Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Icons: Unpacking Their Lives 39 Years Later — From Red Carpets to Roy Family Riches!
A film that defined a generation, *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off*, is nearly four decades old, yet its stars continue to command attention. It’s high time we pulled back the curtain on where Hollywood’s most iconic truants are now. As the John Hughes classic marks its 39th anniversary since its June 11, 1986 premiere, the question on everyone’s lips is: what became of Ferris, Cameron, Sloane, and Jeanie?
Prepare for a major revelation: Mia Sara, the ethereal Sloane Peterson, who has famously kept out of the spotlight for nearly a decade and a half, made a stunning return to the red carpet! On June 2, she graced the premiere of her new film, *The Life of Chuck*, ending a nearly 15-year public hiatus. This rare sighting, confirmed by E! Online, follows her participation in a virtual cast reunion back in June 2020, proving that even Hollywood’s most elusive stars can’t stay away forever.
Then there’s Matthew Broderick, the titular Ferris Bueller himself, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for his unforgettable performance. Who knew the “WarGames” actor would become such a versatile force? Beyond his iconic ’80s role, Broderick lent his voice to adult Simba in Disney’s *The Lion King* and starred in films like *The Cable Guy* and *Godzilla*. His theatrical prowess is equally impressive, boasting two Tony Awards for his work in *Brighton Beach Memoirs* and *How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying*. He even took to the stage and screen in *The Producers* alongside Nathan Lane. More recently, he’s charmed audiences with guest spots on *The Conners*, *Painkiller*, *Elsbeth*, and even the critically acclaimed *Only Murders in the Building*. As Broderick himself recounted to Josh Gad on his “Reunited Apart” YouTube series, landing the role of Ferris was an easy “yes” after seeing Hughes’ other hits like *The Breakfast Club*. And let’s not forget his enduring Hollywood power couple status with *Sex and the City* icon Sarah Jessica Parker, whom he married in 1997. The pair share three children, including budding actor James.
But the transformations don’t stop there. Alan Ruck, who brilliantly portrayed the neurotic Cameron Frye, was a surprising 29 years old when he landed the high school senior role, a detail he shared with Entertainment Weekly in 2020. His career post-Bueller has been nothing short of spectacular. After memorable turns in *Speed* and *Twister*, Ruck starred in the hit series *Spin City* for six years. However, his most recent triumph has been his critically acclaimed role as Connor Roy, the eldest, often-overlooked sibling, in HBO’s powerhouse drama *Succession*. And for fans eager for more, Ruck is set to appear in the film adaptation of *People We Meet on Vacation* and, in a truly full-circle moment, will reunite with Broderick for the upcoming comedy *The Best Is Yet to Come*. Married to *The Killing* star Mireille Enos since 2008, they share two children, adding to his two from a previous marriage.
While the original article doesn’t spill the tea on Jennifer Grey’s post-Bueller endeavors in this specific update, her role as the exasperated Jeanie Bueller remains etched in pop culture history. And that, folks, is how you play hooky from Hollywood and still end up on top. What other ’80s icons are due for a major comeback? We’ll be watching.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, Entertainment Weekly, Josh Gad’s “Reunited Apart” (YouTube Series)
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
