MARISA TOMEI
THE OSCAR-WINNING STAR MAKES A BRAVE CHOICE WITH A SURPRISING NEW ROLE — AND IN HER OWN LIFE
On blazing a unique trail both on-screen and in her personal life.
No one who’s read a Spider-Man comic likely thinks Peter Parker’s matronly Aunt May is sexy. But as Robert Downey Jr. said recently, “Spider-Man’s got a hot aunt now. My God, imagine the possibilities!” And that’s exactly what Marisa Tomei did when she got cast in the traditionally gray-haired role for Spider-Man: Homecoming. “I fleshed out my own mental picture of who she is,” says Marisa. “I gave it [a] sexy, naughty little twist in my mind…. [And] she’s got a feminist and humanist edge.”
Putting a unique spin on the curves life throws her is nothing new to 52-year-old Marisa. She quickly embraced playing Aunt May, and she’s not worried about the casting implications. After all, an insider tells Closer, “Marisa’s at an age where she can play younger or older, and that means more opportunities.” Marisa’s longevity in Hollywood has been hardwon. After winning an Academy Award at just 28, she went on to follow her own unconventional path: Forgoing marriage and kids and seeking out theater work and prestigious film roles. As a friend tells Closer, “Her success is a combination of talent and incredibly motivated hard work.”
Marisa learned that tenacity early as she grew up in Brooklyn. “The kids in her neighborhood were tough,” says the insider. Her mettle proved handy in 1993 when false rumors circulated that she had been wrongly presented with the best supporting actress Oscar for My Cousin Vinny. “It hurt my feelings,” Marisa admits. But she persevered — and proceeded to earn two more Oscar nods for In the Bedroom and The Wrestler. “I’m always fighting stereotypes… and trying to change it up,” she says.
DOING IT HER WAY
Marisa has chosen to follow her own beat in her personal life, as well, having dated actors like Robert Downey Jr. (who plays Tony
Stark in Spider-Man) and Logan Marshall-Green, but ultimately staying single. “I’m not that big a fan of marriage as an institution,” she says, “and I don’t know why women need to have children to be seen as complete.” A traditional family, says her friend, “wasn’t something she ever truly pursued — even in her twenties. Work has really been her life force.”
Of course, she also finds time for fun. The Manhattanite loves indulging in local foodie culture and stays active with workouts ranging from cycling to yoga. While portraying Aunt May has been a recent departure, she’s not done trying new things. “She’s hoping to do a Broadway musical,” her friend adds.
Until then, Marisa will continue to enjoy the ride. “She is living life to the fullest and getting offers other actors would kill for,” says the friend. Marisa would even be open to playing Aunt May again. “Aunt May should get her own spin-off,” she says. “Something should go on with Tony Stark, and those two should get into their own capers.”
“I love to play, play, play! To go out dancing and be boisterous.”
— Marisa