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The Cast of ‘Sixteen Candles’ Has Changed a Lot Since 1984 Premiere: See Then and Now Photos

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Updated on: Jun 12, 2024 2:38 pm·

By Samantha Faragalli and bshilliday

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Where did the time go? John Hughes’ iconic film Sixteen Candles premiered in May 1984, making Molly Ringwald a huge star. The movie is still a classic 40 years later, as new generations have discovered teen angst comedy thanks to streaming services. Fans are wondering where Molly and her castmates, including Michael Schoeffling, Anthony Michael Hall and more are today, as well as how much they’ve changed in then and now photos.

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The Cast of ‘Sixteen Candles’ Has Changed a Lot in Then and Now Photos

Molly Ringwald (Samantha “Sam” Baker)

In addition to Sixteen Candles, this Brat Pack icon’s film credits include Tempest — which earned her a Golden Globe nomination — The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink. Most recently, the actress starred in the drama Jem and the Holograms, the ABC Family series The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Raising Expectations, Riverdale and Netflix’s The Kissing Booth trilogy.

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Michael Schoeffling (Jake Ryan)

After playing heartthrob Jake, Michael starred on the TV show The Hitchhiker and in movies Vision Quest, Sylvester, Let’s Get Harry and Mermaids. His final film role was in 1991’s Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken. Today, the rarely photographed star — his “now” picture above is from Wild Hearts — owns a woodworking shop in Pennsylvania and is married with two children.

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Anthony Michael Hall (Ted, aka “Farmer Ted”)

Anthony’s film career includes roles in Edward Scissorhands, Six Degrees of Separation, Weird Science and The Breakfast Club. From 2002 to 2007, the actor appeared in a leading role on the popular TV series The Dead Zone and has worked steadily in guest parts in numerous other projects since. His most recent roles included a five-episode stint on Bosch: Legacy in 2023 and the 2024 film Air Force One Down.

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Gedde Watanabe (Long Duk Dong)

Throughout his nearly 40-year career, Gedde Watanabe has appeared in more than 30 films! He’s most known for his roles in Gremlins 2: The New Batch, That Thing You Do, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and for voicing Ling in Disney’s Mulan movies. Plus, he starred on ER from 1997 to 2003 as Nurse Yosh Takata. More recently, Gedde appeared in Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls from 2021 through 2022, and did voice work on Netflix’s 2023 animated series Blue Eye Samurai and the 2024 animated film Kung Fu Panda 4.

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Blanche Baker (Ginny Baker)

After stealing the spotlight from birthday girl Sam in Sixteen Candles, Blanche Baker starred in movies Raw Deal, Livin’ Large, The Girl Next Door, and Hypothermia. The mom-of-four also found success on Broadway — appearing in the original production of Lolita — and won an Emmy for her role in the 1979 miniseries Holocaust. Blanche appeared in the 2021 thriller Alice Fades Away and the 2023 short film Perception.

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Justin Henry (Mike Baker)

Justin is most known for being the youngest actor to ever receive an Oscar nomination — thanks to an outstanding role in the 1979 film Kramer vs. Kramer — and for starring in movies Martin’s Day, Double Negative, and Lost. He went on to appear in The Junior Defenders, My Own Worst Enemy, Brothers & Sisters and Reaper. Justin left acting to work in the tech field in the mid-2010’s. As of 2024, he was a strategic account manager at the computer software company Telestream in suburban Los Angeles, according to his LinkedIn page.

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Paul Dooley (Jim Baker)

Paul is an actor, writer and comedian most recognized for his film roles in Popeye, Raggedy Ann and Andy: A Musical Adventure and Breaking Away, as well as voicing Sarge in the Disney/Pixar Cars series. The father-of-four, 93, has also appeared on popular TV shows Bewitched, The Wonder Years, The Golden Girls, Desperate Housewives, The Practice and The Kids Are Alright. Paul turned 96 in February 2024, and starred in the 2023 festival circuit film Boy Makes Girl.

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Carlin Glynn (Brenda Baker)

Carlin appeared in several TV shows and movies throughout the 1990s and early 2000s before retiring in 2006. She previously won a Tony Award for an epic performance in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Carlin died on July 13, 2023, at the age of 83 following a battle with lung cancer.

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Carole Cook (Grandma Helen)

Carole was the last surviving actor who played one of Sam’s four grandparents in Sixteen Candles. She starred in movies including The Incredible Mr. Limpet, American Gigolo, Lost & Found and Home on the Range. She gained fame on The Lucy Show from 1963 through1968 and Here’s Lucy from 1969 through 1974. Carole died from heart failure at the age of 98 on January 11, 2023.

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The End!

No go rewatch this gem!

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