Where Are They Now: The Cast of Coyote Ugly
Two decades after the release of the cult classic Coyote Ugly, fans worldwide still recall the film fondly. The musical comedy-drama film followed the journey of Violet Sanford, played by Piper Perabo, a small-town girl who moved to New York City to catch up her dream of pursuing a career in songwriting.
To make ends meet, she landed a job at the infamous Coyote Ugly bar, where she learned to bartend alongside a cast of unforgettable characters. This article takes a deep dive into what has happened to the cast since they last danced on the bar.
Piper Perabo as Violet Sanford
After achieving significant recognition as Violet Sanford in Coyote Ugly, Perabo embarked on a diverse journey across various cinematic genres. Her portfolio encompassed family-oriented productions such as Cheaper by the Dozen and its follow-up, alongside the horror suspense of The Cave. She graced the romantic comedy sphere with her presence in Imagine Me & You, delved into the realm of profound drama with The Prestige, and embraced the futuristic action landscape in Looper.
Her portrayal of a CIA operative in the USA network series Covert Affairs garnered substantial critical acclaim, leading to a distinguished Golden Globe nomination. In the year 2019, she shared the screen with Idris Elba in a comedic production featured on Netflix. Presently, she maintains a recurring character in Showtime’s Penny Dreadful: City of Angels. Notably, in 2021, she became a valued addition to the ensemble cast of Paramount Network’s Yellowstone.
Due to her various strong roles in several movies, many wonder if Piper Perabo is actually deaf. This is because Piper Perabo has portrayed dramatic roles in “Into the Grizzly Maze,” “Angel Has Fallen,” and several other movies.
Adam Garcia as Kevin O’Donnell
Adam Garcia, the Australian actor who played Violet’s boyfriend, Kevin, progressed to achieve a thriving trajectory in both the film and theatre domains. He appeared in movies like Death on the Nile and Riding in Cars With Boys.
He also established a strong presence in the theatre scene, notably portraying Fiyero in the West End production of Wicked. His performance as Bill Calhoun/Lucentia in the Old Vic production of Kiss Me, Kate earned him an Olivier nomination.
John Goodman as Bill Sanford
John Goodman, already a household name when he starred as Violet’s protective father in Coyote Ugly, continued to thrive in both film and television. His extensive portfolio includes roles in Argo, Flight, and 10 Cloverfield Lane.
He’s also lent his voice to animated films like Monsters, Inc. and its sequels, and has appeared on TV shows like Alpha House, The Conners, and The Righteous Gemstones.
Maria Bello as Lil
Maria Bello, who played the hard-nosed proprietor of a bar Lil in Coyote Ugly, had a successful career run post the movie. Best known for her work on ER, she appeared in films like A History of Violence, Grown Ups, and Lights Out, and on series like Goliath and NCIS. She also developed the story for the action film The Woman King, starring Viola Davis.
Izabella Miko as Cammie
Coyote Ugly marked the Hollywood debut of Polish actress Izabella Miko. Post the movie, she scored parts in music videos and films like Save the Last Dance 2 and Step Up All In. In 2022, she appeared on the TV series NCIS: Hawai’i.
Tyra Banks as Zoe
Tyra Banks, already a top-earning supermodel during her stint as the bartender Zoe in Coyote Ugly, evolved into a media tycoon after the film’s release. She launched her unscripted television show, America’s Next Top Model, and her talk show, The Tyra Banks Show. She also replaced Tom Bergeron as the host of Dancing With The Stars in 2020.
Bridget Moynahan as Rachel
Bridget Moynahan, who played the bartender Rachel in Coyote Ugly, has had a successful acting career post the movie. She left an indelible mark with notable roles in Serendipity, The Sum of All Fears, I, Robot, and two John Wick films. She’s also known for her role as Assistant District Attorney Erin Reagan on CBS’ procedural Blue Bloods.
Melanie Lynskey as Gloria
Melanie Lynskey, who played Violet’s best friend Gloria in Coyote Ugly, has since become a favorite of indie filmmakers. She’s starred in movies like Hello I Must Be Going, They Came Together, The Intervention, and Lady of the Manor. She’s also had memorable roles on TV series like Two and a Half Men, Castle Rock, Mrs. America, Candy, and Yellowjackets, which earned her an Emmy nomination.
The Legacy of Coyote Ugly
Twenty years later, the legacy of Coyote Ugly endures, with fans and cast members alike expressing interest in a potential sequel. Tyra Banks mentioned in an interview that she, along with her fellow cast members, had a meeting to discuss what a reboot might look like, sparking excitement among fans. Whether or not a sequel will happen, Coyote Ugly remains a beloved film that continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
