Catherine Zeta-Jones' Breakthrough in The Darling Buds of May
Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones portrayed Mariette in the ITV 1990s comedy-drama The Darling Buds of May. The show's producer, Pip Burley, has described her breakout role as a matter of "pure good fortune" after he noticed her by chance during a casting session.
Burley, who worked on the series, recounted spotting Zeta-Jones in the reception area during the final casting session. He saw "a beautiful girl" wearing a yellow dress and invited her to audition for the role of Mariette, even though she was originally at the building for a light entertainment program.
"She was a lovely girl, and very smart," Burley explained.
He also disclosed that American actor Danny DeVito was once considered for the role of Pop Larkin, highlighting some unexpected casting possibilities during the show's development.
Burley, who also composed the series' theme song, first noticed the Swansea-born Zeta-Jones while she was a second understudy in the musical 42nd Street. He said,
"We were struck with her."
During the casting process for The Darling Buds of May, Burley invited Zeta-Jones for an unplanned audition.
Originally from Croydon, Burley shared that writing the series was easier than casting it, with the role of Mariette being particularly challenging as "lots of young actresses just didn't excite us."
At the final casting session held at the Yorkshire Television offices in Bloomsbury, he noticed Zeta-Jones waiting in reception.
After three final actresses auditioned, the casting director urged the team to "make your mind up." Burley recalled,
"I said hang about, there was a girl down in reception, dark hair and yellow dress, and he [the casting director] said she wasn't on his list.
So I said for heaven's sake ring down to reception and find out who she is.
It was pure good fortune and she just stood in the door and smiled."
Director and Co-star Impressions
Burley said Zeta-Jones immediately impressed everyone present, stating,
"I said I think we found our Mariette."
He added that Zeta-Jones admitted she was not a great actress initially and had a strong Welsh accent, which is not always advantageous in show business.
"America aren't familiar with it - but it kind of didn't matter with her."
Burley noted that Zeta-Jones "caught on very quickly," and co-star David Jason predicted,
"She won't be with us for long, she'll be off to Hollywood before you know it."
Production Insights and Casting Considerations
When asked about expectations for the show's success, Burley responded,
"We were optimistic.
We had wonderful source material and it wasn't too difficult turning the books into TV episodes."
He described David Jason as a "good asset" due to his popularity from Only Fools and Horses.
Burley also revealed that other actors considered for the role of Pop Larkin included Bob Hoskins, Phil Collins, and Danny DeVito.
They sought actors with "shortish, cheeky, funny" qualities for the character.
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