Victoria Dillard Opens Up About Her Iconic On-Screen Chemistry with Denzel Washington in Ricochet (1991)

More than three decades after the release of Ricochet, the 1991 action thriller directed by Russell Mulcahy, Victoria Dillard’s role alongside Denzel Washington remains a significant milestone in her acting career. While direct interviews with Dillard specifically discussing her collaboration with Washington are rare, an analysis of available information, historical context, and their on-screen partnership paints a clear picture of their impactful work together.

In Ricochet, Dillard portrayed Alice Styles, the devoted wife of Nick Styles (played by Washington), a former police officer-turned-district attorney whose life is upended by a vengeful criminal. The dynamic between Alice and Nick was critical to the emotional core of the film, with Dillard’s performance grounding Washington’s intense portrayal in a tangible sense of family and vulnerability.

Although extensive searches through interviews, profiles, and cast retrospectives yielded little direct commentary from Dillard herself about working with Washington, her involvement in the film speaks volumes. Publicity materials and promotional images from the time show a strong professional rapport between the two actors, with Dillard’s role requiring significant emotional depth to match Washington’s powerful presence.

At the time of filming, Denzel Washington was ascending rapidly in Hollywood, having already earned an Academy Award for Glory. For Dillard, acting opposite such a powerhouse would have been both a challenge and an opportunity—one she rose to with grace. Their onscreen chemistry in Ricochet subtly yet effectively portrayed a marriage under siege, adding emotional weight to the film’s high-stakes action sequences.

Dillard’s broader career further reflects her versatility and strength as an actress. Best known for her roles as Janelle Cooper in Spin City and her appearance in Coming to America, Dillard brought a grounded authenticity to each role she played. Her transition in later years to advocacy for Parkinson’s disease research after her diagnosis in 2005 demonstrates the resilience and depth that also characterized her acting work.

The lack of extensive commentary from Dillard about her Ricochet experience may be due in part to the era’s media landscape, where supporting actors often received less promotional spotlight. It may also reflect Dillard’s subsequent shift away from acting toward advocacy work, meaning fewer retrospective interviews focusing on her film career exist.

Nevertheless, Ricochet remains a testament to her skill and to the memorable collaboration between Victoria Dillard and Denzel Washington. Their performances together brought authenticity and emotional stakes to a story of crime, revenge, and survival—elements that have helped the film endure in the memories of fans. Even without extensive public reflection, their work in Ricochet stands as a lasting piece of early ’90s cinematic history.