What Happened to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Cast: Where Are They Now?

When John Hughes’ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off hit cinemas in 1986, it became an instant teen classic. Matthew Broderick’s mischievous Ferris, his loyal yet anxious best friend Cameron, and the effortlessly cool Sloane captured the spirit of youthful rebellion. Decades later, fans still quote Ferris’ mantra: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Nearly 40 years on, here’s what happened to the beloved cast.

Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller)

Matthew Broderick, born March 21, 1962, in New York City, was already an accomplished young stage actor before being cast as the effortlessly charming Ferris Bueller—a role that became one of the most iconic characters of the 1980s. His witty performance as the Chicago teen who outsmarts parents, teachers, and even his principal earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.

Following the film’s massive success, Broderick built a career that balanced Broadway prestige and Hollywood versatility. He won two Tony Awards—first for Brighton Beach Memoirs (1983) and again for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1995)—cementing his reputation as one of Broadway’s most skilled performers. On screen, he starred in WarGames (1983), Glory (1989), Election (1999), and The Producers (2005), and voiced adult Simba in Disney’s The Lion King (1994).

Broderick has continued to work consistently across stage and screen, often alongside his wife, actress Sarah Jessica Parker, whom he married in 1997. The pair co-starred in the 2022 Broadway revival of Plaza Suite, which later toured nationally. In his 2023 interview with The Guardian, Broderick reflected on how Ferris Bueller still defines his public image, saying, “I suppose I’ll always be Ferris, and I’m fine with that. It’s a wonderful thing to be remembered for.” He also noted in the same interview that the 1990s were professionally challenging, as he had to overcome typecasting from the iconic role.

Beyond acting, he remains a respected figure in New York’s theatre community, known for his understated humor and professionalism. As of 2025, Broderick continues to take on diverse projects, including a new Broadway production of Tartuffe and voice work for animated and streaming projects. Nearly four decades later, the actor who once sang “Twist and Shout” atop a Chicago parade float remains synonymous with youthful charm, wit, and the timeless advice to enjoy life while you can.

Alan Ruck (Cameron Frye)

Alan Ruck, born July 1, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, gained widespread recognition for his nuanced portrayal of Cameron Frye—the anxious best friend who spends much of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off battling insecurity and fear of his domineering father. His performance struck a chord with audiences, making Cameron one of the film’s most relatable characters.

After Ferris Bueller, Ruck’s career continued steadily across film, television, and stage. He appeared in blockbuster hits like Speed (1994) and Twister (1996), and guest-starred in popular TV series such as Spin City and Scrubs. However, it was his role as the eccentric Connor Roy in HBO’s Succession (2018–2023) that earned him a new wave of critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. In a 2023 interview with Variety, Ruck said the show gave him “a second life” in Hollywood and allowed audiences to see his comedic and dramatic depth decades after his breakout role as Cameron.

Ruck married actress Mireille Enos in 2008, and the couple share two children. He frequently credits Enos for keeping him grounded through his long career in the entertainment industry. In recent years, he has also been active in conventions and interviews reflecting on Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, expressing gratitude that “people still care about Cameron after all these years.”

Mia Sara (Sloane Peterson)

Mia Sara, born June 19, 1967, in Brooklyn Heights, New York, became a breakout star playing Ferris’ sophisticated and loyal girlfriend, Sloane Peterson. Before Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), she made her film debut as Princess Lili in Ridley Scott’s Legend (1985) alongside Tom Cruise. Her portrayal of Sloane made her one of the most admired faces of 1980s teen cinema.

After Ferris Bueller, Sara continued her acting career with notable roles in A Stranger Among Us (1992) and Timecop (1994), the latter earning her the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress. However, by the early 2000s, she began retreating from Hollywood to focus on family life and creative pursuits. In interviews, she has said that she found more joy in writing poetry and painting than in chasing fame.

Sara married Jason Connery (son of Sean Connery) in 1996, with whom she has a son, Dashiell Quinn Connery. After their divorce in 2002, she married Brian Henson, son of legendary Muppets creator Jim Henson. The couple share a daughter, Amelia, and reside in a 17th-century farmhouse in Suffolk, England. She describes her days there as centered around reading, horseback riding, and writing poetry.

