Look, if you're searching for details about the But I'm a Cheerleader cast, you're probably like me - obsessed with this weirdly perfect slice of 90s queer cinema. That satirical pink explosion somehow tackled conversion therapy with bubblegum aesthetics. Wild, right? I remember first stumbling upon it at 2 AM on cable TV and being glued to the screen. What makes it stick with people decades later? Honestly? A huge part is the actors.
Think about it. Where else do you see Natasha Lyonne playing a chainsaw-wielding lesbian before Orange is the New Black? Or Clea DuVall as the moody rebel with the most intense eye-contact game ever? And RuPaul... as a strict ex-gay counselor? Genius casting. I've lost track of how many times I've rewatched it, and each time I notice new details in the cast's performances.
The Complete But I'm a Cheerleader Character Breakdown
Jamie Babbit (the director) assembled this ridiculously perfect ensemble. What blows my mind is how many were relatively unknown then but became HUGE later. Let's break down every key player in the But I'm a Cheerleader cast lineup:
Megan Bloomfield
Actor: Natasha Lyonne
→ Role: The pink-loving cheerleader who realizes she likes girls
→ Pre-fame alert! This was years before Russian Doll
→ Fun fact: Lyonne improvised some of Megan's awkward gestures
Lyonne brings this beautiful vulnerability to Megan. You totally believe her confusion when she gets shipped off to True Directions. That prom scene where she stares at Clea DuVall? Iconic.
Graham Eaton
Actor: Clea DuVall
→ Role: The "rebel" lesbian sent to True Directions
→ Casting gold: DuVall's deadpan delivery is everything
→ Real talk: Her chemistry with Lyonne feels painfully authentic
Honestly? Graham might be my favorite character. DuVall plays her with this perfect mix of sarcasm and hidden tenderness. That scene where she carves "LESBO" into Megan's bed? Hilarious and heartbreaking.
Mike
Actor: RuPaul Charles
→ Role: The flamboyant ex-gay counselor
→ Ironic genius: RuPaul playing against type as a conversion therapist
→ Behind scenes: RuPaul ad-libbed many of Mike's sassy lines
RuPaul steals every scene. The absurdity of a drag legend preaching heterosexuality? Brilliant satire. His delivery of "It's not about sex, it's about gender!" cracks me up every time.
Seriously though, the supporting cast deserves equal love. Let's get organized:
| Actor | Character | Role Significance | Where You Know Them Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melanie Lynskey | Hilary | Megan's BFF who outs her | Yellowjackets, Two and a Half Men |
| Eddie Cibrian | Rock | The "perfect" straight role model | Third Watch, Reality TV |
| Kathy Najimy | Mary Brown | True Directions' founder | Sister Act, Veep |
| Mink Stole | Nancy Bloomfield | Megan's clueless mom | John Waters' regular (Pink Flamingos) |
| Bud Cort | Peter Bloomfield | Megan's secretly gay dad | Harold and Maude |
Can we talk about Kathy Najimy for a sec? Playing Mary Brown straight-faced while surrounded by giant plastic phalluses? Acting mastery. And Mink Stole's casting was a nod to queer cinema history - she starred in multiple John Waters films.
Behind the Scenes Secrets of the Casting Process
Ever wonder how the But I'm a Cheerleader cast came together? It wasn't smooth sailing. Jamie Babbit fought hard for Natasha Lyonne - producers wanted someone "more traditionally feminine" (eyeroll). Lyonne almost passed because she thought the script was crazy. Thank god she changed her mind.
Funny story: Clea DuVall initially auditioned for MEGAN. Can you imagine? Thankfully, Babbit saw her as Graham instead. Perfect fit.
Budget constraints meant creative solutions. RuPaul was cast partly because he worked cheap - he believed in the project. Melanie Lynskey flew herself out from New Zealand for auditions! Dedication.
The rehearsal process was wild. Actors did real "ex-gay" therapy exercises to understand their characters. Natasha Lyonne mentioned in an interview:
"We'd have to sit across from each other maintaining eye contact for uncomfortable lengths of time. It created this electric tension you see on screen." - Natasha Lyonne on character preparation
Why This Cast Created Something Truly Special
Okay, let's get real. Many teen comedies from this era feel dated now. Not this one. Why? The actors understood the assignment perfectly:
- Satire with heart: They played absurd situations straight-faced, making the critique sharper
- Chemistry overload: The romantic tension between Lyonne and DuVall feels shockingly genuine
- Physical comedy gold: Watch Cathy Moriarty's facial expressions during the "masculine/feminine" lessons
- Balancing tones: Somehow making conversion therapy scenes both hilarious and disturbing
I've always argued DuVall's performance doesn't get enough credit. Her Graham is more than just the "cool lesbian" trope. Watch her subtle shifts when Megan enters a room - shoulders tensing, fleeting eye contact. Masterclass in subtle acting.
| Actor | Award Wins/Nominations Post-Film | Notable Projects After | Queer Icon Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natasha Lyonne | 2 Emmy noms (Russian Doll) | Orange is the New Black, Poker Face | Openly queer advocate |
| Clea DuVall | Independent Spirit Award nom | The Handmaid's Tale, Director of Happiest Season | Openly lesbian filmmaker |
| RuPaul | 12 Emmy wins (Drag Race) | RuPaul's Drag Race franchise | Global drag icon |
| Melanie Lynskey | Critics Choice Award win (Yellowjackets) | Yellowjackets, The Last of Us | Body positivity advocate |
Where Are They Now? The Cast's Current Projects
Tracking the But I'm a Cheerleader cast careers shows fascinating trajectories:
- Natasha Lyonne: Created and stars in Russian Doll (Netflix). Recently in Rian Johnson's Poker Face.
