The Breakfast Club Turns 40 Today! Here’s Where the Cast Is Now

The movie became one of the most iconic high school films of all time.

Forty years ago, high school films transformed with the debut of "The Breakfast Club." Released on February 15, 1985, this John Hughes-directed classic became notable as his second film focusing on teenagers. The cast, later recognized as part of the "Brat Pack," includes Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, and Judd Nelson. Paul Gleason plays Vice Principal Richard Vernon. Each character represents a different high school stereotype yet finds deeper connections during detention.

Produced with a modest budget of $1 million, "The Breakfast Club" grossed over $50 million. It is celebrated as a classic and frequently referred to in pop culture. Simple Minds’ track "Don't You (Forget About Me)," featured prominently, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Catch up with the cast of The Breakfast Club and where they are now.

Emilio Estevez as Andrew Clark

Emilio Estevez portrayed Andrew Clark, known as the "athlete." He ends up in detention after a prank involving a student and wrestles with his desire for approval from teammates and his father. In the process, he develops a romantic relationship with Allison, played by Ally Sheedy.

Estevez is the son of Martin Sheen and the brother of Charlie Sheen. In 1985, he starred in "St. Elmo's Fire," where the term "Brat Pack" originated. He later featured in "The Mighty Ducks" franchise and the 2021 Disney+ series, "The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers." Estevez directed several films, including "Wisdom" and "Bobby," and appeared in the 2024 documentary, "Brats." His television credits include "The West Wing" and "Two and a Half Men."

Estevez has two children, Taylor Levi and Paloma, with former partner Carey Salley. His marriage to singer Paula Abdul lasted from 1992 to 1994.

Anthony Michael Hall as Brian Johnson

Hall played Brian Johnson, the "brain" in the group. He lands in detention for bringing a flare gun due to academic pressure. At just 17 during filming, he found himself typecast as the nerd.

In 1992, Hall confided about his alcohol problems, which began at age 13. He briefly appeared on "Saturday Night Live" and turned down roles in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Pretty in Pink." His film credits include "Edward Scissorhands" and "The Dark Knight." In 2024, he reunited with Ringwald, Nelson, and Sheedy at Comic-Con to celebrate the film's 40th anniversary at MegaCon.

Hall welcomed his first child, Michael Anthony, with wife Lucia Hall in 2023. They married in 2020.

Judd Nelson as John Bender

Judd Nelson depicted John Bender, the "criminal" who ends detention by setting off the fire alarm. He finds romance with Claire, played by Ringwald, in the movie's conclusion.

Apart from "The Breakfast Club," Nelson starred in "St. Elmo’s Fire" and lent his voice to "The Transformers: The Movie." He featured in films like "New Jack City" and "Billionaire Boys Club." Nelson had a recurring role in the 1996 series "Suddenly Susan" and frequently voiced characters in the "Transformers" series.

Molly Ringwald as Claire Standish

Molly Ringwald’s Claire is the "princess" caught skipping class. Regarding her character, she would define Claire as a "prima donna" during interviews. Ringwald starred in "Pretty in Pink" and two more teen films in 1988.

Over the years, Ringwald faced challenges transitioning to adult roles, moving to French cinema in the '90s and later appearing in series like "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and "Riverdale." She reprised scenes in "Dahmer" and "Single Drunk Female," aired in 2022.

Married to Panio Gianopoulos since 2007, Ringwald welcomed her first child, Mathilda, in 2003, followed by twins Adele and Roman in 2009.

Ally Sheedy as Allison Reynolds

Ally Sheedy performed as Allison Reynolds, the "basket case" in the film. Despite not being in detention, she connects with Andrew and undergoes a transformative makeover.

Sheedy also featured in "Brat Pack" films, such as "Oxford Blues" and "St. Elmo’s Fire." In a recent documentary, she expressed mixed feelings about the "Brat Pack" label slowing her career. Yet, she remains fond of "The Breakfast Club." Through the years, Sheedy starred in films like "WarGames" and "High Art", earning awards for her acting.

Her television roles include appearances in "CSI" and "Psych." In 2022, she took on a role in "Single Drunk Female." Sheedy became a theater professor at the City College of New York in 2021.

Sheedy battled addiction in the late '80s but openly discussed her recovery journey. She was married to David Lansbury from 1992 to 2008 and they share a son, Beckett.

Paul Gleason as Richard Vernon

Paul Gleason filled the role of Vice Principal Richard Vernon, overseeing Saturday detention. Before joining the cast, Gleason appeared on TV, including "All My Children." He became well-known in later roles, including "Die Hard" in 1988.

Gleason prided himself on being a versatile actor and cherished working with young talent on "The Breakfast Club." He continued to work well into the 1990s, with roles in iconic shows like "Friends" and "Seinfeld."

Gleason was married to actress Candy Moore from 1971 to 1978. He later married Susan Kehl and had a daughter, Kaitlin. Sadly, Gleason passed away from mesothelioma in 2006.

John Kapelos as Carl Reed

John Kapelos took on the role of Carl Reed, the high school janitor. This was not his first collaboration with director John Hughes, as he also appeared in "Sixteen Candles."

Kapelos began in comedy at Second City. When Hughes researched local talent, Kapelos secured his film debut. In "The Breakfast Club," he often improvised, although much stayed on the cutting room floor.

Kapelos acted in movies such as "Roxanne," "The Craft," and "Legally Blonde." His television roles included "Seinfeld" and "ER." His recent work includes a role on "Days of Our Lives."

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