After more than a decade out of the spotlight, Sara returned to acting in 2025 with a role in The Life of Chuck, directed by Mike Flanagan and based on Stephen King’s novella. In an interview with IndieWire, she revealed that Flanagan personally convinced her to return, joking, “Well, okay, if you offer me something, I’ll do it.” Her reappearance at the film’s premiere marked her first red-carpet event in over ten years, as noted by People and New York Post.

In her 2025 interview with People, Sara admitted, “Oh my goodness. A very long time ago. It’s not really fun to watch yourself,” when asked about rewatching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. She also revealed that her children had seen the movie but, when they were younger, “it was just embarrassing.” The actress added that while she doesn’t revisit the film often, she looks back fondly on the experience that shaped her early career. Today, she says she’ll only return to acting if a project truly excites her—especially if director Mike Flanagan is involved.

Jennifer Grey (Jeanie Bueller)

Jennifer Grey, born March 26, 1960, in New York City, first gained attention as Ferris’ resentful yet relatable sister, Jeanie Bueller, before catapulting to stardom with her role as Frances “Baby” Houseman in Dirty Dancing (1987). Her performance opposite Patrick Swayze earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.

In her 2022 memoir Out of the Corner, Grey candidly discussed the highs and lows of her Hollywood journey. She revealed that after undergoing two rhinoplasty surgeries, she felt unrecognizable even to those who knew her well, admitting the experience “nearly ruined” her career. In an interview with People, she reflected, “I spent so much energy trying to figure out what I did wrong, why I was banished from the kingdom. That’s a lie. I banished myself.” The memoir, praised for its honesty and introspection, became a New York Times bestseller.

Grey made a strong comeback in 2010 by winning Season 11 of Dancing with the Stars, showcasing her enduring grace and resilience. Since then, she has continued to work in television and independent film, including a return to the Dirty Dancing universe—she’s confirmed to star and executive-produce a long-awaited sequel set for release in 2026. In interviews, Grey has reflected on both Ferris Bueller and Dirty Dancing as defining experiences that taught her the importance of authenticity over appearance.

Jeffrey Jones (Principal Ed Rooney)

Jeffrey Jones, born September 28, 1946, in Buffalo, New York, brought sharp comedic energy to his role as Principal Edward R. Rooney—the relentless administrator determined to expose Ferris’s day of mischief. His over-the-top performance made Rooney one of cinema’s most memorable authority figures.

Before Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Jones earned a Golden Globe nomination for portraying Emperor Joseph II in Amadeus (1984). He went on to play notable roles such as Charles Deetz in Beetlejuice (1988), Dr. Skip Tyler in The Hunt for Red October (1990), and A.W. Merrick in HBO’s Deadwood (2004–2006) and its 2019 film continuation.

However, his career was severely impacted by legal troubles. In 2002, Jones was arrested for soliciting a 14-year-old boy to pose for explicit photographs and for possession of child sexual abuse materials. He later pleaded no contest to the solicitation charge and was sentenced to five years’ probation, mandatory counseling, and lifetime registration as a sex offender. He was later arrested in 2004 and again in 2010 for failing to update his registration status. These incidents caused an abrupt decline in his acting opportunities and public reputation.

Although Jones appeared occasionally in smaller projects afterward, his criminal record overshadowed his once-promising career. He was omitted from 2024’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, with his character written out of the sequel. In June 2025, Jones made a rare public appearance at The Hollywood Show in Los Angeles, joining Ferris Bueller’s Day Off co-stars for a fan panel. According to People, he mentioned that he had moved out of Los Angeles but was “getting a place again” in the area to be closer to family. Despite this appearance, Jones largely lives a private life. His legacy remains divided—remembered for his skilled performances but indelibly marked by controversy.

Edie McClurg (Grace)

Edie McClurg, born July 23, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, brought warmth and perfect comedic timing to her role as Grace, Principal Rooney’s quirky and loyal assistant. Her distinctive voice and upbeat personality made her one of the most recognizable character actresses of the 1980s.

Before Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), McClurg had already built an impressive résumé, including appearances in Carrie (1976) and Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie (1980). Following Ferris, she became a staple of comedy films, earning laughs in Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), A River Runs Through It (1992), and Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988). She was also a prolific voice actor, lending her voice to animated classics like The Little Mermaid, Cars, and Frozen.

