From flop to cult classic: Christina Applegate, reflects on Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead and her journey from reluctance to pride.
Christina Applegate, now 53, recently shared her thoughts on the 1991 film Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead during her podcast, looking back at a project that’s taken on a life of its own.
When it hit theaters, the movie was a dud—grossing just $25.1 million and earning tepid reviews.Yet, over the decades, it’s morphed into a cult classic, cherished by fans for its oddball charm and ‘90s nostalgia.
Applegate, already a household name at 20 thanks to Married… with Children, wasn’t exactly jumping at the chance to take the role. She had her sights set on indie films and saw this as too mainstream.
“I was such a f—ing asshat,” she joked, reflecting on her youthful snobbery. But work is work, and she signed on.
In the film, Applegate plays Sue Ellen “Swell” Crandell, a teen thrust into responsibility when her babysitter dies suddenly, leaving her to look after her siblings.
To keep things afloat, Swell bluffs her way into a corporate gig, stumbling through adulthood with a mix of grit and absurdity.
It’s a dark comedy with heart, packed with quirky moments—like drag queens jacking a car and the iconic line, “The dishes are done, man”—that fans still adore.
The movie’s early ‘90s flavor, from grunge fashion to its soundtrack, makes it a time capsule that keeps drawing viewers back.
Cable reruns and VHS copies gave it a second life, building a loyal following long after its initial flop.
Today, Applegate feels genuine pride in the film. “What movie has a bunch of drag queens steal their car?” she said, grinning at its eccentricity. That unique blend of humor and coming-of-age chaos has cemented its status.
A 2024 remake, starring Simone Joy Jones and Nicole Richie, has brought fresh eyes to the original, reigniting debates about why Swell’s story endures. Maybe it’s the relatable panic of growing up too soon that keeps it relevant.
Applegate’s own journey adds richness to the film’s legacy. She’s been upfront about her life, including her fight with multiple sclerosis, and her honesty about initially scoffing at the movie makes her current fondness for it all the more real.
“Here we are. I’m 53 years old,” she marveled, amazed at its lasting echo. From a hesitant young star to a seasoned actress embracing her past, her story mirrors the film’s own redemption arc.
Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead started as a miss, but it’s proof that some films find their moment—and their people—when you least expect it.
Source Entertainment Weekly
