Who Plays Meredith Blake In Parent Trap

Hey there, fellow movie buffs! Grab your favorite mug, settle in, because we need to dish. You know that iconic movie, The Parent Trap? The one with Lindsay Lohan playing, like, a million different versions of herself? So good, right? Well, there’s this one character, the one who makes you want to just… well, let’s just say she’s not exactly winning any Mother of the Year awards. I’m talking about the ridiculously glamorous, the infuriatingly proper, the one and only Meredith Blake.

Now, every time I watch that movie, and trust me, I’ve watched it more times than I care to admit (it’s a classic, okay?!), I always find myself wondering: who is the genius actress behind that perfectly coiffed hair and that perfectly annoying persona? It’s a question that has, dare I say, plagued me. Okay, maybe “plagued” is a bit dramatic, but it’s definitely a persistent little mental itch.

And the answer, my friends, the one that will finally put your own Meredith Blake-related queries to rest, is none other than the absolutely fabulous Elaine Hendrix! Yep, you heard it here first (or, you know, whenever you saw this article). Elaine Hendrix is the queen behind the crown of Meredith Blake.

Isn’t that just wild? When you think about it, she just owned that role, didn’t she? Meredith Blake is one of those characters that sticks with you. You love to hate her, and honestly, that’s a sign of a pretty darn good performance. She managed to be both utterly charming and completely terrifyingly, you know, Meredith. A true acting feat, if you ask me.

So, let’s dive a little deeper, shall we? Because Elaine Hendrix is way more than just Meredith Blake. She’s got a whole career, a whole vibe. And honestly, learning about her other roles just makes her portrayal of Meredith even more impressive. It’s like, “Wow, you can do that too?!”

First off, let’s talk about the sheer audacity of Meredith Blake. She waltzes into Hallie’s life, or rather, Annie’s life, and thinks she can just… marry Nick? And then, poof, instantly become the stepmom to two identical twin girls she’s never even met? The nerve! It’s the kind of plot point that makes you lean forward in your seat, ready for the chaos to unfold. And Meredith? She’s practically asking for the chaos.

Meredith Blake Parent Trap White Dress

Think about that scene where she’s trying to bond with Annie (who is secretly Hallie, of course). She’s all, “So, tell me about your hobbies.” And Annie, bless her little scheming heart, is just giving her the most sarcastic, deadpan answers. Meredith, meanwhile, is just beaming, completely oblivious. It’s pure comedy gold, and Elaine Hendrix sells every single second of it. You can almost feel her thought bubble: “Yes, this is going perfectly.”

And the outfit choices! Oh, the outfit choices! Meredith Blake is serving looks from the moment she steps on screen. Always perfectly pressed, always a little bit… much. Like, who goes to a vineyard for a casual weekend getaway in a full-length silk robe and immaculate heels? Meredith Blake, that’s who! It’s a power move, a statement. She’s not messing around. She’s here to make a splash, and probably to make sure everyone knows she’s the most put-together person in the room.

But here’s the thing, and this is where Elaine Hendrix really shines. She makes Meredith believable. Even though she’s this over-the-top character, there’s a hint of something real there. You get the sense that maybe, just maybe, Meredith genuinely thinks she’s doing the right thing. Or maybe she’s just really, really excited about the prospect of a wealthy husband and a picture-perfect life. Who can blame her, in a way? It’s a relatable fantasy, albeit a slightly terrifying one.

And then there’s the whole “stealing the groom” aspect. Oh, wait, she’s not stealing him, she’s marrying him. But still! The girls are not having it. And their elaborate schemes to get rid of Meredith? Pure genius. The accidental dunking in the lake, the “wine tasting” that’s really just… not. Meredith’s reactions are priceless. She’s flustered, she’s indignant, she’s utterly bewildered. Elaine Hendrix perfectly captures that sense of a woman who’s used to being in control, suddenly finding herself completely outmaneuvered by two precocious children.

Elaine Hendrix reveals 'Parent Trap' deleted scenes she was 'really sad

Remember when she’s trying to have a serious conversation with Nick about his daughters, and the girls are constantly interrupting? It’s like they have a finely tuned radar for detecting any attempt at parental bonding. And Meredith’s polite but increasingly strained attempts to get them to behave? So funny. You can see the wheels turning in Elaine Hendrix’s mind, playing Meredith’s growing frustration with such subtle perfection. She’s not yelling or screaming, she’s just… getting progressively more uncomfortable and desperate.

