For years, Mara Wilson believed her mother may never have had the chance to see Matilda.
Mara was just a child when she filmed the beloved 1996 movie. While audiences were watching her bring the character of Matilda to life, her family was facing an incredibly painful reality behind the scenes.
Her mother, Suzie Wilson, was battling breast cancer and spent much of that period receiving treatment in the hospital.
During those difficult months, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman became an important source of support for Mara. They helped give the young actress moments where she could simply be a kid — taking her to movies, spending time with her, and helping distract her from what was happening at home.