Where Are They Now? The Stars of 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' Revisited
Nearly four decades after its iconic 1986 release, we trace the remarkable careers of the cast members who brought Ferris Bueller's Day Off to life.
Where Are They Now? Catching Up With the Cast of Ferris Bueller's Day Off
When Ferris Bueller's Day Off hit theaters on June 11, 1986, it instantly became a cultural touchstone. Decades later, the film's beloved cast members have gone on to build impressive — and sometimes surprising — careers. Here's a look at what they've been up to since that unforgettable day off.
Matthew Broderick: From Teen Icon to Broadway Legend
Early Breakthrough and the Role That Defined a Generation
Long before he played the charming, rule-bending Ferris Bueller, a fresh-faced Matthew Broderick was already making waves in Hollywood. His breakout came with the 1983 cyber-thriller WarGames, in which he portrayed a teenage student who accidentally infiltrates a military computer system while attempting to hack into a video game — nearly triggering a nuclear catastrophe in the process. That same year, he made history on Broadway, becoming the youngest actor ever to take home a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in Brighton Beach Memoirs.
Ferris Bueller cemented Broderick's status as one of Hollywood's most likable leading men. His portrayal of the ultimate lovable slacker — outsmarting his relentless principal (played by Jeffrey Jones) and sparring with his sharp-tongued sister (Jennifer Grey) — resonated with audiences across generations.
Personal Tragedy and a Life Rebuilt
In 1987, Broderick and Grey — who were romantically involved at the time — were involved in a devastating car accident during a vacation in Northern Ireland. The collision claimed the lives of two people in the other vehicle, while both actors sustained injuries. Broderick, who was behind the wheel, has rarely spoken publicly about the incident over the years, though he has expressed deep remorse when he has addressed it. The relationship ended shortly after the tragedy.
Broderick later found lasting love with actress Sarah Jessica Parker, whom he married in 1997. The couple have three children together and most recently shared the Broadway stage in Neil Simon's Plaza Suite in 2022.
A Career That Refused to Slow Down
Following Ferris Bueller, Broderick maintained a strong presence in both film and theater. He starred opposite Helen Hunt in Project X (1987), a drama centered on a controversial Air Force experiment involving chimpanzees, before stepping into military boots for Biloxi Blues (1988) — a role he had already mastered on the Broadway stage. He continued his on-screen military service in the critically acclaimed Glory (1989), portraying the commanding officer of a Black Union Army regiment during the Civil War, alongside Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman.
In 1993, he earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the television film A Life in the Theatre, sharing the screen with the legendary Jack Lemmon.
Animated Royalty, Cult Classics, and Comedy Gold
Broderick lent his voice to one of Disney's most beloved characters, bringing adult Simba to life in The Lion King (1994). Two years later, he played the hapless victim of Jim Carrey's obsessive cable technician in The Cable Guy (1996). Perhaps one of his most cleverly cast roles came in Alexander Payne's sharp satire Election (1999), where the man once famous for playing a slacking student was cast as the frustrated high school teacher tormented by Reese Witherspoon's overachieving Tracy Flick. That same year, he took on the lead role in the live-action Inspector Gadget.
Broadway Triumphs and Continued Film Work
Broderick's love affair with Broadway never waned. He claimed his second Tony Award in 1995 for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. He then teamed up with Nathan Lane for the smash-hit musical The Producers in 2001, later reprising his role in the 2005 film adaptation — a story about two scheming showbiz insiders who attempt to profit from a guaranteed Broadway disaster.
His film credits from this era also include The Stepford Wives (2004), in which he played the husband of Nicole Kidman's character, as well as The Tale of Despereaux (2008), Tower Heist (2011), Manchester by the Sea (2016), and Painkiller (2023).
On the small screen, Broderick has made memorable appearances on Modern Family, 30 Rock, The Conners, Only Murders in the Building, and Elsbeth, proving that his appeal spans every format and generation.
