The Not-So-Grand Premiere of Showgirls

Once upon a time, in the dazzling realm of Hollywood, a certain movie named Showgirls was set to catapult Elizabeth Berkley from the beloved halls of Saved by the Bell to stardom. Picture it: a 21-year-old Berkley, glittering with dreams of Las Vegas seduction and scandal, all under the direction of the notorious Paul Verhoeven—director of classics like RoboCop and Total Recall. Sounds amazing, right? Spoiler alert: it was not.

Showgirls: The Epic Fail That Kept Berkley Out of Work

Alas, instead of winning Oscars, Showgirls bombed harder than a keg at a teen party. Critics panned it faster than you can say “cult classic,” and Elizabeth’s performance was at the center of their storm. The film quickly earned a fan club—of sorts—as it slid into infamy as one of Hollywood’s biggest flops. But for Berkley, the thud was more than just a box office blunder; it was a career earthquake. In a recent chat with THR, Berkley spilled the tea about her two-year hiatus from auditions. Yup, you heard it right—no calls, no gigs, just crickets.

The Cruel Aftermath and Berkley’s Toughness

“A lot of things went on that wouldn’t fly today—getting roasted like that? Not cool.” She shared her disbelief over the industry’s cold shoulder. But let’s give the gal some credit; she spooled out those negative vibes and found solace in what she believed to be true. Tough cookie? You bet!

Making a Comeback and Celebrating 30 Years of Showgirls

Fast forward a few decades, and the tides have turned for Showgirls and its leading lady. With a newfound warmth from fans and a 30th-anniversary tour in the works, Berkley has embraced the wacky yet beloved cult following like a long-lost friend. After nearly disappearing from the silver screen, she made her grand return with some dazzling TV roles and a spot in the quirky black comedy Shell. And what’s next? Buckle up for her role in Ryan Murphy’s latest legal drama, All’s Fair! Berkley praises Murphy for spotting hidden talent where others might just see dust bunnies.

The Lesson: Setbacks Can Spark Comebacks

So, what’s the moral of our story? While Berkley didn’t single-handedly craft Showgirls, the backlash she faced was a harsh reminder of Hollywood’s unpredictability. But here she is, proving that every storm can lead to a rainbow, and every flop can recreate a fresh opportunity. Let’s toast to Elizabeth Berkley’s resilience and her vibrant resurgence in the entertainment industry!