It’s always interesting to discover the hidden connections between celebrities before they became household names. Julia Stiles and Vanessa Carlton, for example, have known each other since their high school days. Carlton shared this fun tidbit with People magazine while promoting her directorial debut, Wish You Were Here, where she had the chance to score the film’s music alongside her husband, John McCauley of the band Deer Tick.
Carlton revealed that she and Stiles first met in ninth-grade biology class, a connection that has spanned many years. Despite their long friendship, the collaboration on Wish You Were Here was a first for the duo in terms of working together professionally in such a capacity. Carlton and McCauley were invited to contribute to the film’s score after reviewing the script, which led to them “throwing their hat in the ring” with their musical themes. Carlton described the experience as a “fabulous” first foray into film scoring, thanks in part to Stiles’ clear direction and guidance, which made the collaboration even more enjoyable.
The film itself features an impressive cast, including Mena Massoud, Isabelle Fuhrman, Kelsey Grammer, and Jennifer Grey. Carlton’s praise for Stiles as a director only adds to the excitement around the film’s release. It’s fascinating how their long-standing friendship has come full circle, with both of them supporting each other’s artistic endeavors.
