Raise a Glass to the Cast of Coyote Ugly Then and Now

Step into the world of Coyote Ugly, a place where our bold and alluring bartenders are in control, and the rhythm flows as freely as the denim adorned with studs.

For over two decades now, that enchanting romantic comedy blending dance, music, stiletto boots, and navel gazing has graced our movie screens. It made standing on bar counters and squirting water guns feel just as thrilling as a noon shootout in the desert, turning ordinary work into an exhilarating adventure.

As long as you have your companions with you and a strategy that doesn’t necessitate perpetually fending off rowdy fraternity members, certainly.

The movie’s bar was modeled after an authentic chain of saloons, with the original Coyote Ugly, located in New York City, having been established by NYU alum Liliana Lovell. Instead of pursuing a career on Wall Street, she followed her passion for bartending to open this establishment.

In a similar vein to the 2019 movie “Hustlers” but without the illegal activities, the film “Coyote Ugly” was based on an article from 1997 in GQ magazine written by Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love). This article detailed her experiences working as a bartender at a well-known bar where staff interacted closely with patrons.

The “Do we serve water in this bar?!” scene, humorously depicted as “Hell no, H2O!”, was indeed inspired by real events. Aspiring staff members were subjected to what could be considered “tryouts,” which frequently resulted in a single, high-pressure evening spent frantically working behind the bar while catering to demanding customers who expected sharp wit and excellent service.

Or more casually:
The “Do we serve water in this bar?!” scene (“Hell no, H2O!”) was based on real experiences. Instead of a formal interview process, hopeful bartenders often found themselves thrown into the deep end during one-night auditions where they had to juggle serving demanding customers and keeping up with the fast pace of the job.

Initially (and likely even on a third look), the 2000 movie appears to be a typical display of graphic violence – and indeed, it is.

In a way that recalls the 2000 film “Charlie’s Angels,” which combined action-packed scenes with a strong emphasis on the camaraderie among undercover agents, “Coyote Ugly” fundamentally revolves around sisterhood. It portrays resilient women supporting each other and forming a family in much the same way one might during their youth and personal development journey.

Just like “Charlie’s Angels,” “Coyote Ugly” is about strong female friendships, where the characters build a supportive family as they grow up and discover themselves.

So if there’s a sequel…

In 2020, Piper Perabo, who played the character Violet, a rising city songwriter, expressed to Variety that “that moment was truly unique,” explaining, “It embodied the sharp-edged feminism and women’s rights we find ourselves in during the third wave of feminism. I want the film to reflect this ongoing evolution.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share the thrilling news that Tyra Banks, famously known for her role as bartender Zoe, and I have been exchanging messages, brainstorming potential storylines for a sequel. Since we’ve all grown 20 years older, it’s essential to reimagine the narrative. Questions like “Who owns the bar now? What are we all up to? Do we still know each other?” and “What makes this new story special?” have been on our minds. Exciting times ahead!

Fast-forward five years and the well of possibility is just waiting to be tapped.

Melanie Lynskey shared with TopMob News in February that every girl in town was eager to join this film, and she was thrilled when she got cast as Violet’s hometown friend Gloria. About a potential sequel, she said, “I believe it would be delightful! It would be incredibly enjoyable.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, let me remind you about the captivating Yellowjackets series. If perhaps your memory lapsed or you found yourself momentarily preoccupied by the dramatic scene involving the flying spirit of whiskey, know that this show boasts an impressive ensemble cast of well-known talents.

Check them out, then and now, no beer goggles necessary:

Piper Perabo made a big impression as Violet, a passionate singer aiming for stardom in New York City, who unexpectedly got a chance to work at the popular Coyote Ugly bar following her successful intervention in a heated situation involving two rowdy customers.

Over the past ten years, the Ohio University graduate has been involved in numerous films across diverse genres. These include the family-friendly blockbuster “Cheaper by the Dozen” (and its sequel), the chilling horror thriller “The Cave”, romantic comedy “Imagine Me & You”, the enigmatic drama “The Prestige” directed by Christopher Nolan, and the sci-fi action movie “Looper. The dedicated political advocate also starred as a CIA agent on the USA series “Covert Affairs” for five seasons, receiving a Golden Globe nomination in 2011.

In 2019, she acted alongside Idris Elba in the Netflix comedy “Turn Up Charlie.” Subsequently, she took on recurring parts in the series “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels” and “Yellowstone.

Along the way, she married husband Stephen Kay in 2014 and she’s stepmom to his daughter.

Back in 2000, when “Coyote Ugly” graced our screens, it was my gateway into the captivating world of filmmaking. Over the past two decades, I’ve been fortunate enough to continue my journey in this industry thanks to that iconic role. Sometimes, people still recognize me as the bar-top dancer, which is a bit peculiar because that’s not typically my style off-screen. However, I can’t deny the allure of the tale about a determined young woman pursuing her dreams – it resonates deeply with me.

