In 2002, Jennifer Lopez starred as Marisa Ventura, a single mother raising her 10-year-old son Ty (Tyler Posey), in the American romantic comedy-drama film Maid in Manhattan.
Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts, Minnie Driver, and Hilary Swank were also considered for the role of Marisa Ventura.
Jennifer Lopez plays a single mother working as a maid at the Beresford Hotel in the heart of Manhattan (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
Behind the Scenes: Filming Locations in New York
Marisa Ventura works as a maid at the fictional Beresford Hotel in the heart of Manhattan. The movie was filmed at New York’s Roosevelt Hotel and the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
Filming ended in June 2002, and the film was released on December 13, 2002. Born on July 24, 1969, in Castle Hill, New York, Lopez turned 33 on July 24, 2002, so she was 32 while filming and 33 when the movie was released.
In the movie, her character falls in love with senatorial candidate Christopher Marshall (Ralph Fiennes), who believes she is a hotel guest. Born on December 22, 1962, in Ipswich, United Kingdom, the English actor turned 40 on December 22, 2002.
Dynamic duo: Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes bring romance to life in ‘Maid in Manhattan’ at ages 32 and 39 (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
The iconic pink gown Jennifer Lopez wore in “Maid in Manhattan” is a testament to the transformative power of fashion in cinema. This vintage 1950s gown, revealed by Lopez herself during season fourteen of “American Idol” (2002), holds a special place in the hearts of her fans.
One such fan, an “American Idol” contestant, expressed her admiration for both Lopez and the movie, sharing her unsuccessful quest to find a similar gown for her prom. The dress is more than just a costume; it symbolizes Marisa’s journey from a hardworking single mother to a woman who embraces her desires and aspirations.
Jennifer Lopez, in a memorable scene from “Maid in Manhattan,” wearing a vintage 1950s pink gown, symbolizing her character Marisa’s transformative journey and aspirations (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
In a poignant scene at a lavish Met party, Marisa, adorned in a strapless peach chiffon gown and a stunning $5.8 million Harry Winston diamond wreath necklace, acknowledges the limitations of her façade to Christopher.
Jennifer Lopez on Relating to Marisa Ventura
At the movie’s release, Lopez discussed her character in an interview with BBC.
“Marisa is more like me than any character I’ve ever played. She’s Puerto Rican. She’s from the Bronx. She has this young son and she’s just trying to make ends meet. Every day she gets on the train to work. She goes to this big city of dreams and she wants more. She has aspirations in that way. I really relate to her,” she said about single mother Marisa Ventura.
“Yes, there are comparisons in as far as it’s a romantic comedy. I think of it more like “Working Girl” and “Pretty Woman” together. It’s not really a Cinderella story. It’s more reality-based,” she said about criticism that the movie isn’t particularly original.
Jennifer Lopez at a photocall for her new movie Maid in Manhattan held at The Four Seasons Hotel in Berlin on February 22, 2003 (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN / PPTB)
Fashion Focus: Jennifer Lopez’s Stylish Appearances
The always sizzling “Maid in Manhattan” actress Jennifer Lopez has much to show off, and this diva knows precisely how to showcase her figure without looking too trashy or indecent.
In October 2014, she rocked a mini dress that spotlighted her flawless toned gams. Later the same month, she covered up her legs with pants but gave us a glimpse of her washboard abs.
Jennifer Lopez, spotted in Hollywood on October 28, 2014, showcases her fashion finesse wearing Christian Louboutin Encage booties, an ICB Spring 2014 outfit, accessorized with a Hermes Collier De Chien cuff bracelet, epitomizing fitness inspiration and setting style and wellness goals (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN / PPTB)
It’s either just the legs, stomach, or cleavage, but never all at once, or you will end up looking like a desperate streetwalker. J.Lo has mastered the art of being sexy, and she knows that she doesn’t need to reveal too much skin to get attention.
Jennifer Lopez with Keith Urban arrive at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on October 28, 2014 (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN / PPTB)
During American Idol’s Hollywood Week at the Orpheum Theatre, the gorgeous judge wore an ensemble from the ICB Spring 2014 collection consisting of loose-fitting wool crepe pants and a cropped moto jacket.
Casual chic: Jennifer Lopez stuns in trendsetting wool crepe pants and cropped moto jacket (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN / PPTB)
We are completely envious of Jennifer’s toned stomach! And we just love how she styled this outfit.
Jennifer Lopez rocks Christian Louboutin Encage booties (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN / PPTB)
The Out of Sight actress finished with an edgy pair of Christian Louboutin “Encage” booties.
Christian Louboutin “Encage” 100mm Booties, $1,595