In recent years, McClurg’s career was overshadowed by health challenges. In 2019, her family filed for conservatorship after medical evaluations showed she was suffering from dementia and unable to live independently. A 2022 People report revealed concerns of elder abuse when an acquaintance allegedly attempted to exploit her financially and emotionally, prompting legal action and protective measures by her caregivers.

Although retired from acting, McClurg remains a beloved figure for her kindness, professionalism, and humor. Her portrayal of Grace—optimistic, nosy, and endlessly cheerful—remains one of the most memorable supporting performances of 1980s cinema.

Ben Stein (Economics Teacher)

Ben Stein’s famously deadpan delivery of “Bueller? … Bueller?” in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off became one of the most quoted lines in movie history. Before entering entertainment, Stein worked as a lawyer, economics professor, and speechwriter for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. His economics-lecture scene in the film was largely improvised, and director John Hughes encouraged him to use real economic concepts to enhance the realism.

After his unexpected success as an actor, Stein became a versatile television personality and commentator. He hosted the Emmy-winning game show Win Ben Stein’s Money (1997–2003), appeared in The Wonder Years and Ferris Bueller (the short-lived 1990 TV spinoff), and lent his distinctive monotone voice to numerous commercials and animated projects. He also wrote several books on politics and personal finance and frequently appeared as a conservative commentator on television networks such as Fox News and CNN.

While some of Stein’s later political statements and commentaries have sparked public debate, he remains a pop-culture figure whose dry wit and intellectual background make him one of Hollywood’s most unconventional character actors. Decades after the film’s release, Stein continues to reflect fondly on his cameo, once calling it “the luckiest improvisation of my life.”

Cindy Pickett & Lyman Ward (Ferris’ Parents)

Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward portrayed Ferris’s well-meaning yet blissfully oblivious parents, Katie and Tom Bueller. Their on-screen chemistry was authentic — the two actors met on the set of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and married shortly after the film’s release in 1986.

Pickett, known for her work in soap operas like Guiding Light and Call to Glory, brought warmth and poise to the role of Ferris’s mother. Ward, a Canadian-American actor, played the earnest but distracted father with an understated humor that perfectly balanced the film’s teen energy. The couple had two children during their marriage and continued to act in film and television through the late 1980s and 1990s. Pickett appeared in projects such as Sleepwalkers (1992) and St. Elsewhere, while Ward made guest appearances in The Wonder Years and Independence Day (1996).

Their real-life marriage ended in divorce in 1992, but their portrayal as Ferris’s parents remains one of the film’s most enduring aspects. Fans continue to praise their believable warmth and natural chemistry, which gave the Bueller household a sense of familiarity and affection that contrasted beautifully with Ferris’s rebellious spirit.

Other Notable Cast Members

Charlie Sheen (Boy in Police Station)

Charlie Sheen’s cameo in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) as the “Boy in Police Station” remains one of the film’s most recognizable minor roles. His brief appearance, where he delivers the now-famous line “Your problem is you,” came just before his breakout year in Hollywood. Sheen’s character originally had a backstory in the script under the name “Garth Volbeck,” but those scenes were cut from the final film.

Soon after Ferris Bueller, Sheen achieved mainstream success with Platoon (1986) and Wall Street (1987), solidifying himself as a leading man of the late 1980s. He went on to star in comedies such as Major League (1989) and Hot Shots! (1991), before transitioning to television with the long-running CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men (2003–2011).

In recent years, Sheen has focused on sobriety and personal stability. In a 2025 interview with ABC News, he revealed that he quit drinking in 2017 and has remained sober ever since, crediting his children and renewed sense of discipline for keeping him on track. The two-part Netflix documentary AKA Charlie Sheen (directed by Andrew Renzi) premiered in September 2025 and chronicles his rise, fall, and recovery journey. In it, Sheen reflects on his past addictions and public controversies, noting that he now has over seven years of sobriety and aims to rebuild his personal and professional life with honesty and accountability, as also reported by People and Consequence.

