The Four Matriarchs of What’s Cooking? have stayed with me since I first watched the Thanksgiving classic from 2000. It’s a Celebration of Strong Women and features Stellar Performances from icons. Sure, the movie also features wonderful LGBTQ+ representation with the cutest lesbian couple, but I always rewatch it for all the women in the movie.
One of the most compelling aspects of What’s Cooking? (2000) is the focus on its four matriarchs. They anchor the film with their strength, resilience, and humanity. Each woman represents not just her family but also the cultural, generational, and personal dynamics that shape their Thanksgiving experiences.
These Matriarchs, brought to life by a remarkable cast, add depth and nuance to the film’s exploration of family and identity. Let’s take a closer look at these four matriarchs and the talented actors who portray them.
Trinh Nguyen (Joan Chen)
Trinh is the matriarch of the Vietnamese-American Nguyen family. Played by Joan Chen, who is known for her captivating performances in films like The Last Emperor as well as the TV series Twin Peaks and (more recently) A Murder at the End of the World. In What’s Cooking?, Trinh embodies the struggles of maintaining cultural traditions in a modern American setting.
Her storyline revolves around reconciling her expectations for her children with their desires to assimilate and pursue their own paths. Joan Chen brings a quiet intensity to Trinh, portraying a woman torn between pride in her heritage and her love for her independent-minded family. Her performance is a masterclass in restraint and emotional depth, making Trinh one of the film’s most relatable characters.
Joan Chen LGBTQ bonus: In 2004, Joan Chen played the mother of the main character in Alice Wu‘s wonderful lesbian rom-com Saving Face.
Elizabeth Avila (Mercedes Ruehl)
The Mexican-American matriarch, Elizabeth Avila, is played by the Oscar-winning actress Mercedes Ruehl (The Fisher King). During Thanksgiving, Elizabeth is grappling with the aftermath of her husband’s infidelity while hosting Thanksgiving dinner.
Mercedes Ruehl’s portrayal is equal parts comedic and poignant, capturing Elizabeth’s resilience as she juggles her emotions, the needs of her adult children, and the pressures of hosting a perfect family gathering. Her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude add levity to the film while also grounding Elizabeth as a figure of strength and dignity in the face of personal turmoil.
Mercedes Ruehl LGBTQ bonus: In 1998, Mercedes Ruehl played the mother of Gia Carangi (portrayed by Angelina Jolie) in the heartbreaking and beautiful biopic Gia. Later, in 2006, she starred in A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story, based on a true story. Then, in 2017, she starred in the play Torch Song, written by Harvey Fierstein (the character was originated by Estelle Getty of The Golden Girls in the 1970s).
Ruth Seelig (Lainie Kazan)
Lainie Kazan infuses Ruth with warmth, humor, and vulnerability, particularly as she navigates the tension between her conservative upbringing and her daughter’s (Kyra Sedgwick) revelation about her sexuality. Lainie Kazan, a veteran actress renowned for her roles in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Beaches, portrays Ruth Seelig, the Jewish-American matriarch.
Ruth is a deeply empathetic character. She is so clearly torn between her loyalty to traditional values and her evolving understanding of her family. Lainie Kazan’s nuanced performance highlights the emotional complexity of a mother learning to accept change, making Ruth’s journey one of the film’s most moving arcs.
Lainie Kazan LGBTQ bonus: In 2009, Lainie Kazan starred in Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!! As indicated by that fabulous title, it’s a glorious comedy.
Audrey Williams (Alfre Woodard)
Audrey Williams, the African-American matriarch, is brought to life by the incomparable Alfre Woodard. A powerhouse performer known for her work in 12 Years a Slave, and the hit TV series Desperate Housewives. Alfre Woodard was also Academy Award-nominated for Cross Creek (1983) and she brings immense gravitas and charisma to Audrey.
Audrey is a career-focused mother trying to keep her family connected while balancing her professional ambitions. Her storyline delves into issues of control, marriage, and the complexities of raising children in a modern context. Alfre Woodard’s commanding presence and ability to convey a wide range of emotions make Audrey’s character both relatable and deeply inspiring.
Alfre Woodard LGBTQ bonus: In 2000, the same year as What’s Cooking?, Alfre Woodard also made Holiday Heart, where Ving Rhames plays a gay man, and Alfre Woodard, plays a single mother. The two become best friends and try to become each other’s family. It’s a brutal and realistic movie with an important message. Robert De Niro was a producer on the movie which also earned Alfre Woodard a Golden Globe nomination.
Why These Matriarchs Matter
Together, these four matriarchs serve as the emotional and narrative backbone of What’s Cooking? Each woman’s story reflects a unique cultural perspective, yet their struggles and triumphs are universally resonant. From Trinh’s quiet perseverance to Ruth’s emotional evolution, Elizabeth’s sharp humor to Audrey’s commanding resolve, these characters showcase the strength and complexity of women at the heart of their families.
The four iconic actors (all of whom have always supported the LGBTQ+ community) behind these roles bring an authenticity and emotional richness that elevate the film’s storytelling. Their performances ensure that What’s Cooking? is not just a film about Thanksgiving. It’s also a celebration of the women who hold families together, even in the face of conflict and change.
So as you watch What’s Cooking? this Thanksgiving season, take a moment to appreciate the matriarchs at its heart. They’re a reminder of the strength, love, and resilience that define family life. Biological, chosen, and everything in between!
