The term “trophy wife” has been considered derogatory by many, expressing that it reduces a person to their physical appearance and implies that they are only valued for what they bring to their partner. However, the new generation begs to differ as being a “trophy wife” also benefits a woman. It is important to note that being a mom is a full-time job, and a famous Groucho Marx quote goes “Behind every successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife.” So who said you can’t be pretty and fabulous while doing both?
This trope has also been explored in movies and TV shows. Of course, each fictional character has been presented in different circumstances (timelines, partners, etc.) depending on the storyline, but they share a common theme of what a “trophy wife” is primarily defined as. To explain the topic further, here is a list of the most popular “trophy wife” characters from movies and TV shows you might want to watch!
Photos: Overboard / And Just Like That / Modern Family / Mad Men
Joanna Stayton (Goldie Hawn) in “Overboard”
Joanna Stayton is defined as a “snobby and wealthy” character from the movie “Overboard”. However, her husband Grant (Edward Herrmann) takes the opportunity to get rid of her when she suffers from amnesia. Despite being an 80s film, this character remains to be iconic–so much so that it still makes its way into lists of Halloween costume ideas.
Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) in “Sex and the City”
Charlotte York is one of the four main characters of “Sex and the City” and its subsequent movies. She is portrayed as a wealthy and beautiful woman in search of the perfect husband with whom she can start the perfect family. In spite of going through a number of failed relationships throughout the series, she eventually finds happiness with her husband, Harry Goldenblatt (Evan Handler). Davis, who received two Screen Actors Guild Awards for her performance, reprises her role in the SATC sequel, “And Just Like That…” still as Harry’s wife.
Gloria Delgado-Pritchett (Sofia Vergara) in “Modern Family”
Gloria Delgado-Pritchett is a beloved character from the long-running series “Modern Family”. She is sketched as a “feisty and fun-loving” wife of Jay (Ed O’Neill) and mother of their two children. This sitcom had been highly rated by audiences and has won numerous awards, including multiple Emmy nominations for Vergara’s portrayal of the role.
Betty Draper (January Jones) in “Mad Men”
Betty Draper is a prominent character from “Mad Men,” being protagonist Don’s wife and mother of his children. Don (Jon Hamm) is presented as an “alpha male” character who made his way to the top of the heap in New York City in the 60s, while Betty tends to their children and yearns for his attention. Although she eventually divorces Don and marries politician Henry Francis (Christopher Stanley), she remains on the show as it upholds its theme of conveying the complicated realities of life.
Photos: The Wolf of Wall Street / Scarface / The White Lotus / The Great Gatsby
Naomi Lapaglia (Margot Robbie) in “The Wolf of Wall Street”
Naomi Lapaglia is a breakout character from “The Wolf of Wall Street” that earned Robbie critical acclaim for her performance as the wife of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo Dicaprio). Since the film is based on true events, it is noteworthy that the real Naomi–Nadine Macaluso–now educates women on abusive relationships on TikTok. In one of her videos, she mentioned that it was actually how their marriage was. However, she has undergone therapy, became a therapist, got her Ph.D., and is now an expert on relational trauma.
Elvira Hancock (Michelle Pfeiffer) in “Scarface”
Elvira Hancock is the mistress of Frank Lopez (Robert Loggia) before becoming the wife of Tony Montana (Al Pacino). It is reportedly Pfeiffer’s breakthrough role, with her strong and complex portrayal of a woman caught up in the world of organized crime. “Scarface” is also one of the iconic 80s films that have gained a cult following over the years.
Daphne Sullivan (Meghann Fahy) in “The White Lotus”
Daphne Sullivan appears in Season 2 of “The White Lotus” as the stay-at-home wife of Cameron (Theo James). Regarded as the show’s best character by viewers, Cameron brings her on a vacation-masked business trip to Sicily. Their relationship is perceived as perfect at first, but in order to avoid spoilers to the murder mystery, you should just probably watch it and wait until the story progresses.
Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan) in “The Great Gatsby”
Daisy Buchanan is one of the central characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel “The Great Gatsby” which has been adapted into a movie in 2013. Mulligan plays the role of the wealthy, beautiful, and charming socialite; who married Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton), a wealthy and powerful man. Nevertheless, this does not stop Jay Gatsby (Leonardo Dicaprio) from pursuing her.
Have you seen these movies and TV shows? Tell us your thoughts about them in the comments!
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