The Complicated Life of Teen Sitcom Star Turned Film Actress Elizabeth Berkley

In 1996, Berkley appeared in The First Wives Club as Phoebe LaVelle. The role was supporting, but the film itself became a major ensemble hit starring Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton. For Berkley, it was a visible mainstream credit after the harsh reaction to Showgirls.

Phoebe was not the kind of lead role that could fully reset her career, but it showed she was still being cast in recognizable projects. After being so publicly criticized, even a smaller part in a successful film mattered. Still, the bigger comeback remained difficult.