Looking Back at the Cast of the Iconic 1984 Teen Comedy Sixteen Candles Then and Now

The Iconic Teen Comedy That Defined a Generation

Released in 1984, Sixteen Candles cemented director John Hughes' reputation as the foremost chronicler of teenage life. Set over the course of a girl's sweet sixteen birthday that her family completely forgets about, the movie struck a chord with audiences and critics. It grossed over $23 million at the box office on a minimal budget, making it one of the year's most profitable films.

Sixteen Candles also helped launch the careers of several young actors who would go on to even greater fame and success. More than 35 years later, let's take a look back at the talented cast and what they're up to today.

Molly Ringwald as Samantha Baker

As Sixteen Candles' heroine Samantha, Molly Ringwald embodied the trials and tribulations of suburban teenagehood. With her girl-next-door beauty and relatable charm, she quickly became the quintessential '80s teen star. After her breakout role in Sixteen Candles, Ringwald reunited with John Hughes to star in two more classics: The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink.

Ringwald continued acting with roles in films like Fresh Horses and TV shows including Riverdale. She's also written two books and occasionally records music. The famous redhead still pops up in cameos that pay homage to her '80s teen queen days.

Supporting Cast Stole Scenes

While Sixteen Candles belonged to Molly Ringwald, the supporting cast brought hilarious color to Samantha's suburban landscape. Character actors like Paul Dooley, Justin Henry, Haviland Morris, and Gedde Watanabe stole many scenes as her quirky family and eccentric classmates.

Anthony Michael Hall as Geek

As geeky Ted aka "Farmer Ted," Anthony Michael Hall showcased his flair for comedy. His hilarious lovestruck desperation and enthusiastic dancing won many fans. Like Ringwald, Hall also forged a strong collaborative bond with John Hughes through '80s movies like The Breakfast Club and Weird Science.

After his run of '80s hits, Hall continued acting in films like Edward Scissorhands and TV shows such as The Dead Zone. He reunited with Molly Ringwald for the 2013 romance The Big Love.

Michael Schoeffling as Jake Ryan

As dreamy heartthrob Jake Ryan, Michael Schoeffling made audiences swoon. With his chiseled good looks and varsity jacket, he was the epitome of the popular high school hunk. Schoeffling perfectly captured Jake's mixture of popular jock and sensitive nice guy.

Unlike his costars, Schoeffling retired from acting in the early '90s to focus on carpentry and raising a family away from the spotlight. He recently returned to acting with roles in indie films like 2019's Vision Portraits.

Where Are They Now?

More than 35 years after its release, Sixteen Candles remains a touchstone film that inspired countless coming-of-age stories. Its talented cast made an entire generation laugh and cry as they watched the bittersweet journey of Samantha's forgotten 16th birthday unfold.

While Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, and Michael Schoeffling captured the zeitgeist of youth in the 1980s, their careers continued evolving in intriguing ways. After coming of age onscreen, their real lives took many turns—from leaving fame behind to reigniting nostalgia through retro reunions.

Yet despite the passing decades, Samantha Baker's journey still feels as poignantly resonant and relatable for teens today. Sixteen Candles remains eternal because awkward crushes, family fiascos, and pivotal birthdays are perennial hallmarks of the teenage years.

FAQs

Who was the star of Sixteen Candles?

Molly Ringwald played the lead role of Samantha Baker, the girl whose family forgets her sixteenth birthday, in Sixteen Candles. Ringwald became one of the biggest teen idols of the 1980s thanks to her starring turns in Sixteen Candles as well as The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink.

What character did Anthony Michael Hall play in Sixteen Candles?

Anthony Michael Hall portrayed the geeky Ted, nicknamed "Farmer Ted," who has a crush on Ringwald's character Samantha. Hall demonstrated his comedic skills as the lovestruck geek trying desperately to win over his dream girl.

Who played Jake Ryan, Samantha's crush?

Jake Ryan, the popular hunk that Samantha secretly pines for, was played by Michael Schoeffling. With his chiseled good looks, jacket, and confident charm, Schoeffling perfectly embodied the stereotypical dreamy high school jock.

What was Sixteen Candles rated?

Sixteen Candles was rated PG upon its release in 1984. The rating likely reflects some of the adult language and sexual references used by the teenage characters throughout the film.

How old was Molly Ringwald in Sixteen Candles?

Ringwald was 16 years old during the filming of Sixteen Candles. Her actual age mirrored that of her character Samantha Baker, who turns 16 over the course of the movie. Ringwald perfectly captured the emotions of a teenage girl coming of age.