The Princess Bridefeatures an iconic line from Inigo Montoya, and it has a very special meaning for Inigo actor, Mandy Patinkin. Directed by Rob Reiner,The Princess Bridewas released in 1987 and is based on William Goldman’s 1973 fantasy romance novel. It is a classic quest tale in which the dashing farmhand Westley (Cary Elwes) must rescue his one true love, Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) after she is kidnapped. While a hit with critics, the movie was only a modest hit at the box office, but it became a cult classic when it was released on home video.
One of the reasons forThe Princess Bride’s enduring legacy is its memorable quotes, which have become permanent fixtures in the pop culture lexicon, from “Inconceivable!” to “As you wish.” Mandy Patinkin’s Inigo Montoya also has a certain memorable piece of dialogue that is still quoted today. A Spanish fencing master who eventually becomes an ally to Westley on his quest,Inigo has a tragic backstory and is on a quest of his own — for revenge. And like his character, Pantinkin’s backstory informed the emotion in Inigo’s climactic confrontation with the six-fingered man.
Mandy Patinkin’s Late Father Was The Inspiration Behind Inigo Montoya’s Iconic Princess Bride Quote
Patinkin’s Father Passed Away From Pancreatic Cancer When The Actor Was 18 Years Old
EveryPrincess Bridefan knows thefamous Inigo Montoya quote— “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” This is of course delivered, repeatedly, when Inigo is finally able to confront Count Rugen (Christopher Guest), aka the six-fingered man. In the classic scene, Inigo and Rugen engage in a swordfight in which the former gets the upper hand, with the latter agreeing to give Inigo anything he wants to spare him. In the most heartfelt moment of his character arc,Inigo passionately replies with, “I want my father back, you son of a b***h” before stabbing Rugen to death.
Patinkin revealed that this scene had extra emotional weight for him becausewhen he was 18 years old, he lost his father, Lester, to pancreatic cancer. The actor tearfully discussed filming the scene on hisTikTokaccount (viaUSA Today):
… it is 100% true. I went outside in this castle and walked around, and I kept talking to my dad, and I said, ‘Dad, I’m gonna get to this guy.’ From the minute I read the script, I said to [my wife] Kath, I said, ‘I’m gonna do this part because in my mind, if I get this six-fingered guy, that means I killed the cancer that killed my dad, and I’ll get to visit my dad.’ That moment was coming. When I played that scene with Chris [Guest], I went back out there and talked to my dad.
A Princess Bride Fan’s Viral TikTok Inspired Patinkin To Share His Story
Patinkin Responded With A Heartfelt Message
The reason Mandy Patinkin took to social media to share the inspiration behind his famousPrincess Bridescene was because of anotherTikTokpost. In 2021,user @alaska_webb (whose real name is Amanda) posted a video sharing that her own father had recently died of cancer.She went on to say that they both shared a love ofThe Princess Bridewith Inigo Montoya being one of his favorite characters, and that she wanted to know if the rumor about the tribute was true. She concluded by thanking Patinkin for his performance.
Though she stated that she didn’t believe the video would ever reach Patinkin, the TikToker’s post indeed went viral, and Patinkin filmed his response a mere three days later. With his wife, Kathryn Grody next to him, they watch @alaska_webb’s video with Patinkin then sharing the story about the famous duel scene. He alsohad a special message for the TikToker:
First of all, your dad is taking care of you… anytime you want, anywhere you want.
Patinkin wrapped the video by asking for @alaska_webb to tell him her dad’s name so the actor could include him in his prayers. He also took toXto further discuss the post, quoting Oscar Hammerstein’s musical,Carousel, “As long as there’s one person on earth who remembers you, it isn’t over.” It was a touching message from the Inigo Montoyaactor, who not only touched many people with hisPrincess Bridescene but also with sharing his own grief.
The Princess Bride
Cast
Based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a comical fantasy adventure film that tells a swashbuckling tale of a hero and a princess, read to a young, sick boy in bed by his grandfather. The story itself follows farmhand Westley, who embarks on an epic journey to save his beloved princess from an evil prince as he meets strange but reliable companions along the way.
