Sally Kirkland and Tyler Steelman Open Up About ‘Sallywood’—A Tribute to Friendship and Hollywood’s Realities
Oscar-nominated actress Sally Kirkland has lived through the highs and lows of a remarkable Hollywood career, but in the new indie film Sallywood, she reveals a more intimate side of her life. The film, directed by Xaque Gruber, tells the real-life story of Gruber’s friendship with Kirkland as he navigated the Hollywood hustle in his 20s while working as her assistant. The story of their bond unfolds with humor and poignancy, offering a unique look at the actress’ personal journey, her struggles in the industry, and the unlikely friendship that kept her going.
From Golden Globes to Indie Films: Sally Kirkland’s Hollywood Journey
In 1988, Sally Kirkland earned an Oscar nomination and Golden Globe for her role in Anna, a film that showcased her incredible talent and propelled her to A-list stardom. But while her career soared, Kirkland’s personal life told a different story. After the initial fame, she faced many challenges, including periods of professional stagnation and taking roles in low-budget films to make ends meet.
For Xaque Gruber, who moved from Maine to Hollywood with dreams of making it big, meeting Kirkland was both an idolization and a reality check. “I had a fantasy of Sally living in a mansion with a butler,” Gruber admits, but what he found was a woman facing personal and professional struggles, much like himself. Through their shared experiences, the two formed a deep bond, one that would eventually inspire Gruber to write Sallywood, a tribute to their unusual and beautiful friendship.
A Funny and Heartfelt Look at Hollywood Misfits
Sallywood is more than just a retelling of Kirkland’s life—it’s an exploration of the highs and lows of the Hollywood dream, told through the lens of two outsiders who found each other. Gruber explains that his goal was never to portray Kirkland’s life as dark or tragic, but rather as a beautiful friendship story, akin to Harold and Maude. The film portrays their relationship with warmth, humor, and a touch of absurdity, showing how two misfits can complete each other’s story.
Tyler Steelman’s Breakthrough Role as Zack
For Tyler Steelman, playing the role of Zack, a character loosely based on Gruber himself, was both a challenge and a rewarding experience. “It’s cool because I’ve done so many indie films over the years, but this is the one that’s really going places,” Steelman says of his role in Sallywood. Steelman was initially unaware of the film’s autobiographical nature but developed a character that connected deeply with Gruber’s real-life story. His natural chemistry with Kirkland shines through in their scenes together, with moments of improvisation that only added to the authenticity of their connection.
“Once I got the part, it was intimidating to star alongside Sally,” Steelman confesses, “but it was also rewarding to see how much it resonated with audiences at festivals.”
Behind the Scenes of a Low-Budget Indie Film
The making of Sallywood wasn’t without its challenges, especially since it was produced on a lower budget and with tight filming schedules. Steelman recalls the difficulty of balancing quality with time constraints, but says the team never sacrificed the film’s integrity.
Xaque Gruber, making his directorial debut with this feature, admits the process was “surreal” but magical. Despite the challenges of being a first-time director, he was lucky to work with seasoned actors like Eric Roberts, Jennifer Tilly, and Michael Lerner, along with Steelman, who brought his own unique touch to the film.
Reflections on the Changing Landscape for Women in Hollywood
Throughout her career, Sally Kirkland has weathered the storm of Hollywood’s evolving landscape, particularly for women in the industry. She reflects on how much things have changed since she first started, especially after the #MeToo movement.
“I’ve always been treated with respect,” Kirkland says, “but I think today things are much better for women in Hollywood.”
The Enduring Power of Friendship in Showbiz
Sallywood isn’t just about the struggles of Hollywood life, though—it’s also a celebration of enduring friendship. Gruber describes the film as “a love story” between him and Kirkland, and both actors acknowledge how their bond has been a source of strength through the years.
“We were these two misfits who found each other,” Gruber says, explaining how their relationship blossomed over time. The film captures that rare and beautiful connection between two people from different worlds who found a home in each other.
What Audiences Can Expect from ‘Sallywood’
Audiences can look forward to a film that combines humor, heart, and authenticity. As Kirkland says, “There’s so much joy and so much poignancy in this film,” with many viewers finding themselves emotionally moved after watching. The film’s unique brand of comedy—one that avoids reliance on sex or drugs—offers a refreshing change from the typical Hollywood fare.
Steelman adds, “There’s something timeless about the way unlikely people become best friends, and I think audiences will really connect with that.”
Don’t Miss ‘Sallywood’ at Laemmle Town Center 5
Sallywood will be screening at Laemmle Town Center 5 in Encino starting November 8 for one week. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this heartfelt indie drama about the highs and lows of Hollywood life, friendship, and finding your place in a world that often seems out of reach.
