Apr 23, 2026
Today on Too Opinionated, we’re joined by actress, filmmaker, and Showgirls icon Rena Riffel.
Best known for her role as Penny/Hope in the 1995 cult classic Showgirls, Rena was part of one of the most talked-about films in Hollywood history—one that went from controversy to becoming a massive cult phenomenon.
Despite its initial reception, Showgirls exploded in popularity through home video, generating over $100 million in rentals and gaining a devoted global fanbase.
Rena didn’t just act in the film—she also contributed creatively, even having her own song featured in the movie.
She later continued the legacy
by writing, directing, and starring in:
🎬 Showgirls 2: Penny’s
From Heaven
Beyond Showgirls, Rena has appeared in:
🎬 Striptease (with Demi
Moore)
🎬 Mulholland Drive
(David Lynch)
—and built a career as a writer, director, and producer, creating bold, independent projects like Trasharella.
In this episode we
discuss:
🎬 The making of Showgirls
🔥 How it became a cult classic
🎥 Creating Showgirls
2
💡 Life in Hollywood and independent filmmaking
👉 Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@MeisterkhanPod
Like, comment, and hit the bell for more interviews on
Too
Opinionated.
🔥 HASHTAGS
#TooOpinionatedPodcast
#Showgirls
#RenaRiffel
#CultClassic
#90sMovies