Where Are They Now? The Breakfast Club Cast 40 Years Later

The Timeless Legacy of The Breakfast Club

The 1985 film The Breakfast Club has become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of generations since its release. Set in the 1980s, the movie follows five high school students from different backgrounds who are stuck in detention on a Saturday. As their stories unfold, they begin to see each other in a new light, highlighting themes of friendship, identity, and personal growth.

Over four decades later, the cast of The Breakfast Club reunited in Chicago at the Comic and Entertainment Expo in April, marking their first gathering since 1985. The event was a nostalgic celebration for fans, with the actors reminiscing about the filming experience and reflecting on how the movie has stood the test of time.

The film’s success was remarkable, grossing nearly €40 million worldwide. Its impact continues to resonate, making it one of the most beloved teen movies of all time.

Judd Nelson: From John Bender to Author

Judd Nelson, who portrayed John Bender in The Breakfast Club, is now 65 years old. His career has been diverse, with notable roles in films such as New Jack City (1991) and Airheads (1994). He also appeared in the sitcom Suddenly Susan and had recurring roles in TV series like Two and a Half Men.

In addition to acting, Nelson has explored writing, authoring four books released on Kindle in 2013. His latest acting credit is in the 2022 thriller The Most Dangerous Game.

Molly Ringwald: A Career Spanning Decades

Molly Ringwald, who played Claire Standish in The Breakfast Club, enjoyed immense fame during the 1980s with hits like Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink. She has continued to act in various films and television shows, including Riverdale and Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.

In 2013, she started an advice column for The Guardian and made her runway modeling debut at New York Fashion Week in 2024. She is married to Greek-American writer Panio Gianopoulos, and they have a daughter named Mathilda.

Emilio Estevez: From Andrew Clark to Director

Emilio Estevez, who played Andrew Clark in The Breakfast Club, is now 63. He gained further recognition for his role as Coach Gordon Bombay in The Mighty Ducks series. He has also directed episodes of popular TV shows such as Cold Case and Criminal Minds.

Estevez has had a complex personal life, including relationships with Carey Salley and Demi Moore. He married singer Paula Abdul in 1992, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1994.

Ally Sheedy: A Journey Through Film and Academia

Ally Sheedy, who played Allison Reynolds in The Breakfast Club, has appeared in numerous films, including WarGames and X-Men: Apocalypse. She has also worked in television, with roles in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Psych.

Since 2021, Sheedy has been a professor in the theatre department at the City College of New York. She has also spoken openly about her struggles with drug addiction and has been in the public eye for her relationship with musician Richie Sambora.

Anthony Michael Hall: From Teen Star to Television Veteran

Anthony Michael Hall, known for his role in National Lampoon’s Vacation, has had a long and varied career. He turned down major roles in Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, aiming to avoid being typecast.

After a period of partying in the late 1980s, he chose to stay sober since 1990. He has appeared in films like Edward Scissorhands and has worked extensively in television, including The Blacklist and Reacher.

Fans of Wednesday may recognize him in season two, showcasing his enduring presence in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

The cast of The Breakfast Club has each followed unique paths since the film’s release. Their careers continue to evolve, with some transitioning into writing, academia, and directing. Despite the passage of time, the legacy of The Breakfast Club remains strong, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the lasting impact of great cinema.