Olivia Wilde, John Goodman Get in the Giving Spirit, Dog Has His Day at Love the Coopers

May 2024 · 4 minute read

Even though the temps were in the 70s, the cast of “Love the Coopers” was in a holiday mood Thursday at The Grove for the Christmas comedy’s premiere — with an extra helping of giving.

John Goodman and Olivia Wilde did the honors of presenting an oversize $25,000 check from CBS Films to the L.A. Regional Food Bank. The funds will provide over 100,000 meals during the holidays.

“I am such a holiday person,” noted June Squibb. “I love it and I’m already looking forward to it. We’ll have about 20 people for dinner and my son is cooking the turkey.”

The family reunion film also bonded the cast. Wilde noted that castmates Diane Keaton and Alan Arkin were particularly helpful during the February shoot in Pittsburgh, given that she had recently produced for the first time on her drama “Meadowland.”

“Diane was facing the same kind of obstacles as a producer 30 years ago and she was incredibly knowledgeable about it,” Wilde said.

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One of the most popular attractions at the event was Bolt, a 75-pound Australian Shepherd-Saint Bernard mix who portrays Rags in the movie — and is voiced by Steve Martin. He was unflappable as he posed for hundreds of photos. Guests at the luncheon could also insert themselves into a family portrait with the Coopers — dog included. The festive luncheon served all the holiday trimmings including Thanksgiving turkey balls with cranberry dipping sauce.

Rags, who's voiced by Steve Martin, poses at The Grove for the "Love the Coopers" benefit pic.twitter.com/yzth9Jq6vm

— Dave McNary (@Variety_DMcNary) November 12, 2015

CBS Films releases “Love the Coopers” Nov. 13.

(Pictured: L.A. Regional Food Bank’s Michael Flood, John Goodman, Olivia Wilde and director Jessie Nelson at the “Love the Coopers” benefit lunch)

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