OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Dolly Parton has long been known as the queen of country music, but her acting career is just as colorful. Over the years, the beloved singer has starred in numerous films, from the iconic 9 to 5 to the quirky Straight Talk. While Parton doesn’t necessarily see herself as an actor, there’s one moment in her career that stands out, and it’s all about an unexpected kiss.
In a recent revelation, Dolly Parton shared that her most memorable onscreen kiss came from none other than actor James Woods. The two worked together in the 1992 film Straight Talk, where Parton played a radio show host in Chicago, and Woods portrayed an investigative journalist investigating her show. Although the pair worked closely on set, Parton admitted that she never spent time with Woods outside of their professional environment. Yet, despite some warnings about Woods’ reputation on set, Dolly found him to be a delight to work with.
“I love James Woods. People had warned me that he could be difficult to work with, but to me, he was a thrill to be around, although I never saw him off the set,” she shared in her memoir Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business. She went on to praise Woods for his intelligence and talent, but it was his on-screen kiss that made the lasting impression.
“What I remember him for is that he is a great kisser,” Parton revealed. “I don’t know what it is that makes one man able to kiss so much better than another. If I did, I would put that in a book that would sell a helluva lot better than this one. Whatever it is, James Woods has it in spades.”
This candid admission about the actor’s kissing skills may have come as a surprise to fans, given that Dolly has worked with many leading men throughout her career. However, it seems that Woods’ talent in this area stood out above the rest.
But Straight Talk wasn’t just notable for its romantic moments. Parton also felt creatively involved with the film, particularly when it came to altering the script to better fit her personality. In fact, she was adamant about the film not being a musical, despite its romantic premise.
“I said, ‘No, I’ve already had two flop musicals (Rhinestone and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), and I’ve already been in two musicals where the men can’t sing, and I doubt that James Woods can sing,’” Dolly recalled, making it clear that she wasn’t about to repeat past mistakes.
Looking back on her time working with Woods, Parton’s fondness for the actor and their onscreen chemistry is clear. While she may not have seen him outside of the studio, their shared moments on-screen were undeniably special. As Dolly herself might say, “You never know where the magic will happen!” And for her, that magic was in James Woods’ kiss.
So, there you have it – Dolly Parton’s best onscreen kiss might not come from the expected heartthrob, but from a talented and surprisingly skilled kisser in James Woods. That’s a twist even Dolly herself didn’t see coming!