Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Cast: Then and Now — Nearly 40 Years Later
From teen icons to stage stars and sitcom legends, here’s what happened to the unforgettable cast of the 1986 classic
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
And just like that, it’s been almost 40 years since Ferris Bueller’s Day Off hit theaters on June 11, 1986, redefining what it meant to play hooky — and giving us one of the most iconic teen films of all time.
Directed by John Hughes, the film captured the spirit of youth, rebellion, and living in the moment. It starred Matthew Broderick as the charming high school slacker Ferris Bueller, alongside a memorable cast that included Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey, and more.
So, where are the stars of this beloved classic today? What happened after the credits rolled and the school bell rang? Let’s take a walk down memory lane and catch up with the cast of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off — then and now.
Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller)
Then:
Matthew Broderick was already a rising star when he played Ferris — the quick-witted teen who takes “playing hooky” to a whole new level. His performance as the effortlessly cool and endlessly clever high school senior made him a generation-defining figure.
Just a few years before Ferris Bueller, Broderick made waves in 1983’s WarGames, where he nearly starts World War III by hacking into a military computer. That same year, he became the youngest actor ever to win a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play (Brighton Beach Memoirs).
Now:
In the decades since, Broderick has continued to act on both screen and stage. He starred in films like The Producers, Election, and Manchester by the Sea, and has become a regular on Broadway.
In 1997, he married Sarah Jessica Parker, and the couple now share three children. The pair also starred together in the 2022 Broadway revival of Plaza Suite.
Broderick has largely avoided the celebrity spotlight but remains one of the most respected stage actors in the industry.
Alan Ruck (Cameron Frye)
Then:
As Ferris’ hypochondriac best friend Cameron, Alan Ruck delivered some of the film’s most emotional — and funniest — moments. From his reluctant rebellion to the famous Ferrari crash, Cameron’s arc was a fan favorite.
Ruck was actually 29 years old when he played the high school senior, making him one of the oldest “teens” in the cast.
Now:
Alan Ruck has had a steady and successful career in television and film. He’s best known in recent years for his role as Connor Roy in the critically acclaimed HBO series Succession, where he played the eccentric and power-hungry eldest Roy sibling.
He’s also had recurring roles in shows like Spin City, The Exorcist, and FreakyLinks, and appeared in movies like Speed and Cheaper by the Dozen.
Now in his late 60s, Ruck continues to be a fan favorite with a cult following across generations.
Mia Sara (Sloane Peterson)
Then:
As Ferris’ effortlessly cool girlfriend Sloane, Mia Sara captured the hearts of audiences with her calm presence, killer style, and that perfect ‘80s hair. Her chemistry with Broderick made her one of the most iconic teen girlfriends in movie history.
Now:
Mia Sara went on to star in several films, including Legend opposite Tom Cruise and Timecop with Jean-Claude Van Damme. However, in the early 2000s, she stepped away from Hollywood to focus on family and writing.
Sara is married to Brian Henson (son of Jim Henson of The Muppets fame), and they have two children together. She now lives a quiet, private life away from the spotlight, occasionally publishing poetry and essays.
Jennifer Grey (Jeanie Bueller)
Then:
Jennifer Grey played Ferris’ jealous, frustrated sister Jeanie — the one person who wasn’t charmed by Ferris’ antics. Her performance was both hilarious and relatable, offering a sibling’s eye view of Ferris’ chaotic day off.
Just one year later, she starred in Dirty Dancing, opposite Patrick Swayze — and became a household name.
Now:
Jennifer Grey’s career was briefly derailed by a serious car accident in 1987 while vacationing in Northern Ireland with then-boyfriend Matthew Broderick. The crash tragically killed two people in another car and left both actors injured. Grey has spoken openly about how the trauma affected her emotionally and professionally.
In the 2000s, Grey underwent a highly publicized nose job that left her “unrecognizable” — a change she’s said made her feel like she lost her Hollywood identity.
She later made a comeback, winning Dancing with the Stars in 2010, and has since appeared in several TV shows and films. As of 2025, she’s working on a Dirty Dancing sequel, returning as Frances “Baby” Houseman.
Jeffrey Jones (Principal Ed Rooney)
Then:
As the bumbling and determined Principal Rooney, Jeffrey Jones served as the movie’s comedic antagonist, obsessed with busting Ferris. His slapstick performance became iconic, full of physical comedy and classic one-liners.
Now:
Jones continued acting through the ‘90s, appearing in Beetlejuice, Deadwood, and Amadeus. However, his career took a hit after legal troubles in the early 2000s, including charges related to inappropriate material and failing to register as a sex offender. As a result, his public image suffered, and he’s largely retreated from the spotlight.
Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward (Ferris’ Parents)
Then:
Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward played Ferris’ gullible parents, who were hilariously blind to their son’s antics.
Now:
The two actors actually fell in love on the set of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and got married shortly after filming. They had two children together before divorcing in 1992.
Pickett went on to appear in various TV series including Guiding Light, St. Elsewhere, and Burn Notice. Ward continued working steadily in film and TV with roles in Independence Day and Sleepwalkers.
Edie McClurg (Grace, the Secretary)
Then:
As Principal Rooney’s quirky and lovable secretary, Edie McClurg delivered some of the film’s best comedic lines, like her iconic: “They all adore him. They think he’s a righteous dude.”
Now:
McClurg became a beloved character actress, known for roles in Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, and A River Runs Through It. She also lent her voice to numerous animated films like The Little Mermaid and Frozen.
In recent years, she has reportedly faced health challenges related to dementia, and her family has taken steps to ensure her care.
Final Thoughts: A Timeless Classic That Keeps Giving
Nearly four decades later, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off remains a timeless, feel-good movie that continues to inspire generations. Whether it’s skipping school to seize the day or singing in a parade just because you can, the film’s message still rings true:
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
And now that you know where the cast is today, you might want to stop, look around… and maybe rewatch the movie that made us all want to take a day off.
