🎬 Where Are They Now? The Cast of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – Then & Now

 “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

– Ferris Bueller, 1986

If you grew up in the '80s or just love iconic teen comedies, chances are Ferris Bueller's Day Off holds a special place in your heart. The film, directed by John Hughes, debuted in 1986 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, defining what it meant to be carefree, clever, and young. But what happened to the cast that brought this unforgettable movie to life?

More than 35 years later, we’re diving into the lives of the stars who played Ferris, Cameron, Sloane, and the rest of the crew. Let’s take a nostalgic stroll—and maybe even a little skip—down memory lane. ✨

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🎭 Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller)

Then:
The charismatic and rebellious teen who outsmarted everyone—from his school principal to his own parents. Ferris was every student’s daydream come true.

Now:
Matthew Broderick transitioned from teen sensation to a well-respected stage and film actor. While his voice work in The Lion King as adult Simba made waves, his role in the Broadway hit The Producers cemented him as a Broadway legend. Broderick is also known for his long-time marriage to Sarah Jessica Parker, forming one of Hollywood’s more low-key power couples.

📣 Did you know? He earned two Tony Awards and continues to perform in New York theatre productions.

Question for you:
Have you ever faked a sick day just to enjoy life like Ferris did? Be honest—we won’t tell! 😄

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🧠 Alan Ruck (Cameron Frye)

Then:
Cameron, Ferris’s hypochondriac best friend, gave us one of the most emotional and surprisingly deep performances in the film. His scenes with the Ferrari are unforgettable!

Now:
Alan Ruck has enjoyed a long, consistent career in television and film. Most recently, he played Connor Roy in the critically acclaimed HBO series Succession. His roles in Spin City and Speed showed his versatility as both a dramatic and comedic actor.

🎥 Fun fact: Ruck was actually 29 years old when he played Cameron, a high school senior!

Poll:
Which Cameron moment was more iconic?
🔘 Destroying the Ferrari
🔘 “I'm dying.” scene in bed
🔘 His emotional breakdown in the garage

Vote in the comments!

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💖 Mia Sara (Sloane Peterson)

Then:
The effortlessly cool girlfriend every teen boy wanted. Sloane was elegant, loyal, and smart—an excellent counterbalance to Ferris’s chaotic energy.

Now:
After roles in Legend (with Tom Cruise) and a few other projects, Mia Sara stepped back from acting to focus on her family and other creative pursuits. She's kept a relatively low profile but is still adored by fans of 80s cinema.

🌟 Did you spot her in any indie films recently? She made low-key returns in independent productions, earning praise for her subtle and mature performances.

Prompt:
What do you think Sloane and Ferris would be doing today? Are they still together? Share your headcanon in the comments!

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💃 Jennifer Grey (Jeanie Bueller)

Then:
Ferris’s high-strung sister, Jeanie, was determined to catch him in the act. She might have been the "antagonist" in Ferris's world, but her own arc was hilariously satisfying.

Now:
Jennifer Grey truly became a household name after her breakout role in Dirty Dancing. Though she faced challenges in her career after a controversial nose surgery that drastically changed her appearance, Grey bounced back by winning Dancing with the Stars and even appearing in Grey’s Anatomy.

📺 Coming soon: She's also developing a Dirty Dancing sequel!

Question for readers:
Did you root for Jeanie or Ferris more? Sibling rivalry is real—let’s hear your take!

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👩‍🏫 Edie McClurg (Grace, the secretary)

Then:
Who could forget the perky and loyal school secretary, Grace? Her quirky facial expressions and loyalty to Principal Rooney made her a scene-stealer.

Now:
Edie McClurg became one of the most recognized character actresses in Hollywood. Her voice work in animated films and continued TV appearances have kept her presence alive in the industry.

🎙 Voice credits include: The Little Mermaid, Frozen, and Cars. She’s the queen of supporting roles!

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👨‍👩‍👦 Cindy Pickett & Lyman Ward (Mr. and Mrs. Bueller)

Then:
Ferris's clueless but loving parents—totally unaware of his mischievous day off.

Now:
Interestingly, the on-screen couple actually got married after the film but later divorced. Both Pickett and Ward have continued to act in various film and television roles, often playing parental characters.

💡 Did you know? They starred together again in the 1992 horror film Sleepwalkers.

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👮 Charlie Sheen (Boy in the Police Station)

Then:
Charlie Sheen had a tiny role as the rebellious guy Jeanie meets at the police station—and it was electric.

Now:
Sheen went on to star in major films like Platoon ad Wall Street, and later in the hit sitcom Two and a Half Men. Despite a turbulent personal life and career setbacks, his role in Ferris Bueller remains a cult favorite.

🤔 Flashback: Sheen stayed awake for 48 hours to look convincingly messed up in that scene.

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🧓 Jeffrey Jones (Principal Ed Rooney)

Then:
The determined (and somewhat creepy) principal who spent the whole movie trying to catch Ferris skipping school.

Now:
Jones had a successful career in the '80s and '90s, appearing in Beetlejuice, Amadeus, and Deadwood. However, legal controversies later tarnished his reputation.

⚠️ While his role in Ferris Bueller remains iconic, his legacy is complicated due to off-screen issues.

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🗣 Final Thoughts

It's been decades since Ferris Bueller’s Day Off hit theaters, but the film—and its cast—still resonate with audiences across generations. From unforgettable quotes to life lessons about spontaneity and friendship, the movie has more than earned its cult status.

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🎉 Your Turn! Join the Conversation:

1. Which character did you relate to the most—Ferris, Cameron, Sloane, or Jeanie?

2. Would Ferris’s epic day off be possible in today's world of social media and GPS tracking?

3. If the cast reunited for a sequel, what should it be called?

💬 Drop your answers in the comments! Let’s get nostalgic together.