Where Are They Now: Revisiting the Iconic Cast of the Classic 80s Teen Movie Sixteen Candles

The Iconic Teen Movie That Defined A Generation

In 1984, the coming-of-age comedy Sixteen Candles captured the hearts of teenagers everywhere. Directed by John Hughes and starring Molly Ringwald and Michael Schoeffling, the movie tells the story of high school sophomore Samantha Baker as she navigates her 16th birthday while dealing with teenage crushes and family drama. Sixteen Candles became an instant classic, representing '80s youth culture and cementing its young cast as treasured icons for generations to come.

Molly Ringwald As Samantha Baker

As the movie's lead, Molly Ringwald skyrocketed to fame with her portrayal of angst-ridden birthday girl Samantha Baker. With her girl-next-door charm and fiery red hair, Ringwald embodied the archetypal 1980s American teenager. Post-Sixteen Candles, she would go on to star in other beloved John Hughes films like The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, further cementing her status as the quintessential '80s teen queen.

Today, Ringwald continues to act in film and television. Some notable credits include The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Riverdale, and the movie Jem and the Holograms. The actress also occasionally sings jazz music. In 2013, she released the album Except Sometimes which features her covers of classic pop standards.

Michael Schoeffling As Jake Ryan

As dreamboat Jake Ryan, Michael Schoeffling made teenage hearts swoon everywhere. With his flowing blonde hair, kind eyes, and shy smile, he was the ultimate crush for many young viewers. Jake Ryan represented the nice popular boy who saw beneath Samantha's quirky exterior to appreciate the real girl underneath.

Unlike many of his Sixteen Candles co-stars, Schoeffling did not pursue an extensive acting career after finding big screen success. He largely retreated from Hollywood in the early 1990s. The former teen idol lives a quiet life in Pennsylvania with his wife Valerie C. Robinson, a former model, raising their two children away from the glare of show business. He largely stays out of the limelight, but did make an appearance in the 2010 documentary Molly Ringwald: Girl Next Door about his iconic Sixteen Candles co-star.

Anthony Michael Hall As Geek

Anthony Michael Hall portrayed Farmer Ted, better known as "The Geek," in Sixteen Candles. With his braces, geeky attire, and awkward demeanor, Farmer Ted pined after Samantha Baker while trying to rise above his status as a nerd. Hall's endearing portrayal made the character both comically lovable and sympathetic, even as he frustrated Samantha with his unrelenting advances.

After his initial success in Sixteen Candles and other '80s teen classics like The Breakfast Club, Hall continued steady acting work in both comedic and dramatic roles. Some later credits include Edward Scissorhands, Six Degrees of Separation, The Dark Knight, and Netflix's The Blacklist. The actor has also moved behind the camera, directing films like Hail Caesar in 2010.

John Cusack As Bryce

John Cusack portrayed Samantha's vain, popularity-obsessed boyfriend Bryce in Sixteen Candles. Although charming at first glance, Bryce showed his true colors by forgetting Samantha's birthday and callously dumping her for a chance to date the prettier cheerleader Caroline. Even so, Cusack brought his trademark charisma to the role, crafting an '80s teen heartthrob-turned-villain that was easy to dislike but hard to completely hate.

Cusack of course went on to have an extensive, acclaimed acting career far beyond his Sixteen Candles supporting role. Known for acclaimed performances in films like High Fidelity, Grosse Pointe Blank, and Say Anything, Cusack has crafted an eclectic body of work across both independent and big budget Hollywood productions. He continues taking on interesting roles, appearing in recent projects like Amazon's Utopia and the drama series Con Air.

Supporting Stars: Where Are They Now?

Beyond its main cast, Sixteen Candles featured a treasure trove of supporting actors whose memorable performances helped create an authentic and comedic portrait of 1980s high school life. But where did some of these supporting stars end up after the movie became a smash hit?

Haviland Morris As Caroline Mulford

Haviland Morris brought the vain, privileged character of Caroline Mulford to life. As Bryce's new Pretty In Pink girlfriend, Caroline represented the snooty popular girl archtype. Since Sixteen Candles, Morris has worked steadily in film and television with appearances in projects like Gremlins 2, Home Alone 3, and One Life to Live. She also founded the Haviland Morris Agency, representing clients in the entertainment industry.

Darren Harris As Rumbo

Darren Harris played the eccentric Rumbo, one of Farmer Ted's equally geeky friends. Post-Sixteen Candles, Harris had a prolific theater career. He performed on Broadway in shows like Smokey Joe's Cafe as well as notable regional productions like Dreamgirls. On screen, he appeared in series such as Law & Order, Person of Interest, and The Equalizer.

Max Showalter As Grandpa Howard

Veteran character actor Max Showalter portrayed Samantha's oblivious yet well-meaning Grandpa Howard. He showed up at the Baker home for Sam's eventful birthday, completely forgetting her actual age. Showalter's long acting resume included roles in films like Niagara and The Parent Trap. He also originated the role of Horace Vandergelder in the Broadway musical Hello Dolly! Showalter passed away in 2000.

Carole Cook As Grandma Dorothy

Carole Cook brought Grandma Dorothy to life as Grandpa Howard's eccentric, gin-drinking wife. Since Sixteen Candles, Cook continued working regularly in television until the late 2000s with appearances in shows like 7th Heaven, Cheers, and True Colors. On stage, she also performed in Broadway and national touring productions. Now in her 90s, Cook is semi-retired but still makes occasional acting appearances.

The Legacy Of A Teen Comedy Classic

Part of Sixteen Candles' enduring charm stems from its talented cast of young actors who made their characters feel like real teenagers. Their performances expertly balanced the film's wacky humor with an underlying sincerity regarding the poignant struggles of adolescence. Both the main stars and supporting actors helped create the indelible world of Sixteen Candles that still feels fresh and relevant even decades later.

While the cast moved on to varied pursuits after the film's success, their iconic work in Sixteen Candles remains treasured by generations of fans. The movie's realistic high school setting and appealing performances make it easy for teenagers of all eras to relate to. On screen, this talented ensemble captured the magical rollercoaster ride of being sixteen in a way that ensures Sixteen Candles will never go out of style.

FAQs

What decade was Sixteen Candles filmed in?

Sixteen Candles was filmed and released in the 1980s. It perfectly encapsulated youth culture of that decade.

What genre is the movie Sixteen Candles?

Sixteen Candles is considered a coming-of-age comedy and is part of the teen/high school movie genre that was popular in the 1980s.

Who was the director of Sixteen Candles?

Sixteen Candles was written and directed by John Hughes, known for other 80s teen classics like The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink.

What was Molly Ringwald’s character name in Sixteen Candles?

Molly Ringwald played the lead role of Samantha Baker, a teenager celebrating her 16th birthday while navigating the ups and downs of high school life.

When was Sixteen Candles released in theaters?

Sixteen Candles was released in theaters in 1984. It became an instant cult classic for 1980s teenagers.