Mark Twain & Mary Baker Eddy - A film by Val Kilmer
 

Cast

Minnie Weygandt

Minnie Weygandt, 58, originally from Iowa, has served as Eddy’s cook and housekeeper for a decade. A farm girl at heart, she left her home in the dead of winter to travel to Pleasant View and has brought a strong, warm-hearted presence to the home. In addition to keeping everyone well-fed, she is an amateur photographer and, along with Calvin Frye, enjoys taking behind-the-scenes shots of Eddy and the staff.

  • Leave a comment to suggest an actor for this role

93 Responses to “Minnie Weygandt”

  1. David Matthews says:

    Kathy Bates, Nikki Blonsky, or Melissa McCarthy. Aside from the physical they can all pull off serious and comedic/light-hearted roles. Nikki and Melissa would be young but maybe with makeup or if the casting is younger.

  2. Susan says:

    Kathy Bates.

  3. Petra K. says:

    definitely Kathy Bates!

  4. My first thought was Kathy Bates.

  5. Susan says:

    Camryn Manheim – she has come across in a number of roles as a smart, practical, strong and compassionate. She also possesses a mid-western, very genuine look, fitting for this role (though she might be a bit young).

  6. Cindy says:

    Kathy Bates

  7. Lori says:

    I agree on Kathy Bates playing this role.

  8. Shelagh Reddy says:

    I can certainly see Mary Walsh as the housekeeper/cook.
    The other I was thinking of was in Mona Lisa Smile, I looked in the cast listing and they didn’t have photos of all of them….but she was slightly pudgy and wanted to be with the “geeky” guy with glasses.

  9. Alis says:

    Kathy Bates

  10. Kim says:

    Kathy Bates

  11. vicki says:

    kathy bates, without a doubt.

  12. Mary says:

    Talk about one Mind. Kathy Bates was my immediate first thought as well. I instantly saw her as a domestic version of the “unsinkable Molly Brown” whom she portrayed in Titanic.

  13. Cynthia Voelker says:

    Camryn Manheim would be an interesting choice here.

  14. Cindy says:

    Kathy Bates!

  15. David says:

    I was thinking Kathy Bates even before seeing these comments! It’s unanimous!

  16. Jayne Taini says:

    I am a lifetime Christian Scientist and am treasurer at Thirteenth in Los Angeles where you have attended many times, Val. And I’ve been a stage actor my entire adult life…moved to LA in the last part of my career and done some movies and lots of guest stars on TV….

    And I’d like to throw my hat in the ring. I think it’d be great to have some other Christian Science actors beside yourself on the set.

    Tyne Daley would also be interesting.

  17. Susan says:

    Imelda Staunton!

  18. Ruth Hawryluk1 says:

    I recommend a friend who is an actor and a class-taught Christian Scientist. She has done a lot of television character roles in recent years, as well as theatre. Her name is Jayne Taini, and you can find her info on IMDB.

  19. Dalemarie Davis says:

    Absolutely Kathy Bates or a close second, Camryn Mannheim.

  20. Sara Hurd says:

    Kathy Bates

  21. mary Zieglgansberger says:

    hands down Kathy Bates, before I even saw the others vote on this page

  22. Valerie Bell says:

    No doubt about it….Kathy Bates. On the acting front she can portray just about anyone and she could easily be made to look like Minnie.

  23. Victoria Cook says:

    Yes, Kathy Bates, she is such an awesome actress.

  24. bethany hancock says:

    Kathy Bates was my first choice.

  25. mark says:

    Kathy Bates

  26. Corine Anderson says:

    NO! I should play this part! Me! I’m slightly over 50 and certainly ‘pudgy’. It would satisfy a lifelong dream I’ve had about being a film actor or a director…Okay, so that is wishful thinking. Out of the few that i saw suggested…hmmmm…Okay, Minnie Weygandt could be portrayed by Camryn or by Kathy (tamed down!). Both are valid suggestions. Tyne Daley is good but a bit too ‘harsh’ for this role. While I really don’t see what being a Christiam Scientist would have to do with playing a part in this film, I have looked at photos of Jayne Taini, and she might actually fit this part – that is if you won’t pick me of course! :-) )

  27. Corine Anderson says:

    Oh! I need to ‘edit’ part of my previous comment…sorry…I know that Mary Baker Eddy founded the Christian Science movement; however, I’ve found no such reference to Minnie Weygandt as an actual disciple in this religion…just loyal to Mary…and it really doesn’t matter either way if a person is ‘acting’ a part…does it?

