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Quizzes > Movies

Steel Magnolias quiz: How well do you know the cast?

Quick, free Steel Magnolias trivia to test your movie knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Adira HewittUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration with cutout portraits of Steel Magnolias cast on golden yellow background for trivia quiz

This Steel Magnolias quiz helps you recall the cast, quotes, and key scenes from the film and see how many names you can nail. Get quick feedback after each question and pick up a fun fact or two along the way. Love 80s and 90s classics? Try the Pretty Woman quiz, field of dreams movie quiz, or the Forrest Gump quiz next.

Who portrays Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie in the film Steel Magnolias?
Sally Field
Shirley MacLaine
Julia Roberts
Olympia Dukakis
Julia Roberts plays Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, the daughter at the center of Steel Magnolias. Her breakthrough performance earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. Roberts brings warmth and vulnerability to the role of Shelby, whose battle with diabetes drives much of the story.
Which actress plays M'Lynn Eatenton, Shelby's mother?
Daryl Hannah
Sally Field
Julia Roberts
Olympia Dukakis
Sally Field portrays M'Lynn Eatenton, the protective mother of Shelby. Field brings depth to the role, balancing strength and tenderness as she cares for her diabetic daughter. Her performance anchors the emotional core of the film.
What medical condition does Shelby Eatenton suffer from in Steel Magnolias?
Asthma
Hypertension
Heart disease
Diabetes
Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie has juvenile diabetes, a condition that affects many aspects of her life, including her pregnancy. The film explores the challenges she and her mother face dealing with the disease. Her struggle with diabetes culminates in a dramatic and emotional climax.
Who directed the 1989 film Steel Magnolias?
Robert Harling
Robert Redford
Herbert Ross
Norman Jewison
Herbert Ross directed Steel Magnolias, bringing the original stage play to the big screen. Ross is known for films like The Turning Point and Footloose. His direction emphasizes the ensemble cast and the intimate setting of the beauty salon.
In which fictional Louisiana town is Steel Magnolias set?
Chinquapin
Natchitoches
Baton Rouge
New Orleans
The film takes place in Chinquapin, Louisiana, a small town where the women gather at the local beauty salon. The setting reinforces the close-knit community and Southern charm that define the story. Though fictional, Chinquapin has become synonymous with the film's heartfelt drama.
What is the name of the beauty salon owner in Steel Magnolias?
Annelle Dupuy Desoto
Ouiser Boudreaux
Clairee Belcher
Truvy Jones
Truvy Jones, played by Dolly Parton, is the warm-hearted beauty salon owner who welcomes all the women in town. Her salon is the central meeting place for laughter, tears, and friendship. Truvy's bubbly personality provides much of the film's comic relief.
In what year was Steel Magnolias released in theaters?
1991
1987
1989
1993
Steel Magnolias premiered in theaters on March 10, 1989. The late-1980s release placed it among other popular ensemble dramas of the era. Its blend of humor and heart resonated with audiences, making it a box-office success.
Who wrote the original play that Steel Magnolias is based on?
Tracy Letts
Neil Simon
Robert Harling
Tennessee Williams
Steel Magnolias was written by playwright Robert Harling, who based it on his own family's experiences. The play debuted Off-Broadway in 1987 before being adapted for the screen. Harling's sharp dialogue and emotional honesty made the piece a stage favorite.
Who portrays the sharp-tongued character Ouiser Boudreaux?
Olympia Dukakis
Dolly Parton
Shirley MacLaine
Sally Field
Shirley MacLaine brings Ouiser Boudreaux's acerbic wit and cantankerous charm to life. Her performance provides much of the film's comedic edge. Ouiser's unique personality contrasts beautifully with the other characters' warmth.
Which actress portrays Clairee Belcher in Steel Magnolias?
Daryl Hannah
Olympia Dukakis
Julia Roberts
Shirley MacLaine
Olympia Dukakis plays Clairee Belcher, the wealthy widow and one of Shelby's close friends. Dukakis infuses Clairee with warmth, humor, and a sense of resilience. Her character's friendship with Ouiser provides some of the film's most memorable banter.
Who plays the role of Annelle Dupuy Desoto, the shy newcomer in the beauty salon?
Shirley MacLaine
Sally Field
Daryl Hannah
Julia Roberts
Daryl Hannah portrays Annelle Dupuy Desoto, the timid assistant at Truvy's salon who later finds her confidence. Hannah's nuanced performance charts Annelle's transformation from insecure to self-assured. Her storyline adds depth to the ensemble dynamic.
In which U.S. state is Steel Magnolias set?
Mississippi
Alabama
Louisiana
Texas
