Jacqueline Steiger: Life After “Matilda”
Anyone who has seen Matilda (1996) remembers Amanda Thripp, the sweet girl with blonde braids who challenged the fearsome Miss Trunchbull and ended up being launched through the air like an Olympic hammer. The scene became one of the most memorable moments of this classic children’s film, directed by Danny DeVito and based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl. Today, the actress who portrayed Amanda, Jacqueline Steiger, is 38 years old, and her life has taken an unexpected turn from her early acting career.
After her role in Matilda, Steiger participated in a few more projects, including Dennis the Menace Strikes Again (1998), where she played Margaret, the intellectual friend of the titular character. She also had a minor role in An American Rhapsody (2001). However, as the years went by, she decided to step away from the cameras to focus on other passions that held her interest more deeply.
Graduating from UCLA with degrees in linguistics and anthropology, along with a specialization in LGBT studies, Jacqueline has redirected her talents into film production, especially short films. This transition hasn’t meant leaving the entertainment industry behind; rather, she has embraced a more behind-the-scenes role.
Steiger’s passion for storytelling remains evident. In an interview with Digital Spy, she revealed her longtime enthusiasm for science fiction and fantasy. Every year, she participates in organizing the most significant event in Geek culture—the San Diego Comic-Con. “I work every year at the San Diego Comic-Con; I love everything related to sci-fi or fantasy,” she shared, emphasizing her commitment to the culture she loves.
Food is another passion of Steiger’s. “Food is my favorite thing, especially if you have melted cheese,” she humorously remarked during the interview, adding a personal touch to her professional identity.
In addition to her work on short films, she returned to performance in 2013 for the web series Force Push. Her most recent work includes a 2014 short film, Rise of the Kitchen Appliances, showing her sustained interest in both acting and production.
In terms of her current appearance, there’s little resemblance to the childhood portrayal of Amanda Thripp. With short hair, a relaxed smile, and glasses that reflect her love for reading and Geek culture, Steiger has moved away from the media spotlight. Yet, she leads a creative and authentic life filled with personal passions and pursuits.
Many fans find it hard to believe that almost three decades have passed since the premiere of Matilda. The film, which featured Mara Wilson as the telekinetic girl defying her cruel parents (portrayed by Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman), remains a cult classic beloved by generations. Iconic scenes, including the chocolate cake and the dreaded “Chokey,” still resonate as significant references in children’s cinema.
As a character, Amanda Thripp—the girl who flew through the air in that unforgettable scene—left a profound mark, not just for its visual impact but for encapsulating the spirit of rebellion and innocence celebrated in Matilda‘s supporting characters.
Jacqueline considers Matilda her favorite film from her acting career. “It was actually my favorite of my entire career, especially for the adults with whom we worked on the set. I love children’s surprised faces when they ask me if they were afraid of Trunchbull,” she stated in an interview, reflecting on her nostalgic journey.
For the now-famous flying scene, she was determined to perform her stunts without a double. “They had a little person to be my double, but I was very excited to climb and turn,” Steiger recounted. The entire special effects team was supportive of her enthusiasm and keen to see her engage fully in the role.
Through her post-acting career, Jacqueline Steiger remains a vibrant figure in the entertainment industry, successfully melding her passion for film with her academic background and personal interests.