
'The Breakfast Club' Cast Then & Now – 30+ Stunning Photos
A classic high school drama, emotional rewatch reactions, and rare cast reunion images — see what the stars of "The Breakfast Club" look like today and how their lives have changed.
When "The Breakfast Club" premiered in 1985, it became one of the most defining films of its era. Directed by John Hughes, it told the story of five high school students, each from a different social group, brought together in Saturday detention.

John Hughes poses in studio during the mixing of "The Breakfast Club" circa 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Over the course of one day, they dropped their labels: the princess, the athlete, the brain, the basket case, and the criminal. The film continues to resonate with audiences, and now, 40 years later, we take a look at how the cast members have changed since its release.

One of the cast members pictured at the Roxy on June 16, 1986, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Now, we take a look back at the cast then and now with over 30 revealing images showing just how much time, fame, and life have reshaped these actors who portrayed the unforgettable characters.

Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore, the actress, and Judd Nelson pictured during a promotional event for "St Elmo's Fire" on January 1, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
1. Paul Gleason as Richard 'Dick' Vernon
Paul Gleason brought dry wit and simmering frustration to the role of Richard Vernon, the vice principal in charge of keeping the students in line.

Paul Gleason as Richard Vernon in "The Breakfast Club," dated September 30, 2023 | Source: YouTube/@PopcornPicksYT
Gleason became widely recognized for playing hard-nosed authority figures, including his memorable part in "Trading Places." But over two decades after "The Breakfast Club," tragedy struck.

Paul Gleason as principal Richard Vernon in "The Breakfast Club," dated September 30, 2023 | Source: YouTube/@PopcornPicksYT
He passed away on May 27, 2006, at the age of 67. The cause was mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer tied to asbestos exposure, according to his wife, Susan Gleason.

Paul Gleason poses backstage during the MTV Movie Awards on June 4, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Molly Ringwald and Paul Gleason winners of the Silver Bucket of Excellence Award for "The Breakfast Club," during the MTV Movie Awards on June 4, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
2. John Kapelos as Carl Reed
John Kapelos played Carl Reed, the watchful janitor who saw everything but said little — a quiet observer with a surprisingly deep take on the school's social food chain.

John Kapelos during the MTV Movie Awards on June 4, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Though his role was small, it struck a nerve with audiences. His presence added a layer of emotional gravity that still resonates.

John Kapelos attends the Chiller Theatre Autograph Expo Spring on April 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Kapelos has remained a working actor in both television and film, with credits in "The Shape of Water," "The Umbrella Academy," and "Big Sky."

John Kapelos attends the Chiller Theatre Autograph Expo Spring on April 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
3. Emilio Estevez as Andrew Clark
Emilio Estevez, son of Hollywood legend Martin Sheen, portrayed Andrew Clark, the clean-cut wrestler trying to live up to his father's impossible standards.

Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, and Judd Nelson in the studio of KROQ radio in 1985 | Source: Getty Images
During the height of the Brat Pack era, Estevez starred in smash hits like "St. Elmo’s Fire" and "The Outsiders."

Emilio Estevez as Andrew Clark in "The Breakfast Club," dated June 16, 2011 | Source: YouTube/@MOVIECLIPS
But later, he shifted his focus to writing and directing — taking the reins on heartfelt films like "Bobby" and "The Way," where he also stepped in front of the camera.

Emilio Estevez pictured on May 9, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Emilio Estevez during C2E2 on the main stage for the "Don’t You Forget About Me: The Breakfast Club 40th Anniversary Reunion" on April 12, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
4. Ally Sheedy as Allison Reynolds
Ally Sheedy captured hearts as Allison Reynolds, the quiet, misunderstood girl who underwent one of the film's most dramatic transformations.

Ally Sheedy and Molly Ringwald in a scene from the film "The Breakfast Club" in 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Now in her 60s, Sheedy hasn't stepped away from the spotlight completely — she continues to act and also teaches at City College of New York. But her personal story took a difficult turn behind the scenes.

Ally Sheedy in a scene from "The Breakfast Club" dated June 16, 2011 | Source: YouTube/@MOVIECLIPS
In 2022, she revealed she had gone to rehab in 1989, after becoming dependent on sleeping pills during what she called a toxic relationship.