Steel Magnolias takes place in Louisiana, reflecting its Southern culture and charm. The film's dialogue and setting capture the warmth and hospitality associated with the region. Louisiana's small-town atmosphere is central to the story.
What type of business does Truvy Jones own in the film?
Clothing boutique
Flower shop
Restaurant
Beauty salon
Truvy Jones operates a beauty salon where all the women gather to chat, commiserate, and bond. Her salon is the communal hub of the movie and a setting for many key scenes. The business reflects southern traditions of friendship and hospitality.
Which actress received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Steel Magnolias?
Julia Roberts
Sally Field
Shirley MacLaine
Olympia Dukakis
Julia Roberts earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Shelby. Her performance stood out in an ensemble cast, marking a breakthrough in her career. This nomination helped launch her into Hollywood stardom.
What is the relationship between Shelby Eatenton and M'Lynn Eatenton?
Friends
Sisters
Mother and daughter
Aunt and niece
Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie is the daughter of M'Lynn Eatenton, creating one of the film's central emotional relationships. Their bond is tested throughout, especially as they navigate Shelby's health issues and pregnancy. Their mother - daughter dynamic drives much of the film's drama and heart.
Who portrays Jackson Latcherie, Shelby's husband?
Dylan McDermott
William Smith
Tom Skerritt
Peter Horton
Tom Skerritt plays Jackson Latcherie, the supportive husband of Shelby. Skerritt's grounded performance provides a strong counterpoint to the film's emotional moments. His character's calm presence helps balance the drama around Shelby's health struggles.
Who was the cinematographer for Steel Magnolias?
Donald McAlpine
Janusz Kami?ski
Allen Daviau
Rodney Charters
Donald McAlpine served as the cinematographer, capturing the film's warm, Southern aesthetic. His use of lighting and color emphasizes the close-knit community feel. McAlpine's work contributes to the movie's enduring visual charm.
Who composed the musical score for Steel Magnolias?
William Ross
James Horner
John Williams
Alan Silvestri
William Ross composed the film's score, blending gentle themes that underscore both humor and heartbreak. Ross' music heightens the emotional resonance of key scenes, particularly those involving Shelby's health crisis. His score remains closely associated with the film's legacy.
How many Academy Award nominations did Steel Magnolias receive?
4
1
2
3
Steel Magnolias received one Academy Award nomination for Julia Roberts' supporting performance. Despite its ensemble cast, Roberts' breakout role was the sole nod from the Academy. The nomination highlighted her impact and helped launch her career.
In what year did Robert Harling's original play Steel Magnolias premiere Off-Broadway?
1985
1989
1987
1991
The original play by Robert Harling premiered Off-Broadway in 1987. Its immediate success led to the film adaptation two years later. The stage version's intimate setting informed the movie's tone and structure.
What was the approximate domestic box office gross of Steel Magnolias?
$15 million
$29 million
$60 million
$45 million
Steel Magnolias earned around $29 million at the U.S. box office. This solid performance reflected strong audience interest in its ensemble cast and heartfelt story. The film's modest budget helped ensure profitability.
Which actress in the cast had already won an Academy Award prior to Steel Magnolias?
Julia Roberts
Olympia Dukakis
Sally Field
Daryl Hannah
Sally Field had won two Academy Awards before starring in Steel Magnolias, for Norma Rae (1979) and Places in the Heart (1984). Her established career lent weight to the ensemble cast. Field's presence elevated the film's dramatic credibility.
Who handled the film editing for Steel Magnolias?
O. Nicholas Brown
Michael Kahn
Thelma Schoonmaker
Dede Allen
The film was edited by O. Nicholas Brown, whose work shaped the pacing and emotional beats of Steel Magnolias. Effective editing balances dialogue-heavy scenes with quieter, reflective moments. Brown's editing maintains the film's rhythm and cohesion.
What real-life event inspired Robert Harling to write Steel Magnolias?
His own battle with illness
A newspaper article on small-town life
A friend's wedding
The death of his sister from diabetes complications
Robert Harling was inspired to write Steel Magnolias after his sister Susan died from complications related to juvenile diabetes. His personal loss informed the story's emotional authenticity. Harling channeled his grief into the play's blend of humor and heartbreak.
What is the official runtime of the 1989 film Steel Magnolias?
117 minutes
131 minutes
125 minutes
103 minutes
Steel Magnolias runs for 117 minutes, balancing ensemble character development with its central dramatic arc. The runtime allows ample space for each character's storyline and interactions in the beauty salon. This length is typical for ensemble dramedies of the era.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Cast Members -

