[Shaun]

Before Roald Dahl's classic children's book was made into a seven-time Olivier award-winning musical, Matilda was a celebrated film of the Nineties.

Directed by and starring Danny Devito - as the conniving Mr Wormwood - the film also starred Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz and Mara Wilson in the title role, a child actress on a par with Macaulay Culkin as being one of the most well-known young stars in the world at the time.

But 17 years after the movie was made, Mara, 26, reunited with her Matilda co-stars for a fun barbeque down memory lane.

Getting together for a picture, Mara, Rhea, Embeth and Danny were joined by Donna Spangler, Brian Levinson, Pam Ferris, Jimmy Karz, Leor Livneh Hackel, Jacqueline Steiger, Kiami Davael and Sara Magdalin.



Brian starred as Matilda's mean older brother Michael and the son of Mr and Mrs Wormwood, played by Danny and Rhea.

Pam can be remembered as the menacing Miss Trunchball, Embeth as the delightful teacher Miss Honey, with Jacqueline, Leor, Kiami and Jimmy as school kids Amanda Thripp, Julius Rottwinkle, Lavender Brown and Bruce Bogtrotter, the little boy who had to eat the not so tasty chocolate cake.

Mara - who also starred in Miracle on 34th Street and Mrs Doubtfire - quit the acting game in 2000 after starring in Thomas And The Magic Railroad with Alec Bladwin and Peter Fonda because she said, 'film acting is not very fun'.

Writing on her blog, the former child star said: 'Doing the same thing over and over again until, in the director’s eyes, you “get it right,” does not allow for very much creative freedom.

'Film can be exciting, but more often, it’s tedious. The celebrity aspect is nothing short of ridiculous, and auditioning is brutal and dehumanizing. Every time I see a pretty young girl on the subway reading sides for an audition, my only thought is, “Man, am I glad I’m not doing that anymore.” I never feel nostalgia, just relief.'

Classic: The film was based on Roald Dahl's children's book about Matilda, a girl with special powers but horrible parents trying to hold her back

After studying art at the University of New York, Mara has focused more on being a playwright, rather than acting - although she does 'enjoy acting with or for good friends' - and works with Publicolor; a design-based program and academic support to revitalize public and civic spaces through creative art.

And with the Matilda stage musical taking home Oliviers and Tony awards, the 26-year old has seen the show with Oona Laurence playing the title role.

'It’s an excellent show and I highly recommend it. Tim Minchin stays true to Dahl’s spirit, and the actress playing Matilda when I saw it (Oona Laurence) was great.'

[Novo]

Which one is Miss Honey in that picture? i don't even recognise her if she is there

[Ramsay]

[GypsyGoth]

Wow

[LikeABoatOnWater]

wow... they... ermmmm... blossomed :/

[Drew.]

wow, she hasnt aged very well

[Firewire]

this is amazing

[Jessica.]

IS THAT GIRL IN THE BLUE DRESS THE PIGGY TAILS GIRL?!?!?!? omg

[LikeABoatOnWater]

I was actually watching this film the other day it was on one of the film channels, more than films I think

[Drew.]

Originally Posted by Novo

Which one is Miss Honey in that picture? i don't even recognise her if she is there

i dont think shes in it

[Novo]

If that is Miss Honey in the White Skirt she has aged very well

[Ramsay]

the one at the far right beside devito?

[Novo]

Oh no actually that is Matilda's chinese mate in the white skirt

[Kizzy]

Aw Mara Wilson loved her in miracle on 34th street

[LikeABoatOnWater]

Originally Posted by Karl

the one at the far right beside devito?

I would assume thats Devito's wife.

[Ramsay]

devito's wife is his wife in the matilda movie

[Shaun]

Originally Posted by Jessica.

IS THAT GIRL IN THE BLUE DRESS THE PIGGY TAILS GIRL?!?!?!? omg

yep

[Shaun]

Originally Posted by Karl

devito's wife is his wife in the matilda movie

They separated about a year ago IIRC.

[Kizzy]

Originally Posted by Karl

devito's wife is his wife in the matilda movie

ex wife...

[Ramsay]

aw didn't know that!

[Withano]

Whos the blonde in red and why wasn't she the star of the film. Why wasn't she the star of every film.

[Shaun]

platinum blonde = Donna Spangler, she was in the TV show in the film (the Million dollar sticky thing) apparently was just a model at the time

[LaLaLand]

The brunette in the white skirt is Hotensia (sp) is it not? The school friend who told her about Miss Trunchbull, was blonde in the film. Could be wrong.

So funny to see "AMANDA THRRRRRRIP" too haha

[Patrick]

1. Where is the physco principle?
2. Where is the fat ***** that has to eat the cake?
3. Holy Balls.

[Jords]

I saw Mara tweet this the other day, had to Google everybody because I couldnt make them out in the pics

Mara doesnt look 26!