Elizabeth Berkley, the star of the cult classic ‘Showgirls,’ expressed her gratitude to fans at a special screening at the Academy Museum’s David Geffen Theater last week. The actress thanked the audience for their unwavering support over the years, acknowledging the initial ridicule and criticism the film faced upon its release in 1995.

Reflecting on the film’s tumultuous reception, Berkley shared her heartfelt sentiments, recalling the personal attacks and harsh reviews that targeted both her and the movie. Despite the initial backlash and the movie’s commercial failure, Berkley emphasized the joy she experienced during the making of ‘Showgirls,’ describing it as a dream come true.

Originally released with an NC-17 rating, ‘Showgirls’ was met with scathing reviews and poor box office performance. However, over the years, the film has garnered a dedicated following and achieved cult status. Berkley expressed her appreciation for the film’s newfound acceptance, particularly within the LGBTQ community, and was visibly moved by the enthusiastic reception from the audience.

During her speech, Berkley acknowledged the film’s boundary-pushing nature at the time of its release, which has since been embraced and celebrated. She expressed profound gratitude to the fans for their enduring belief in the film, becoming emotional as the crowd cheered her on.

Despite the initial challenges and controversies surrounding ‘Showgirls,’ Elizabeth Berkley’s appearance at the special screening served as a poignant moment of reconciliation and gratitude towards the dedicated fans who have embraced the film over the years.