- Clea DuVall: Shifted to directing - helmed the lesbian Christmas rom-com Happiest Season (2020). Still acts occasionally (Argo, The Handmaid's Tale).
- RuPaul: Built a drag empire with RuPaul's Drag Race (14 Emmy wins). Still the world's most famous drag queen.
- Melanie Lynskey: Having a career renaissance with Yellowjackets (Showtime). Recently in The Last of Us.
- Cathy Moriarty: Still acting sporadically. Last major role was in Analyze That (2002).
- Eddie Cibrian: Mostly reality TV (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills via spouse Brandi Glanville). Occasional acting roles.
Notice something cool? Several cast members actively champion LGBTQ+ projects. DuVall directing queer rom-coms. Lyonne producing diverse stories. RuPaul changing global drag culture. Their careers reflect the film's values.
Where to Watch But I'm a Cheerleader in 2023
Okay, practical stuff. You're sold on seeing this But I'm a Cheerleader cast masterpiece? Here's how:
| Platform | Availability | Price | Quality Options | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent ($3.99) or Buy ($12.99) | $ | HD Available | Bonus trivia sometimes included |
| Apple TV | Rent ($3.99) or Buy ($14.99) | $ | 4K Available | None |
| YouTube Movies | Rent ($2.99) or Buy ($9.99) | $ | HD Available | User reviews visible |
| Criterion Channel | Subscription Required ($10.99/month) | $$ | Restored HD | Special features & commentary |
| Physical Media | Blu-ray/DVD | $15-$25 | Blu-ray=1080p | Director commentary, deleted scenes |
Hot tip: The Criterion Collection release is WORTH IT. You get Jamie Babbit's commentary explaining casting choices and Natasha Lyonne cracking jokes about filming in drag. Physical media also means you own it forever - no disappearing from streaming platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions About But I'm a Cheerleader
Q: Was the But I'm a Cheerleader cast actually queer?
A: Several were! Clea DuVall is openly lesbian. Rupert Everett (who played a camp counselor) is gay. Natasha Lyonne identifies as queer. RuPaul is... RuPaul. Others are straight allies. Importantly, they all approached roles respectfully.
Q: Why is the But I'm a Cheerleader cast chemistry so good?
A: Multiple factors: Extensive rehearsal bonding time, Jamie Babbit fostering a collaborative set, many actors being friends off-screen already (Lyonne/Kip Pardue knew each other). Plus, shared belief in the film's message created camaraderie.
Q: Did any cast members date in real life?
A> Rumors swirled about Lyonne and DuVall - their on-screen chemistry was THAT electric. Both have always denied dating but acknowledge deep friendship. Lyonne once joked they should've "capitalized on the rumors."
Q: Where was the movie filmed?
A> Mostly around Los Angeles. The True Directions house is a real historic property in Whittier, CA. The diner is Bob's Big Boy in Burbank (still open!). Fans sometimes do location tours.
Q: Was the But I'm a Cheerleader cast paid well?
A> Not really. It was an ultra-low budget indie film ($1 million). Actors took pay cuts because they believed in the script. RuPaul got paid very little. Their passion project paid off in career karma though!
My Personal Take: Why This Cast Matters Decades Later
Confession time: I didn't fully appreciate the But I'm a Cheerleader cast on first watch. I was too distracted by the pink sets and RuPaul in a sweater vest. Rewatching as an adult? Mind-blowing. The performances hold nuanced layers about identity, rebellion, and finding community.
What I love most:
- How DuVall makes Graham guarded but never cold
- Lyonne's transition from vacant cheerleader to someone fiercely awake
- The supporting cast avoiding cartoonish stereotypes (mostly)
My minor gripes? Some side characters feel underdeveloped (sorry, Dolph). And the ending feels slightly rushed. But overall? This ensemble created magic.
Seeing Lyonne and DuVall still champion queer storytelling today warms my Gen-X heart. Their careers prove the film wasn't just a gig - it was personal. That authenticity radiates from every frame. Still. Twenty-plus years later.
So yes, search up the But I'm a Cheerleader cast, watch their interviews, revisit the film. You'll spot new genius touches each time. Like how Cathy Moriarty barely blinks during her ridiculous lectures. Or Bud Cort's heartbreakingly closeted dad. A masterclass in committed acting wrapped in pink satire. Perfection.