"The Proposal" is a romantic comedy, a genre known for blending humor with love stories, often featuring mismatched couples who overcome personal differences to find mutual affection. Typical elements include witty banter, situational comedy, and a gradual development of romance amidst conflicts. In this film, the premise of a forced marriage to solve immigration issues adds a unique twist to the common fake-relationship trope. Sandra Bullock’s portrayal of the overbearing editor Margaret Tate juxtaposed with Ryan Reynolds’ reluctant assistant Andrew Paxton creates dynamic chemistry that drives the humor and emotional growth. Unlike many Western romantic comedies, "The Proposal" stands out through its engaging power dynamics and the incorporation of cultural/national identity stakes, making it both heartfelt and entertaining.
Main Cast of The Proposal
Sandra Bullock
Margaret Tate
Fans of Sandra Bullock will enjoy her role in 'The Proposal' as it showcases her signature blend of sharp wit, charm, and comedic timing, similar to her most iconic performance in '
Speed.' However, unlike the intense action thriller vibe of 'Speed,' 'The Proposal' allows Bullock to explore romantic comedy, highlighting her versatility as an actress. An interesting detail about her character in 'The Proposal' is that Bullock's on-screen chemistry with Ryan Reynolds was so strong that it elevated the film's appeal, creating memorable scenes that resonated well with audiences.
Ryan Reynolds
Andrew Paxton
In 'The Proposal' (2009), Ryan Reynolds stars as Andrew Paxton, the put-upon assistant to a high-powered book editor played by Sandra Bullock. His character navigates a comedic and romantic dynamic when Bullock's character forces him into a fake engagement to avoid deportation. This role highlights Reynolds's charm and comedic timing, blending romantic and comedic elements that became a staple in his career. Compared to his earlier work, which often involved more action or dramatic roles, 'The Proposal' showcased his ability to lead in mainstream romantic comedies, broaden his appeal, and demonstrated a suave, relatable character that resonated with a wider audience. This performance stands out as a turning point, solidifying Reynolds's status as a versatile leading man capable of carrying romantic comedies alongside his later successes in action and comedy genres.
Malin Åkerman
Gertrude
In 'The Proposal,' Malin Åkerman delivers a charming and witty performance as Gertrude, showcasing her ability to embody comedic timing with elegance and flair. Her portrayal adds a nuanced layer of humor that complements the film's romantic dynamics, distinguishing itself from her more dramatic roles like in '
Watchmen' or her action-oriented turn in '
27 Dresses.' A notable trivia about Åkerman is that she originally auditioned for the lead role of Margaret Tate in 'The Proposal' before being cast as Gertrude, highlighting the producers' appreciation for her versatility.
Craig T. Nelson
Joe Paxton
In "The Proposal," Craig T. Nelson delivers a subtle but memorable performance as Joe Paxton, the stern yet caring father of Margaret Tate. His portrayal balances a strong authoritative presence with moments of warmth and vulnerability, providing a grounding influence amidst the film's comedic chaos. This role contrasts with his more exuberant and comedic roles, such as the over-the-top coach Hayden Fox in the TV series "
Coach," showcasing his versatility as an actor. A trivia fact: Craig T. Nelson and Sandra Bullock, his co-star in "The Proposal," had previously appeared together in the thriller "Speed" (1994), albeit in different roles.
Mary Steenburgen
Grace Paxton
Mary Steenburgen played the role of Grace Paxton in the 2009 romantic comedy 'The Proposal.' Her performance was warmly received for bringing warmth and humor to the film, effectively complementing the leads Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Steenburgen's portrayal stood out because of her natural charm and ability to balance comedic timing with genuine emotional moments, which added depth to the movie's family dynamics. A lesser-known fact about her involvement is that Steenburgen actually improvised some of her character’s humorous lines during filming, which ended up making it into the final cut and contributed to the authentic feel of her interactions on screen.
Betty White
Grandma Annie
In the 2009 romantic comedy 'The Proposal,' Betty White played Grandma Annie, the charming and quick-witted grandmother of Ryan Reynolds' character. This role showcased White's ability to blend humor with heartwarming warmth, fitting seamlessly into her longstanding career marked by memorable comedic performances. Unlike some of her earlier work, such as the iconic Rose Nylund on '
The Golden Girls,' this film role brought her comedic talents to a broader, contemporary audience within a popular mainstream movie. Her performance stood out by providing a delightful, scene-stealing presence that added depth and humor to the film's family dynamics, reinforcing her status as a beloved and enduring figure in entertainment.
Denis O'Hare
Mr. Gilbertson
Oscar Nuñez
Ramone
Aasif Mandvi
Bob Spaulding
Michael Nouri
Chairman Bergen
Rachel Griffiths
Inez Scull
Gregg Edelman
Lead Counsel Malloy
Michael Mosley
Chuck
Dale Place
Jim McKittrick
Alicia Hunt
Coffee Barista
Alexis Garcia
Immigration Clerk
Phyllis Kay
Mrs. McKittrick
Kate Lacey
Party Guest
Mary Linda Rapelye
Executive Secretary
Anne Fletcher
Jill
John Franchi
Taxicab Driver (uncredited)
London Hall
Wedding and Reception Guest (uncredited)
Dan Marshall
Lawyer at Publishing Company (uncredited)
Ron Murphy
Wedding Guest (uncredited)
Niecy Nash-Betts
Stewardess (uncredited)
Rich Skinner
New York Cab Driver (uncredited)
Uzimann
Pedestrian (uncredited)
Larry Vigus
Party Guest (uncredited)
Kortney Adams
Colden Books Receptionist
Chris Whitney
Medivac Pilot
Dan Griffin
Businessman / Pedestrian on Sidewalk (uncredited)
Thomas Olson
Party Guest (uncredited)
Donna Glee Reim
Reception Guest (uncredited)
Ylian Alfaro Snyder
Immigrant at INS Office (uncredited)
Crew of The Proposal
Full backstage crew list →