rooted in community, culture, and familial truth.
“Joe reminded me of Sidney Lumet—very focused, very grounded… just really good.”
Bonnie plays a matriarch who anchors her neighborhood with grit, warmth, and unflinching honesty.
“The character reminded me of my mother-in-law, Rose. Caring but honest—she’ll tell you the truth. She doesn’t hold anything back. That really spoke to me.”
The film, shot on a whirlwind schedule, came together back-to-back with Living with Grandma—one weekend in Rhode Island, the next in Brooklyn.
“It’s crazy with short films how quickly a phenomenal production can come about. But both projects had so much heart.”
Bonnie Rose’s long career is finally being recognized, but she’s never stopped working. From her breakout role in Sidney Lumet’s Night Falls on Manhattan to appearances in The Sopranos, Jessica Jones, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, she’s been a staple of high-quality storytelling.
“Without Sidney Lumet, there’d be no Bonnie Rose. He cherry-picked me from an open call—600 people—and changed my life.”
She reflects on her viral moment in Maisel with modest joy.
“People still bring up the ‘PASTRAMI’ line. That was such a fun show.”
Most recently, she appeared in Tow, a feature film starring Rose Byrne, Octavia Spencer, and Ariana DeBose, which premiered at Tribeca 2025.
“It was incredible. You’re sitting on set with Oscar winners, and they’re just… great. It was magic.”
At 30+ years in the industry, Rose is clear: she’s not slowing down. In fact, she’s just getting started.
“Some people ask if I’m retiring. Retiring? No! The best characters for me are coming later in life—and I love playing them.”
She recently wrapped another short, Double Happiness, and has her eye on future collaborations.
“Quentin Tarantino? Martin Scorsese? They’re on my bucket list!”
Asked what advice she’d offer other actors still waiting for their breakthrough:
“Keep going. Live in the moment. Enjoy the work. Someone once said I’m like the Energizer Bunny—and I think that’s true. I’m just grateful.”
My Kind of People
Dances With Films LA – June 24 @ 5 PM
Living with Grandma
Roosevelt Island Film Festival – June 28
Follow Bonnie Rose:
Represented by Encompass Arts and Stuart Talent
“This is a business with a lot of ebbs and flows. But I’ve always known I was in it for the long haul.” – Bonnie Rose
