Elaine Hendrix Praises Lindsay Lohan's 'Epic' Transformation: 'She's Killing It'

A Nostalgic Reunion and New Adventures

Being young and beautiful is not a crime, but it can certainly lead to some unforgettable moments. For Elaine Hendrix, the 54-year-old actress who played Meredith Blake in the 1998 Disney film "The Parent Trap," reuniting with Lindsay Lohan, now 39, in "Freakier Friday" was an emotional and nostalgic experience. The two stars, who first worked together nearly 30 years ago, have found a new way to connect through their shared history and the evolving perspectives of fans.

Hendrix recently spoke about her experience working with Lohan again, calling the actress “killing it.” She described how she hadn’t seen Lohan since they were both kids and expressed admiration for the life Lohan has led. “She just happened to do it in the spotlight,” Hendrix said, adding that she’s thrilled for Lohan’s current success.

In "The Parent Trap," Hendrix portrayed Meredith Blake, the gold-digging fiancée of Nick Parker (played by Dennis Quaid). The film follows twin sisters, Annie and Hallie, who switch places to spend time with their absent father. While the movie was a classic, it's the character of Meredith that has sparked a recent revival on TikTok. Fans have embraced the idea that Meredith wasn't the villain, but rather a complex character with her own motivations.

Hendrix confirmed she had seen the fan response and credited millennials for helping to shift the perception of her character. “From day one, I said Meredith was not the villain,” she explained. “I had no idea that all I needed to do was wait for the millennials to grow up and understand that.”

This year, fans got a taste of what they’ve been hoping for: a sequel to "Freakier Friday." Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis reprised their roles as mother and daughter in the 2023 film, which features a double body swap involving Anna’s daughter and stepdaughter-to-be. Hendrix made a cameo as Blake Kale, a stylist whose name and personality echo those of Meredith Blake.

Her involvement came through a friend, director Nisha Ganatra, who reached out to her for a small role. “I literally got a call from the director, and I’m like, ‘Of course!’ I will do anything that Nisha asks me to do,” Hendrix recalled.

Beyond her acting career, Hendrix has also returned to another passion: dance. She joined Season 34 of "Dancing with the Stars," where she performed alongside professional dancer Alan Bersten. During her first performance, she paid homage to her "Parent Trap" character, wearing a wide-brimmed black hat and mimicking the iconic handshake between the twins.

Her co-star from "The Parent Trap," Lisa Ann Walter, was in the audience cheering her on. Hendrix also mentioned that other former co-stars would be supporting her throughout the season, and she’s been reaching out to them for videos and appearances.

Hendrix has a long history with "Dancing with the Stars," as her friend Tom Bergeron once hosted the show. She often watched the show and even dined with Bergeron after episodes. One memorable night involved an unexpected encounter with a SWAT team during a dinner at a restaurant, which turned into a surreal experience for both Hendrix and Bergeron.

As Hendrix continues her journey on "Dancing with the Stars," fans are excited to see more of her past and present connections. From her role in "The Parent Trap" to her latest ventures, she remains a beloved figure in entertainment, bridging the gap between nostalgia and new adventures.