And let’s not forget the whole “wedding” situation. The anticipation! The stress! And then the grand reveal of Meredith in her stunning wedding dress. You have to give her credit, she looked amazing. But of course, the universe, in its infinite wisdom (and with the help of two determined twins), had other plans. The food fight, the general chaos… Meredith’s face when everything falls apart? A masterclass in comedic despair.

Now, as I mentioned, Elaine Hendrix is a versatile actress. She’s not just the villain (or anti-hero, depending on how you see it) of The Parent Trap. Oh no. She’s been in so many other things! If you’re a fan of shows like Girlfriends, you might recognize her as Maya’s (golden) retriever, ahem, I mean, husband, Darnell’s other woman. Oops. My bad. She played Toni in that, and let me tell you, she was just as captivating, albeit in a totally different way. She brought a certain… flair to the role.

And have you seen her in The Country Bears? Yes, The Country Bears! A Disney movie about a band of musically talented bears. Sounds… eclectic, right? Well, Elaine Hendrix was in it! She played a character named Harriet. It just goes to show you the range she has. From scheming socialite to voice of a bear-related movie, she’s done it all. Talk about not being typecast!

I Just Want To Dress Like Meredith Blake From The Parent

She also had a recurring role on Smart Guy, another fun 90s sitcom. So, if you were a fan of that era of television, you’ve probably seen her around. She has this undeniable screen presence that just draws you in, no matter what character she’s playing. It’s like a little spark, you know?

And here’s a little fun fact that I love: Elaine Hendrix actually auditioned for the role of Meredith Blake after it had already been cast! Can you believe that? The original actress had to drop out, and they were scrambling. And then Elaine Hendrix swooped in and just nailed it. It’s like destiny, right? The universe saying, “Nope, you’re Meredith Blake.” And we are all so, so grateful for that twist of fate. Imagine The Parent Trap without her Meredith. It just wouldn’t be the same. She brought such a specific brand of polished, slightly terrifying glamour to the part.

So, next time you’re watching The Parent Trap, and you find yourself sighing at Meredith’s latest attempt to infiltrate the family, or you’re secretly admiring her impeccable wardrobe, take a moment to appreciate Elaine Hendrix. She’s the reason Meredith Blake is so unforgettable. She’s the actress who, with a perfectly arched eyebrow and a steely smile, made us all want to hide our dads from potential stepmothers.

It's the little things, isn't it? The way she delivers a line with such knowing insincerity. The way her smile never quite reaches her eyes when she’s dealing with the twins. Elaine Hendrix infused Meredith Blake with a delicious, almost campy, evilness that is so much fun to watch. She’s not a one-dimensional villain; she’s a woman with an agenda, a woman who clearly underestimated the power of twin sisterhood. And that’s what makes her so compelling.

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She’s also been involved in a lot of philanthropic work, which is awesome. It always makes you feel good when actors you admire are also good people, you know? It adds another layer to their appeal. So, while Meredith Blake might be a character you love to boo at, Elaine Hendrix is someone you can definitely cheer for.

Thinking about her performance as Meredith, it’s easy to see why she’s so beloved. She’s not afraid to lean into the more dramatic and comedic aspects of the role. She’s not subtle, and that’s exactly what The Parent Trap needed. Meredith Blake is supposed to be a force of nature, an obstacle, a catalyst for chaos. And Elaine Hendrix delivered all of that and more.

So, there you have it. The mystery of who plays Meredith Blake is solved. It’s Elaine Hendrix, a truly talented actress who brought one of the most memorable (and, let’s be honest, most diabolical) characters in late-90s family cinema to life. Next time you’re rewatching The Parent Trap, give her a little nod of appreciation. She deserves it. She really, really does.

And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see Elaine Hendrix playing a character who’s actually nice from the get-go. But even if she’s always playing the delightfully wicked ones, we’ll still be here for it. Because some roles are just too perfect to pass up, and playing Meredith Blake was definitely one of them. Thanks for joining me on this little trip down memory lane, and a big thank you to Elaine Hendrix for giving us Meredith! Now, who wants another coffee?