Jon Cryer, Molly Ringwald & Other 'Pretty in Pink' Cast Members 34 Years after Movie Premiere

“Pretty in Pink” became a cult classic that gave viewers a nostalgic feel to their high school days where cliques and couples filled the hallways.

Nearly 34 years ago, the teen romantic comedy film “Pretty in Pink” made its way to the big screen and stole the hearts of many moviegoers.

The ending of the film took everyone by surprise, but director Howard Deutch believes that it was a good choice to deviate from the cliche finale everyone expected. He said:

“The whole idea that Duckie doesn’t end up with Molly -- which is [what] the whole original script was built towards -- was kind of a surprise to all of us.”

Although the audience didn’t get the right guess about who ends up with who, the film’s stellar cast still got the applause they deserved. Here’s a look at the cast members after the movie took the theaters.

JON CRYER

Duckie didn’t get the ending he deserved in the film, and the real-life actor who played him didn’t either. After “Pretty in Pink,” Jon Cryer’s succeeding sitcoms, “The Famous Teddy Z,” “Partners,” and “The Trouble With Normal” all got canceled after one season.

Jon Cryer arrives at the first TV Guide Primetime Emmy Party. | Source: Getty Images

Luckily, things turned around for the actor’s career who starred in the hit series “Two and a Half Men,” which reached 12 seasons in 2015. He later landed a significant role in the show “Supergirl.”

In 2000, Cryer married Sarah Trigger and had a son, Charlie Austin. Sadly, their marriage ended in divorce, and in 2007, he tied the knot with Lisa Joyner and adopted a daughter, Daisy.

Jon Cryer arrives at the CBS, Paramount, UPN, Showtime, King World TCA Party. | Source: Getty Images

MOLLY RINGWALD

At the early age of three, Molly Ringwald already discovered her talent for acting. Hence, she started taking part in community theater productions.

Her career flourished well with a Golden Globe nomination for her role as Miranda in “Tempest,” at the age of 13.

Molly Ringwald in Greece, 2010. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

The actress’ acting credentials paved the way for her to take on bigger roles in hit ‘80s films, including “Sixteen Candles” and “The Breakfast Club.”

Ringwald later went international and starred in foreign films like “Tous Les Jours Dimanche” and “Enfants de Salaud,” before returning to America to star in the notable comedy “Townies,” “The Stand,” and “Allison Gertz Story.”

Molly Ringwald at the LA Festival of Books. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

Apart from acting, Ringwald penned two books, released an album, and recently starred in “The Secret life of the American Teenager” and “Riverdale.”

ANDREW MCCARTHY

Andrew McCarthy started his career as an actor but also succeeded as a travel writer and director. His most notable films include “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “Less than Zero,” “Weekend at Bernie’s,” and “Mannequin.”

Andrew McCarthy at Tribeca Film Festival 2010. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

McCarthy has also won awards as a writer and is the editor-at-large of the National Geographic Traveler. His other articles appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, and many others.

JAMES SPADER

James Spader, an accomplished actor, won three Emmy Awards for “The Practice” and “Boston Legal,” and two Golden Globe nominations for “Blacklist.”

James Spader speaking at the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con International. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

In 1987, Spader tied the knot with Victoria Kheel and had two children, Sebastian and Elijah. Sadly, the couple separated in 2004.

The actor later dated Leslie Stefanson, whom he shares a child, Nataniel, with. The two have remained in a private relationship since.

James Spader, 2016. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

HARRY DEAN STANTON

Already a veteran actor before “Pretty in Pink,” Harry Dean Stanton continued his successful career in the industry long after.

He starred in “Wild at Heart” and “Twin Peaks” and appeared in “Two and a Half Men,” “Big Love,” and “Avengers” in 2012.

Harry Dean Stanton, 2006. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

After decades in the industry and a long list of credited roles, Stanton passed away in 2017, at the age of 91.

ANNIE POTTS

Annie Potts had several interesting on-screen characters, including M.E. Simd from “Any Day Now,” Mary Jo Shively from “Designing Women,” and Janine Melnits from “Ghostbusters II.

Annie Potts at the Governor's Ball following the 41st Annual Emmy Awards. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

She later voiced-over the fictional character Bo Beep in all the “Toy Story” films and made guest appearances in “The Fosters” and “Chicago Med.”

KATE VERNON

After “Pretty in Pink,” Kate Vernon had several projects lined up, including appearances in the shows “Murder,” “She Wrote,” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.”

Kate Vernon, 2011. | Source: Wikimedia Commons

She also appeared in “The Last Song,” “Snatched,” “Heroes,” “Bones,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “The Mentalist,” “Saving Grace,” and “Battlestar Galactica.”

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