Yes, it really has been 25 years since we first learned the fear that is bunnies plus boiling water. In 1987, director Adrian Lyne took one philandering Michael Douglas, mixed in a psychotic Glenn Close, and gave us “Fatal Attraction.” The film was a huge box-office success, grossing over $320 million and garnering six Academy Award nominations. Our friends at Snakkle.com helped us catch up with the stars of the film to find out what they are up to today --25 years later.
Anne Archer
THEN: Anne Archer gave the sympathetic wife gravitas as the gentle-until-you-catch-her-in-the-bath Beth Gallagher. Tortured by Michael Douglas’s philandering and Glenn Close’s grudge, Archer played the victim of circumstance to critical raves. She was nominated for an Academy Award, as well as a Golden Globe and the British (BAFTA) Academy Award for her role as Michael Douglas' wife.
NOW: Archer went on to appear as another scrappy wife in the 1992 blockbuster “Patriot Games” and its sequel, “Clear and Present Danger.” She’s since acted in a number of films and TV spots, including shows such as “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2006) and “Ghost Whisperer” (2008). Archer, who is a prominent member of the Church of Scientology, will next be seen in the film “Lullaby” set for this year.
Glenn Close
THEN: Will there ever be another screen heroine who strikes fear into the hearts of men with just one line? Close made a crazy character sympathetic, or at the very least understandable, and was awarded a Best Actress nomination from the Academy for her efforts. (Did you know Close is still Oscar-less after several nominations? Get this woman a gold statue!)
NOW: Glenn Close continued to build on her success following “Fatal Attraction, appearing in a number of hit films. Her credits include “Dangerous Liaisons” (1988), “Reversal of Fortune” (1990), “Mars Attacks!” (1996), as well as roles on TV including “The Shield” (2005) and “Damages” (2007-2012). She was recently nominated for Best Actress yet again for her nuanced portrayal of a tragic transsexual in “Albert Nobbs” (2011).
Michael Douglas
THEN: Michael Douglas nailed his portrayal of thoughtless adulterer Dan Gallagher, the man who destroys the lives of his loved ones in pursuit of a casual fling. He brought depth and understanding to a character that could easily have been written off as a fool.
Douglas has nothing but fond memories of working with Glenn Close. “With you, Glennie, it was such a treat and a joy and made this whole experience such a pleasure,” he told Close on Oprah in 2010.
NOW: After “Fatal Attraction,” Douglas went on to cement his status as an iconic leading man in Hollywood. In 1987, he also appeared as Gordon Gekko in “Wall Street.” He’s since starred in memorable films like “The War of the Roses” (1989), “Basic Instinct” (1992), “The American President” (1995), “Traffic” (2000) and more. He will be seen next year as Liberace in HBO’s “Behind the Candelabra” with Matt Damon as his love interest.
PHOTOS: See all the “Fatal Attraction” stars today and the child star who played Michael Douglas’ daughter