Ally Sheedy during C2E2 on the main stage for the "Don’t You Forget About Me: The Breakfast Club 40th Anniversary Reunion" on April 12, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Still, her love for the film hasn't faded. "I'm always happy to talk about 'The Breakfast Club,'" she stated. "I still really love it!" Speaking during the cast's most recent reunion, Sheedy said the experience of acting in the film was a joyful one.

Ally Sheedy attends the "High Art" NewFest screening on April 3, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
5. Judd Nelson as John Bender
Judd Nelson delivered a powerful performance as John Bender, the leather-clad outcast whose pain and bravado made him unforgettable.

Judd Nelson in a scene from "The Breakfast Club" dated June 16, 2011 | Source: YouTube/@MOVIECLIPS

Judd Nelson publicity portrait for the film "The Breakfast Club," in 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Nelson continued acting into the 1990s, landing roles in "New Jack City," "From the Hip," and "Billionaire Boys Club." He remains active in the industry, still drawn to the same intense, complex characters that first made him a star.

Judd Nelson during C2E2 on the main stage for the "Don’t You Forget About Me: The Breakfast Club 40th Anniversary Reunion" on April 12, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Judd Nelson attends the 24th Annual Academy Awards Celebration on March 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
6. Anthony Michael Hall as Brian Johnson
Anthony Michael Hall played Brian Johnson, the overachiever haunted by perfectionism and silent pressure — a role that mirrored his own struggles more than anyone knew.

Anthony Michael Hall pictured in 1985 | Source: Getty Images
By the age of 17, Hall was already in trouble. "I was drinking vodka by the quart every day," he told People in 1992. Trouble continued to follow him into the 2000s.

Anthony Michael Hall as Brian Johnson in a scene from "The Breakfast Club" dated June 16, 2011 | Source: YouTube/@MOVIECLIPS
In 2009, he was accused of biting his then-girlfriend Diana Falzone on the forehead and shoving, spitting at, and banging on her door while intoxicated, according to a police report. He later faced a 2016 assault case, which ended in a no-contest plea in 2017.

Anthony Michael Hall during C2E2 on the main stage for the "Don’t You Forget About Me: The Breakfast Club 40th Anniversary Reunion" on April 12, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
But in recent years, Hall has made a quiet return. On June 1, 2023, he became a father for the first time when his wife, Lucia Hall, gave birth to their son, Michael Anthony.

Anthony Michael Hall during the Fan Expo Chicago on August 17, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
7. Molly Ringwald as Claire Standish
Molly Ringwald portrayed Claire Standish, the poised, polished princess who slowly cracked open her emotional armor during detention.

Molly Ringwald as Claire Standish in "The Breakfast Club" in 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Ringwald is now a mother of three — daughter Mathilda and twins Adele and Roman. In a 2018 essay for The New Yorker, she shared what it was like to watch the film with her young daughter. "But I hadn't anticipated that it would ultimately be most troubling to me," she shared.

Molly Ringwald in a scene from "The Breakfast Club" in 1985 | Source: Getty Images
She also spoke out about her personal experiences in Hollywood, saying, "I have had plenty of [Harvey Weinsteins] of my own over the years, enough to feel a sickening shock of recognition."

Molly Ringwald at the "Monster: The Ed Gein Story" world premiere on September 30, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Fans had a lot to say about her recent public appearances, especially her new look — longer, straight brown hair. “Doesn’t look like Molly!” one person wrote.

Molly Ringwald attends Netflix's "Monster: The Ed Gein Story" world premiere on September 30, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Another observed, “Molly looks so much better now with the longer, straight brown hair. I never thought much of her looks in all of the John Hughes movies, but now I think she looks great.” One noted, “Molly looks awesome, but I miss her red hair.”

Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson and Anthony Michael Hall speak at MegaCon Orlando on February 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
In early 2025, five of the original cast members — Ringwald, Sheedy, Nelson, Estevez, and Hall — reunited to mark the 40th anniversary of the film.

Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estèvez and Anthony Michael Hall during C2E2 on the main stage for the "Don't You Forget About Me: The Breakfast Club 40th Anniversary Reunion" on April 12, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estèvez and Anthony Michael Hall during C2E2 on the main stage for the "Don't You Forget About Me: The Breakfast Club 40th Anniversary Reunion" on April 12, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Molly Ringwald and Ally Sheedy during C2E2 on the main stage for the "Don't You Forget About Me: The Breakfast Club 40th Anniversary Reunion" on April 12, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Their public appearances drew massive attention from longtime fans and new audiences alike.
The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider.