The boys at Welton Academy, and their teacher, seized the day on June 9, 1989.
2 of 9
Robin Williams
After Mr. Keating, Robin, 62, got into a rhythm between stand-up, film and TV — picking up an Oscar for Good Will Hunting, and Emmy nod for Law & Order: SVU and another shot at a sitcom in the short-lived The Crazy Ones.
3 of 9
Robert Sean Leonard
Since the tragic Neil, the 45-year-old's roles have been an ode to consistency, from films like The Last Days of Disco to a Tony-winning turn on Broadway and his memorable run on House.
4 of 9
Ethan Hawke
Following stand-up guy Todd, Ethan, 43, became well-versed in starring roles, from Reality Bites to Before Sunrise, Hamlet, Training Day and The Purge.
5 of 9
Josh Charles
Romantic Knox blindly pursued his love, and Josh, 42, went on to pursue intense roles in Sports Night and The Good Wife.
6 of 9
Gale Hansen
Subsequent to beatnik Charlie, Gale, 44, didn't howl out for more attention, becoming a VP for the film company Relativity Media.
7 of 9
Dylan Kussman
Following fink Richard, Dylan, 43, got many a guest part but took the road less traveled by moving to Chattanooga, Tenn. to create his online drama The Steps and to work in theater. "I'm inspired being here," he says.
8 of 9
Allelon Ruggiero
Playing the geeky Steven was just the first stanza in the 43-year-old's profession, as he went on to study film at University of the Arts then direct his own short flicks.
9 of 9
James Waterston
Gerard was to follow in father's footsteps — which was the perfect narrative for James, 45, who followed dad Sam (Law & Order) into acting, particularly off-Broadway.