"I play the unsinkable Molly Brown, which is where she got her name from, because she survived"

Marilu Henner references her portrayal of “the unsinkable Molly Brown,” a famed figure from the story of the Titanic. Her words recall both the theatrical history, Henner played Molly Brown in various productions, and the real-life legacy of Margaret “Molly” Brown, who gained fame for surviving the Titanic disaster. The phrase “unsinkable” operates on multiple levels: literally, in terms of surviving a sinking ship that most did not escape, and figuratively, pointing to an indomitable human spirit characterized by resilience, courage, and proactive defiance in the face of adversity.

Henner’s reflection encapsulates how historical figures are often immortalized through nicknames that embody the qualities or legends for which they’re remembered. The name “unsinkable Molly Brown” was not what Margaret Brown called herself; instead, it was bestowed upon her by journalists and storytellers who were captivated by her actions and her refusal to give up hope or accept defeat. By noting “which is where she got her name from, because she survived,” Henner draws attention to the directness of this association: Brown’s legend grew precisely from her survival, but even more, from the way she survived, with active bravery, assisting others in lifeboats, and using her voice to advocate for better treatment for survivors afterward.

There is a subtle observation about storytelling and identity: how acts of great courage or luck become the central feature of a person’s public character, sometimes nearly eclipsing the rest of their life or accomplishments. The unsinkable title becomes not just a descriptor of a singular event, but a kind of shorthand for an entire worldview: resourcefulness, eclectic strength, and persistence. Henner’s mention of playing Molly Brown also suggests the ways in which actors strive to inhabit the spirit of real-life figures, interpreting resilience for audiences and helping to keep such stories vivid across generations. In so doing, they participate in the ongoing creation of legendary personas, turning history into an inspiration for the future.