Tyra Banks, both supermodel and occasional actress, was the most recognized among the cast in the movie, even alongside fresh faces like Perabo. She skillfully dominated every scene as Zoe, first appearing at a late-night dinner flamboyantly displaying her bartending skills with a couple of her coworkers. Additionally, she exhibited her unique “smizing” (smiling with her eyes) although it wasn’t identified by the audience at that point.

Tyra Banks, widely recognized as a star without needing a surname, has ventured into television production and is known for hosting shows such as America’s Next Top Model (since 2003), The Tyra Banks Show, which won two Daytime Emmys, and America’s Got Talent and Dancing With the Stars. Additionally, she made history by returning to modeling at age 45 and gracing the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue again in 2019.

In January 2016 Banks welcomed her son, York, via surrogate with then-partner Erik Asla.

Meanwhile, she also pounded the bar for a Coyote Ugly sequel—and time does not faze her.

Banks expressed a desire for a call-to-action on social media, similar to a petition, to generate support for the sequel’s production. He mentioned his eagerness to produce it and revealed that they already have a rough outline for the script, crafted with the original writer, Gina Wendkos.

Adam Garcia portrayed Kevin, initially a man Violet was hesitant to trust due to his disguise as a bar owner not being a direct path to her heart. However, over time, it became apparent that he had her best interests at heart, to the extent that he agreed to be auctioned by Violet to the highest bidder so she could settle her debt with Lil.

Although the Australian actor has performed in West End plays like “Wicked” and “Kiss Me Kate”, Garcia is especially recognized in American waters for his roles in “Doctor Who”, “Flight of the Conchords”, and “House”, or for movies such as “Riding in Cars With Boys”, “Kangaroo Jack”, “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen”, and “Murder on the Orient Express”. He also made an appearance in Kenneth Branagh’s sequel to Hercule Poirot, titled “Death on the Nile”.

Garcia has two children with wife Nathalia Chubin.

He shared with Variety that “Coyote Ugly” significantly advanced his career. It was a popular Hollywood movie and undeniably successful in the industry. Working alongside Jerry Bruckheimer made it even more remarkable. This experience provided a valuable opportunity during his stay in L.A., which lasted for about four to five years, and when returning to London, having international movies like “Coyote Ugly” on his resume definitely boosted his chances in casting.

Portrayed by Maria Bello, the formidable boss of Coyote Ugly, Lil (who is modeled after real-life owner Liliana Lovell), stands firm against any disrespect from customers and isn’t fond of second opportunities. However, she recognizes a hidden resilience in Violet and gives her another chance to demonstrate her worthiness of the custom-made crop top.

Unexpectedly, Bello shared with Variety in 2020 that due to her age, being 32 at the time, she was considered too old to join the team of dancing bartenders.

As someone who breathed and lived Hogs and Heifers, I boldly questioned, “Why can’t I dance?” They responded with a dismissive wave of the hand, suggesting my age was the issue. Looking back, I realize the film was in the hands of men – all male producers, a male director. The source of that age restriction remains unclear to me, but it was certainly there. It was a different era, and as much as I fought for my right, I knew the odds were against me.

Bell’s filmography has expanded to include parts in “The Cooler”, “A History of Violence”, “Thank You for Smoking”, “Grown Ups” and “Prisoners”. Her television credits encompass “NCIS”, “Beef” and “The Waterfront.

She married her longtime partner, chef Dominique Crenn, in 2024.

Bello found redemption in Johannesburg, South Africa, when she visited a gallery with an upstairs bar that occasionally held ‘Coyote Ugly’ nights. As she shared with Variety, she surprised the crowd by giving a speech, singing a song, and even dancing on the bar.

Is it customary to provide water when ordering whiskey? Bridget Moynahan’s character Rachel ponders this question, moments before the ladies kick up a lively, foot-stomping, hand-slapping dance performance, all set to the tune of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.

After wrapping up her portrayal as Natasha, Big’s unfaithful wife in Sex and the City, Moynahan made a splash on the big screen with Coyote Ugly. She continued to play deceitful characters in Serendipity, followed by The Sum of All Fears, I, Robot, Lord of War, Grey Matters, Prey, and Ramona and Beezus. During this time, she also appeared on various TV shows such as Six Degrees, Eli Stone, and Bunker Hill.

For 14 years from 2010 to 2024, Bridget Moynahan portrayed Assistant District Attorney Erin Reagan on the CBS series “Blue Bloods.” Beyond this full-time role, she also appeared in films such as “Battle: Los Angeles,” “Midnight Sun,” and “John Wick” along with its initial sequel. In these movies, she played the late wife of the titular character, Helen, who was portrayed by Keanu Reeves.

In the real world, Moynahan is a mother to a son named Jack, who was born from her relationship with Tom Brady. Later, in 2015, she tied the knot with businessman Andrew Frankel, who is also a father of three, during a wedding ceremony in the Hamptons.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but gush over the mesmerizing performance of Izabella Miko – a Polish gem – who gracefully infused her ballet background into her role as Cammie during her American cinematic debut.

