'Scrooged's Karen Allen Gave up Career for Son: Her Co-star's Lives Have Changed since Film Release

• This year, the Christmas film 'Scrooged' turns 34!

• The lives of the main actors have changed a lot.

The Christmas classic, "Scrooged," was released 34 years ago. The adaptation of the book "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens featured a cast that would go on to become even more beloved and respected by fellow actors and fans alike.

With greats like Bill Murray, Carol Kane, Alfre Woodard, and David Johansen as the main cast, it's easy to understand why fans still rewatch it to get in the Christmas spirit.

The actress who played the main character's love interest, Karen Allen, once said the main story of the film had been told before, but "Scrooged" had a "wonderful irreverence" to it. She added:

"It hits a little edge of being different than any other holiday film yet it still has the right spirit. And Bill Murray just gives a wonderful performance."

The story has been adapted so often that its basic plot has become a popular trope in Christmas storytelling to ridicule characters that despise the holiday. But what set "Scrooged" apart from other films was its humorous take on the traditional narrative.

What's Going On with Karen Allen?

Although Allen has a number of famous films to her name, her fellow cast members in "Scrooged" made much more waves among the acting community after the movie than she did. At one point, she simply seemed to drop off the map.

She may have starred as Indiana Jones' romantic interest throughout the franchise and a slew of other classics, but she disappeared just when her career seemed to peak. She explained her long absence from the big screen:

"I came to having to make some very tough decisions at a certain point in my life that had really to do with my son ... When you have a child, you can't pull him in and out of school all the time."

The actress elaborated that she felt it would be best for her and her son to have a stable life in the countryside. They moved away from the city, where she would have easier access to significant roles, and put her career on hold.

Even the role of the lead character's assistant in "Scrooged" was portrayed by an award-winning actress.

Instead, she started a successful textile company to pass the time and ensure her financial security. After her son left the house, she decided to move back to New York and try her hand at a few small movies, which is where her fascination with indie films started.

For a while, she preferred minor, conceptual pieces mainly screened at arthouse and indie film festivals. That said, she has been making a comeback, although she developed a taste for directing as well.

What Happened to Other "Scrooged" Actors after 34 Years?

Bill Murray started out on the comedy skit show Saturday Night Live, which earned him widespread fame. The Oscar winner became known for his roles in off-beat films like "Caddyshack" and "Ghostbusters." He developed a good relationship with director Wes Anderson and starred in many of his movies.

John Forsythe cut his teeth on the nail-bitingly hilarious Hitchcock dark comedy "The Trouble With Harry." He played in a myriad of blockbusters, even before appearing in "Scrooged," and received many Golden Globes in his career. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2010. He ended his career with "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle."

Unlike the other main characters in "Scrooged," Bob Goldthwait started his career doing standup comedy. The film served as his big break as an actor, and since then, he has lent his comedic skills to various beloved projects, including "Hercules." More recently, he has taken up directing.

Carol Kane started her career off with a bang. She received an Oscar nomination for best actress with her first role in "Hester Street."

From there, she acted in a range of dramas, comedy films, voice acting roles, and TV productions. Most recently, she took up broadway and starred in "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt."

Karen seemed to be one of the least experienced actors accepted for "Scrooged." By the time Alfre Woodard starred in the Christmas film, she was well on her way and had an Oscar. She played in many notable movies and is known for "Star Trek." She was recently the voice of Sarabi in "Lion King."