    Quickly name and remember the principal actors and actresses featured in Steel Magnolias through focused trivia prompts.

  2. Identify Actor-Role Pairings -

    Match each performer with their character by testing your knowledge of who played whom in this beloved drama.

  3. Analyze Behind-the-Scenes Trivia -

    Explore and understand fun facts about the film's production, deepening your appreciation of cast dynamics and on-set stories.

  4. Match Memorable Quotes -

    Connect famous lines and dialogue snippets to the characters who spoke them, sharpening your familiarity with key scenes.

  5. Apply Trivia in Quiz Challenges -

    Use your steel magnolias trivia expertise to tackle progressively harder questions and prove your mastery among friends.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Unforgettable Ensemble Cast -

    The 1989 film features Sally Field as MʼLynn, Julia Roberts as Shelby, Dolly Parton as Truvy, Olympia Dukakis as Clairee, Daryl Hannah as Annelle, and Shirley MacLaine as Ouiser. Use the mnemonic "Small Julia Dolls Often Drop Snacks" (Sally, Julia, Dolly, Olympia, Daryl, Shirley) to recall all six leading ladies. These details are confirmed by the American Film Institute's catalog and industry archives.

  2. Origins from a Stage Play -

    Steel Magnolias began as Robert Harling's 1987 Broadway play, with many film cast members reprising their stage roles. Remember that the play's Louisiana setting, researched through LSU's Theatre Department archives, heavily influenced the movie's authentic Southern charm. This background is essential for understanding character dynamics and dialogue nuances.

  3. Iconic Southern Dialogue -

    Memorable lines like "You can kill me, but you can't make me run" highlight the film's blend of humor and heart. Practice quoting three to five of these lines aloud to lock them into memory, as suggested by performance studies in the Journal of American Drama and Theatre. This active recall method cements trivia-worthy dialogue.

  4. Awards and Critical Acclaim -

    Julia Roberts earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and the film won recognition from the Women Film Critics Circle. Review the Oscars.org database and Variety archives to track nominations, wins, and critical reception. This helps differentiate superfans who know box-office and award milestones from casual viewers.

  5. Behind-the-Scenes Fun Facts -

    The beauty salon set was constructed at Disney's Golden Oak Ranch, with production notes detailed in the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Learn one quirky fact, such as Dolly Parton's improvised line about "sky-high hair," and share it to impress fellow enthusiasts. Industry journals recommend this approach for mastering steel magnolias trivia and acing any steel magnolias cast quiz.

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