Miko’s cinematic endeavors span films like “Save the Last Dance 2,” “Clash of the Titans,” and “Step Up: All In,” while her television repertoire encompasses shows such as “Law & Order: SVU,” “Blue Bloods,” “Criminal Minds,” “Chicago Fire,” and the Amazon Prime series titled “Hunters.” Additionally, she graced the screens in music videos for “Mr. Brightside” and “Miss Atomic Bomb” by The Killers.

This passionate advocate for the environment not only became an activist but also established her own organization, EkoMiko, along with a collection of ecologically sound candles under the same brand name, EkoMiko Candles.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Coyote Ugly”, she shared a montage clip featuring Cammie’s top moments, expressing gratitude in the caption. She thanked her first agent, Nick Styne, for taking a risk on her when she had no prior credits or work permits, and for believing in her despite her broken English and years of dance experience. She also expressed appreciation to Jerry Bruckheimer for kick-starting her career, Chad Oman for assisting with her visa process, Bonnie Timmermann for casting her, and the other talented girls (Piper Perabo, Maria Bello, Bridget Moynahan, Tyra) for mentoring her on set.

Melanie Lynskey first appeared on the big screen in Peter Jackson’s chilling movie “Heavenly Creatures” back in 1994. Since then, she has demonstrated her versatility by excelling in a wide array of roles across various genres. For instance, she played the level-headed best friend Gloria to Violet, in one of her productions.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d like to highlight the versatile career journey of New Zealander Melanie Lynskey. Initially, she captured attention as Rose, Charlie Sheen’s enigmatic neighbor on the popular sitcom “Two and a Half Men.” However, her true claim to fame lies in her captivating performances in indie films such as “Away We Go,” “Hello I Must Be Going,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “The Big Ask,” and “XX.” Her talent was further recognized with an Emmy nomination during her spellbinding run on the critically acclaimed series “Yellowjackets.

In my personal life journey, I was blessed to be married to the talented actor Jimmi Simpson from 2007 until our separation in 2012, which finally led us to part ways in 2014. Fast forward to more recent times, I found love again and tied the knot with another remarkable actor, Jason Ritter, in 2020. Our family expanded even further when we welcomed a beautiful daughter into our lives back in 2018.

Who better to play Violet’s caring but concerned, blue-collar dad Bill than Dan Conner?

John Goodman had already built a successful career in theater, cinema, and television, lending his voice to various projects as well. He continued to excel in these areas, with notable roles such as those in ‘The West Wing’, ‘Treme’, ‘Damages’, ‘Community’ and ‘Alpha House’ on TV, and ‘Argo’, ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’, ‘Trumbo’, ‘Monsters University’, ’10 Cloverfield Lane’, and ‘Atomic Blonde’ in films.

Apart from various aspects, he resumed the character of Dan Connor initially in a revival of “Roseanne” and later, following the dismissal of its lead actress, transformed into “The Conners”.

That’s Leann Rimes as…herself!

Initially, Perabo had sung the songs written especially for the movie by renowned composer Diane Warren. However, she was informed later that the recordings were being replaced with LeAnn Rimes’ popular voice.

The artist has put out 18 studio albums so far, with their most notable television roles being in the 2009 Lifetime film “Northern Lights.

She encountered Eddie Cibrian (who was previously married to Brandi Glanville, the mother of his two sons, at a time when she herself was wed to Dean Sheremet) and got married in the year 2011.

In the forthcoming installment of Ryan Murphy’s TV realm, titled “9-1-1: Nashville,” Rimes is set to appear.

A while before the MTV show named “Jackass” demonstrated that many people enjoy watching carefree/risk-taking individuals getting hurt, Johnny Knoxville appeared in the movie “Coyote Ugly” portraying the character “College Guy.

Back in October 2000, he gained stardom and became an idol for aspiring lazy daredevils everywhere. Knoxville has produced several Jackass films (excluding Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa). He’s also starred in numerous other movies, with notable appearances in Walking Tall, A Dirty Shame, The Dukes of Hazzard, The Ringer, Nature Calls, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, where he provided the voice for Leonardo.

In addition to Madison (daughter with Melanie Cates), he also has children, one being a son and another daughter, with his second ex-wife, Naomi Nelson. The divorce took place in the year 2024.

In this scenario, it can be rephrased as: The person in question is Michael Bay, known for directing movies like Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, and the Transformers series, who made an appearance as an unnamed photographer in a “Wait, isn’t that Michael Bay?” style cameo.

The film “Coyote Ugly” wasn’t just a coincidence; it was produced by Bay’s longtime friend and regular collaborator, Bruckheimer.

Similar to Alfred Hitchcock, Bay occasionally makes an appearance in his films for a brief moment. For instance, he portrayed a NASA extra in the movie Armageddon and played a reckless driver in Bad Boys II.

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2025-08-04 18:21