logo
 youtube.com/Movieclips Classic Trailers
youtube.com/Movieclips Classic Trailers

Edward Furlong Who Played John Connor 28 Years Ago in 'Terminator 2' Is Now 42 and Has Gone through Tough Times

Ra'eesah Manack
By Ra'eesah Manack
Dec 20, 2019
09:42 A.M.

Actor Edward Furlong broke onto the scene at just 12-years old. In 1991, he was on the brink of stardom when he landed a role in "Terminator 2: Judgement Day."

Advertisement

Furlong delivered a soulful portrayal of John Connor in "Terminator 2." Much like his character, Furlong was destined to defy the odds and achieve greatness.

However, his childhood was pretty rough and he grew up without a father. His mother lost control of him and he was then raised by his aunt and uncle who sued for custody.

Edward Furlong attends the New Jersey Horror Con 2019 at Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City | Getty Images

Edward Furlong attends the New Jersey Horror Con 2019 at Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City | Getty Images

Edward Furlong later sued them for his emancipation and won. He had decided to sue because he was in a relationship with a 29-year old on-set tutor during the filming of "Terminator 2: Judgement Day." At the time he was only 15.

Advertisement

She eventually became his manager but did not make a meaningful contribution to his career. After "Terminator 2" Furlong starred in a number of critical and commercial failures.

Actor Edward Furlong attends 2019 Wizard World Comic Con at Pennsylvania Convention Center  | Getty Images

Actor Edward Furlong attends 2019 Wizard World Comic Con at Pennsylvania Convention Center | Getty Images

Furlong and his manager later got engaged but later split up both personally and professionally. In 1999, she sued him for money owed to her for acting as his manager and made some damaging claims against him.

Actor Edward Furlong waves to the crowd during a Q&A at Horrorhound Weekend | Getty Images

Actor Edward Furlong waves to the crowd during a Q&A at Horrorhound Weekend | Getty Images

Advertisement

In 1997, he seemed to turn it all around. He landed a role in "American History X" and even bagged a nomination for Young Artist Award for his role.

He then went on to act in another successful role in "Detroit Rock City." Following the film, he ended up dating his co-star Natasha Lyonne who nows acts in "Orange Is The New Black."

Actor Edward Furlong participates in The Hollywood Show held at Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center | Getty Images

Actor Edward Furlong participates in The Hollywood Show held at Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center | Getty Images

Unfortunately, he spiraled downward again. Furlong struggled to land acting work after the film and began acting in direct-to-DVD films.

Advertisement

To add insult to injury, his struggle with his addictions prevented him from being recast as John Connor in the 2002 follow-up to "Terminator 2: Judgement Day." Instead, Nick Stahl landed the role.

Actor Edward Furlong arrives at Columbia Pictures' 'The Green Hornet' premiere at Graumans Chinese Theatre  | Getty Images

Actor Edward Furlong arrives at Columbia Pictures' 'The Green Hornet' premiere at Graumans Chinese Theatre | Getty Images

His addictions also contributed to him being arrested several times throughout the 2000s. He also faced various driving offenses and the star publicly revealed in court that he was completely broke.

Eventually, in 2001, the actor spent a month at Promises Malibu, a $1,000-a-day rehab center in Malibu, California to attempt to recover from his addictions.

Advertisement
Actor Edward Furlong arrives at the Primetime Pictures World Premiere Screening of "Cruel World"  | Getty Images

Actor Edward Furlong arrives at the Primetime Pictures World Premiere Screening of "Cruel World" | Getty Images

In 2006, he married actress Rachael Bella who he met on the set of the independent film "Jimmy and Judy." They welcomed their son, Ethan Page Furlong into the world on September 21, 2006.

The little boy weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. However, just three years later, in 2009, the pair divorced. Furlong only starred in one film in 2015. Despite his trouble, Furlong is still credited for his talent. One director described him saying:

"He’s a very unpredictable and a brilliant actor when he wants to."

Advertisement
Actor Edward Furlong attends 2019 Wizard World Comic Con at Pennsylvania Convention Center | Getty Images

Actor Edward Furlong attends 2019 Wizard World Comic Con at Pennsylvania Convention Center | Getty Images

According to reports, Edward Furlong is set to return to the Terminator franchise for the first time in 28 years for "Terminator: Dark Fate."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

He Was the Ultimate '80s Hollywood Alpha, but His Messy Split Took an Unexpected Turn – Here Is What He Looks Like at 71

July 22, 2026

'The Sopranos' Star Vincent Pastore Had Plans in the Works and Celebrated His 80th Birthday Just Weeks Before His Passing – What His Friend Had to Say

August 03, 2026

Body Language Expert Reveals Why Prince Edward Is the Double of His Father Prince Philip: From His Stance to His Personality – Compare the Photos

April 22, 2026

'Days of Our Lives' Star Passed Away at 57 – Fans Share Memories of the Beloved '90s TV Icon's Career

April 20, 2026

Famous Actor's Son Becomes New Heartthrob After Role Reveal — Photos

May 27, 2026

This Legendary '80s Heartthrob Became a Sensation Thanks to His Iconic Hairstyle – Who Is He

May 14, 2026

CNN Founder and Media Legend Ted Turner Passes Away at 87 – Fans Remember His Extraordinary Legacy

May 07, 2026

Richard Gere, 76, and Diana Silvers, 28, Share an On-Set Moment in 'Asymmetry' That Has Stunned Fans — Photos

July 15, 2026

'The Sopranos' Cast Then and Now: Where Tony, Carmela, and the Famiglia Are Today — Photos

August 03, 2026

Daveigh Chase's Life in Photos: From Child Star to Her Final Appearances – Photos

June 18, 2026

Australian Police Confirm Investigation Into Katy Perry Following Ruby Rose's Public Allegations

April 15, 2026