Richard Edson (Garage Attendant)

Richard Edson appeared as one of the two valet attendants who famously take Cameron’s father’s Ferrari on a joyride in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)—a sequence that became one of the film’s most iconic scenes. Before turning to acting, Edson was the original drummer for the experimental rock band Sonic Youth (1981–1982) and later performed with the group Konk, blending his music and artistic pursuits.

After Ferris Bueller, Edson continued acting in acclaimed films such as Do the Right Thing (1989) and Super Mario Bros. (1993), and appeared in numerous independent productions and television series. In addition to his acting career, he has remained active as a photographer and musician, maintaining a low-profile creative life across both film and art communities.

In 2023, Paramount Pictures announced development of Sam & Victor’s Day Off, a spin-off centered on the two garage attendants inspired by Edson’s and Larry “Flash” Jenkins’s characters. Though Edson is not directly involved, his role continues to resonate as part of the enduring Ferris Bueller legacy.

Larry “Flash” Jenkins (Garage Attendant #2)

Larry “Flash” Jenkins co-starred as one of the two garage attendants who take Cameron’s father’s Ferrari for a joyride in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986). Beyond acting, Jenkins was also a writer, producer, and director. He appeared in a number of popular television shows such as The White Shadow, Bay City Blues, and Finder of Lost Loves before turning his focus to filmmaking.

Jenkins later founded Flashworks Productions and Gold Coast Productions, where he produced and directed faith-based and family-oriented films, including Marriage Vows (2013) and Don’t Touch If You Ain’t Prayed (2014). His work reflected a consistent focus on moral storytelling and uplifting themes.

He passed away from a heart attack in Los Angeles on April 25, 2019, at age 63, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Jenkins’s contributions to acting and independent filmmaking remain appreciated, and his brief but memorable role in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off continues to be a beloved part of the film’s legacy.

Kristy Swanson (Simone Adamley)

Kristy Swanson appeared as Simone Adamley, the student who announces over the school PA that “he’s sick” during attendance in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986). Her appearance marked one of her earliest credited film roles. Swanson went on to establish herself as a recognizable face of early 1990s cinema, starring as Buffy Summers in the feature film Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) and appearing in movies such as Hot Shots! (1991) and The Phantom (1996). She has also appeared in a number of television projects and made-for-TV movies throughout the 2000s and 2010s.

As of 2025, Swanson remains active in film and television, often working in independent and family-oriented productions. Her participation in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off continues to be noted as a key early milestone in her acting career.

Del Close (English Teacher)

Del Close, a pioneering figure in Chicago’s improvisational comedy scene, appeared in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) as the weary English teacher. Beyond his small role in the film, Close was one of the most influential comedy mentors in the United States. He helped establish the modern form of long-form improvisation known as the “Harold” and co-founded the iO (ImprovOlympic) Theatre with Charna Halpern in Chicago.

Throughout his career, Close taught and mentored generations of comedians at The Second City and iO, including Bill Murray, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mike Myers. His teaching philosophy emphasized trust, ensemble work, and honesty in performance — principles that shaped the direction of American sketch comedy.

Close passed away in Chicago on March 4, 1999, at age 64. His influence continues through the annual Del Close Marathon, hosted by the Upright Citizens Brigade, celebrating the art of improv and his legacy in shaping modern comedy.

Ed Lauter (Coach)

Ed Lauter made a brief appearance in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) as the school’s athletic coach. Known for his tall stature and authoritative screen presence, Lauter built a prolific career as a character actor over more than four decades, appearing in over 200 films and television shows.

His notable roles include The Longest Yard (1974), Family Plot (1976), Born on the Fourth of July (1989), and The Artist (2011). Lauter frequently portrayed military officers, lawmen, and coaches, earning a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most reliable supporting actors. He continued to work steadily in both television and film until his passing.

Lauter died from mesothelioma in Los Angeles on October 16, 2013, at age 74. His final performances were released posthumously, including The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014), cementing his legacy as a versatile and respected performer.

The Film’s Legacy and Future

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off remains one of the defining comedies of the 1980s. It has inspired countless homages, memes, and even a spin-off film titled Sam & Victor’s Day Off, currently in development, focusing on the two valets who took Cameron’s dad’s Ferrari for a joyride.