    Now – I have to toss another actress in this pot…she is actually a bit older than Minnie in this description; however she can handle this part! It is Conchata Ferrell! Take a look at her photos on imdb.com…she is fabulous as an actress – very strong, but can be ‘quiet’…I truly think Conchata fits Minnie perfectly!

  28. Diana says:

    Kathy Bates

  29. Christine Cunningham-Smith says:

    I would be interested in auditioning for the role of Minnie Weygandt – and what are your credentials, you say? My affiliation with theater is humble, primarily with little theater and community theater, although I have had some professional experience. My knowledge of the life and character of Mary Baker Eddy and her household is at least as good as any other student of Christian Science, and my knowledge of Mark Twain is the result of many delightful hours of childhood reading with my father, who was an actor and portrayed Mr. Twain on stage. If you are interested, I will gladly send you my Curriculum Vitae – I can be reached at the e-mail address I have provided. In any case, may God attend your endeavors – your project is daily in my prayers.

  30. Judy says:

    Most people seemed to have the same person in mind. another vote for Kathy Bates

  31. Eva says:

    Isn’t this a woman of color? Looks of Native American heritage, though the name does not say that. Please, please, please don’t insult the piece by putting in someone of other ethnicity before finding an actor of original heritage. If she has NA in her, then Shirley Cheechoo, who I think is Cree, the right age, and looks like her family at least. She’s Canadian, but they might have migrated that low in the States. Don’t know. She’s a good actor, good director/filmmaker. More should know of her.

    http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0154870/

  32. I also agree with putting forth Shirley Cheechoo, she has the grace and style to do this part justice and has the experience and credentials to add real depth to the story…she is not “pudgy” but clothes can fix that…and I support the need for more exposure for great Canadians and Native Canadian actors in particular! Go Shirley!

  33. alex rice says:

    Isn’t Minnie a native american woman? why not cast a native american actress then? no offense to Kathy Bates of whom i am a fan. i think she’s a great actress but there are authentic native american actresses who deserve to be considered too. I suggest Shirley Cheechoo.

  34. Kenya says:

    Words are great but pictures do not lie.

    Check out Shirley Cheechoo on IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0154870/

    I say no more.

    Roll Camera!

  35. Linda Wesley-Rickard says:

    shirley cheechoo-Debassige is native why not her

  36. Kathy Wolf says:

    Yes. Shirley Cheechoo would bring authenticity to the part. She is a wonderful actress, director and artist. Her pacing, and thought process brings a special nuance to all her projects, whatever her position is. That pacing is a way of life, not just a role that can be “played”. Ideal candidate for this character-driven role. Highly recommended.

  37. I think Shirley Cheechoo is Highly recommended to play this role she is professional and a great inspiration. Shirley is a Great Actress!!!! And an Amazing Director!!!!!I had the Pleasure to work with Shirley it was a experience I will never forget…

  38. Lisa Restoule says:

    Shirley Cheechoo…the perfect choice.

  39. Beverly Restoule says:

    Shirley Cheechoo would certainly do justice to this part. She is a talented actor and North American Native. Shirley Cheechoo is the perfect choice.

  40. Rina Gulati says:

    Shirley Cheechoo is the ideal choice – an amazing actress.

  41. I agree, Shirley Cheechoo is the only choice. Professional, talented in the Film Industry, Cree, no one better for the part.

  42. Dwayne Mason says:

    Shirley Cheechoo hands down the best choice for this role. All aboard the Cheechoo train!

  43. Rolland Nadjiwon says:

    I would certainly go with the vote for Shirley Cheechoo. If the role calls for a Native Person…lets get real about it. We don’t need the days of Charles Bronson playing Geronimo or some other cheap stunt…

  44. Pam Creasy says:

    Yes, there’s an idea — how about a Native woman to “play” a Native woman — or do we actually think other people know how to “play Indian” (I’m sure many do). I vote for Shirley Cheechoo.

  45. Shannon says:

    My vote is for Shirley Cheechoo, she is definitly the best person for this role.

  46. Sarah Broad says:

    Shirley Cheechoo is who I would vote for, as she is actually Indigenous.

  47. Vern says:

    I totally agree Shirley Cheechoo would be a great choice.

  48. Vern says:

    I agree that Shirley would be a great choice.

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