Diane Lane recently shared her unique experience on the set of the 1983 film The Outsiders, highlighting the challenges of being one of the few female cast members. During an appearance on the October 29 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, the actress described the environment as “too much testosterone for one girl,” yet emphasized that it was an exhilarating experience. Lane, now 60, portrayed Cherry, the girlfriend of a member of the affluent “Socs” gang, amidst a predominantly male ensemble.
The film, based on S.E. Hinton’s classic novel, revolves around the struggles between two teenage gangs, the “Greasers” and the “Socs.” Lane reflected on the dynamics of filming with notable actors such as Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, and Emilio Estevez, who later became Hollywood icons. She noted the intensity of their night shoots, recalling, “It was kind of… too much testosterone for one girl. So I kept to myself. But I was definitely pinching myself. I was definitely overwhelmed.”
Lane elaborated on her observations during filming, expressing curiosity about the interactions among her male co-stars. “It was interesting being on set with all the boys… you could sit back and just observe the male dynamics,” she said. The actress described her experience as one of both observation and introspection, revealing that the atmosphere provided ample opportunities for people-watching.
In a recent conversation on The Howard Stern Show, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez mentioned that she was initially offered the role that Lane ultimately took, joking about how it “haunts” her. Lopez questioned her past decision, asking, “Why did you turn down working with Adrian Lyne? What were you thinking?”
Following her performance in The Outsiders, Lane’s career flourished, leading to various notable films, including the critically acclaimed Unfaithful, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Currently, she is promoting her latest film, Anniversary, which also stars Phoebe Dynevor and Kyle Chandler. The film tells the story of a family gathering that takes a tense turn when their son introduces his girlfriend, who is associated with a controversial movement.
In an interview with CBS Mornings in October, Lane discussed the themes of her new film, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. “I think that silencing people can radicalize people,” she stated, urging audiences to engage in conversations and listen to each other. “I don’t think you go to war with people whose moccasins you’ve walked in a mile.”
Lane’s reflections on her time during the filming of The Outsiders provide insight not only into her own journey but also into the dynamic environment of a classic film set. As she continues to take on diverse roles, her experiences highlight the evolving landscape of Hollywood and the importance of representation in the film industry.
