When Tom Brady retired for the first time in February 2022, it was announced that he would produce and appear in a film via his 199 Productions banner. Filming began in March 2022, and on February 3, 2023, the much anticipated film was finally released. What really ended up catching the interest of fans is that Brady himself played a cameo in ‘80 for Brady.’
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The movie is a sports comedy in which four lifelong friends go on an adventure and travel to watch Brady and his New England Patriots play in Super Bowl LI in 2017. It stars Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field. Along with them, Billy Porter, Alex Moffat, and Guy Fieri also acted in the movie. Even though the movie garnered lukewarm reviews from critics, it was still a box-office success.
The feature film was actually able to pique people’s interest. Hence, many wondered if this super adventure-packed movie was based on a true story.
Is Tom Brady produced ‘80 for Brady’ based on a true event?
The movie is actually based on a true story. As per CBS New Sunday Morning, a real-life fan club named ‘Over 80 for Brady’ is the inspiration behind the film. The group was made up of Elaine St. Martin, Betty Pensavalle, and their three other friends, Anita, Pat, and Claire. Not only have they been friends for over 72 years, but they are also passionate Brady fans.
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The women’s friendship became stronger after they became widows. The game days connected them and “kept their friendship from fumbling.” They got together on game days to watch the matchups. Their meet-ups were so regular that they got the nickname “Over 80 for Brady,” with Pensavalle’s grandson even making them matching shirts.
How did the fan club make it to the big screen?
Pensavalle’s grandson, Max, who worked in Hollywood, is the one to thank. Max got inspired by the women’s story and decided to pitch the idea as a movie. When Brady got to know the storyline, he jumped at the opportunity and started creating the film. Tampa Tom also sent a personal message to Pensavalle. He said, “I wanna make a movie based on your Over 80 for Brady crew.”
Even though he played a cameo in the film, Tom confessed in a Variety interview that he learned a lot during his two days of filming. “It’s really interesting. I find it challenging — sometimes hard. Because you’re always paying attention to yourself as yourself rather than the character you’re playing. I don’t think that’s natural for me. What I’ve done for 23 years in sports is play myself. There’s no acting. It’s me on the field. When I’m pissed, I’m pissed. When I’m happy, I’m happy. I’m not playing a role.”
Although the actual ladies got their own private premiere, there is one thing left on their bucket list, and that is meeting Brady.
