In a career that has spanned over three decades, Lisa McCune has played an impressive array of roles. From a police officer to a navy lieutenant and even an alien grandmother, she has showcased her versatility across various genres. However, it’s her latest role in the stage production of Steel Magnolias that resonates most deeply with her personal life. As M’Lynn Eatenton, a character famously portrayed by Sally Field in the 1989 film adaptation, Lisa brings a fresh perspective to the role, one that feels especially close to home.
“I have a daughter who is roughly the same age as Shelby, my character’s daughter,” Lisa, 55, shares. “It’s really interesting to explore this mother–daughter relationship.” Her daughter, Remy, is 20 years old, and Lisa notes how their bond allows for honest and open conversations that might not happen with anyone else. “The guard comes down, and you tell your mother off. You have those hard conversations. I see a lot of that in the play, and it’s really lovely.”
Steel Magnolias, written by Robert Harling in 1987, is set in the American South and revolves around six women who meet at a hair salon. The play was later adapted into a hit film starring Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, and Julia Roberts. Lisa finds particular resonance in the lines where Shelby speaks about not worrying about her health because her mother will take care of it. “It’s sometimes about the silence and just sucking up a little bit of the pain,” she says. “I’m not very good at that.”
Harling based the play on his own experiences after losing his sister to diabetes in 1985. This personal touch helped Lisa ground her performance in authenticity. “There’s even a beautiful inscription at the front of the play that says these women are real,” she explains. “It’s an instruction from the writer that they must be played as real.”
The play celebrates the bonds of female friendship, something Lisa can relate to through her own experiences. “I’ve had a mother’s group since my first son was born,” she says. “Meeting people who are going through similar things has been a wonderful support system.” She also highlights the emotional impact of the play, which she hopes will move audiences to tears. “I think it’s because of the truth of it,” she adds.
Jessica Redmayne plays Shelby, the optimistic character battling diabetes. Lisa praises Jessica’s performance, noting her “beautiful sparkle” and natural ability to embody the role. “She’s such a girl,” Lisa says. “Jess does that effortlessly, just like Julia Roberts did. It made Julia Roberts a star.”
Lisa’s journey to stardom began with her portrayal of Senior Constable Maggie Doyle in Blue Heelers. More recently, she proved her versatility by winning Dancing with the Stars in 2024. While the experience left her feet “wrecked,” she found it rewarding. “It was a different discipline and way of dancing,” she says. “I’m glad I did it.”
When asked if she would consider more reality TV, Lisa laughs. “I don’t think I would ever do reality where people would get to see me at my worst,” she says. “I said to someone once about doing I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! – nobody wants to see me really get cranky!” But she adds, “Never say never. I like the idea of the challenge. That really excites me.”
Last year, Lisa appeared on Taskmaster, flexing her theatre sports skills. She also expresses a desire for a more substantial role in a TV drama. “I would love to do a political whistleblower–spy sort of thing,” she says, referencing Killing Eve. “Something really interests me about that kind of fare.”
Lisa remains hopeful that local audiences still have an appetite for TV drama despite the popularity of reality shows. “I just love my television,” she smiles. Steel Magnolias is currently touring Australia, with details available at steelmagnoliasplay.com.
