Trivia

She was originally set to direct Alguien maravilloso (1987) for writer/producer John Hughes, but dropped out a few weeks before principal photography due to creative differences between her and Hughes. Howard Deutch replaced her.

Teaches filmmaking at Chapman University in Orange, California.

Received her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design (1968).

To secure the directing gig for Valley Girl she had to promise the financiers that there would be nude breasts in four scenes.

Directed two Oscar nominated performances: Diane Ladd and Laura Dern.

President of the Director's Guild of America (DGA) (2002-2003).

Received her Master's degree in Fine Arts from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.

Was member of the dramatic jury at the Sundance Film Festival in 1986.

Named her son after one of her idols, playwright and director Preston Sturges.

Has directed one Emmy Award-winning performance: Halle Berry in Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999).

Inducted into the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame in 2005.

The French family drama White Mane (1953) is one of Coolidge's favorite films.