Maria Bello is returning to familiar territory for her latest movie role, but the first photos from the set are also sparking nostalgia for another beloved film from her past. According to photos obtained and published by Hello magazine, the actress stepped out in Keansburg, New Jersey, on Friday, August 28, to work on “Grown Ups 3.”
Maria Bello Looks Radiant 26 Years After ‘Coyote Ugly’ in New Set Photos
Maria, 59, will once again play Sally Lamonsoff in the comedy franchise. She arrived with her blonde hair swept into a half-up style and wore a patterned floral blouse.
The new photos surfaced 26 years after Maria introduced audiences to Lil, the confident bar owner at the center of “Coyote Ugly.”
The set sighting follows another public appearance earlier this month. The actress attended the New York premiere of Netflix’s “Don’t Say Good Luck” in August
GettyMaria Bello Reprises Her ‘Grown Ups’ Role
Maria debuted as Sally in the first “Grown Ups” movie in 2010. Her character is married to Eric Lamonsoff, played by Kevin James.
The ensemble comedy follows five childhood friends who reunite with their families after their former basketball coach dies. Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, Salma Hayek Pinault and Maya Rudolph were among the movie’s stars.
Maria returned for “Grown Ups 2” in 2013. Her presence on the New Jersey set confirms that Sally will be back for the third installment more than a decade later.
‘Coyote Ugly’ Introduced Fans to Lil
For many viewers, Maria remains closely associated with her performance in the 2000 romantic comedy “Coyote Ugly.”
She played Lil, the owner of a busy New York bar staffed by women who entertained customers from atop the counter.
Piper Perabo played Violet Sanford, a young songwriter trying to build a music career in New York. Violet began working at the bar when her ambitions proved harder to pursue than she expected.
Maria brought authority and humor to Lil, who demanded confidence from her employees while quietly looking out for them. The cast also included Tyra Banks, Bridget Moynahan, Izabella Miko, Adam Garcia and John Goodman.
Maria Bello Found Success On-Screen and Behind the Camera
Maria went on to earn Golden Globe nominations for “The Cooler” and “A History of Violence.”
Her varied film career includes roles in “Prisoners,” “Lights Out,” “The 5th Wave” and “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.”
She later spent four seasons on “NCIS” as forensic psychologist Dr. Jacqueline “Jack” Sloane. Maria left the CBS drama in 2021. Her work eventually expanded into producing. She served as an executive producer on Netflix’s “Beef,” the acclaimed comedy-drama starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong.
Maria Bello Celebrates Her Son Jackson Blue
Outside Hollywood, Maria frequently expresses her love for her son, Jackson Blue McDermott. Jackson, 25, received a heartfelt Instagram message from his mother on his birthday earlier this year.
“My son (SUN). My moon and stars. My favorite person in the world. My kind and loyal friend. My protective warrior. My life. 25 years ago today we were blessed with your existence. Thank you for choosing me to be your Mama. Happy Birthday Jackson Blue! May you always keep dancing. 😊❤️❤️❤️,” Maria wrote beside a photo of herself kissing his cheek.
Maria filed for divorce from chef Dominique Crenn in May 2025, according to TMZ.
The pair got engaged in Paris in December 2019 and publicly announced it at the 2020 Academy Awards. They married in 2024.
