'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, the film tells the story of five high school students from different social groups brought together in Saturday detention.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Though his role was small, it struck a nerve with audiences. His presence added a layer of emotional gravity that still resonates.

Kapelos has remained a working actor in both television and film, with credits in "The Shape of Water," "The Umbrella Academy," and "Big Sky."

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.

During the height of the Brat Pack era, Estevez starred in smash hits like "St. Elmo's Fire" and "The Outsiders."

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.

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.

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.

In 2022, she revealed she had gone to rehab in 1989, after becoming dependent on sleeping pills during what she called a toxic relationship.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

7. Molly Ringwald as Claire Standish

Molly Ringwald portrayed Claire Standish, the poised, polished princess who slowly cracked open her emotional armor during detention.

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.

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."

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.

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."

In early 2025, five of the original cast members — Ringwald, Sheedy, Nelson, Estevez, and Hall — reunited to mark the 40th anniversary of the film.

Their public appearances drew massive attention from longtime fans and new audiences alike.