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Sixteen Candles is an iconic coming-of-age film from director John Hughes which was released in 1984. (Photo: Universal Pictures)![The Stars of Sixteen Candles]()
The film told the story of high-school sophomore Samantha "Sam" Baker (Molly Ringwald) as she struggles to get through the day of her sixteenth birthday, which her family forgot. (Photo: Universal Pictures)![Then: Molly Ringwald]()
The role of Sam in “Sixteen Candles” was 16-year old Molly Ringwald’s breakout role. Starring roles in iconic films such as “The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink” soon followed making Molly one of the biggest teen stars of the 80s and earning her a spot in the infamous “Brat Pack” (other members included Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, and Judd Nelson). (Photo: Universal Pictures)![Now: Molly Ringwald]()
Molly’s career saw a rapid decline in the 90s which was partially due to some bad decision making - like turning down the lead role in “Pretty Woman” for one thing! After a few years of living in France, she resumed her career, taking on small roles on TV and in films. Molly, now 41, is currently starring in the ABC Family series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” (Photo: Reuters)![Then: Anthony Michael Hall]()
Anthony Michael Hall, 16, had appeared in several films before getting his big break playing Farmer Ted, AKA “The Geek” including the Emmy-winning TV movie “The Gold Bug,” “Six Pack” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” He went on to star in two 1985 classics: “The Breakfast Club” and “Weird Science”- both of which were written and directed by John Hughes. These roles also earned him a spot in The Brat Pack. (Photo: Universal Pictures)![Now: Anthony Michael Hall]()
After taking a hiatus due a drinking problem, Anthony, now 41, resumed his acting career with roles in “Edward Scissorhands” and “Six Degrees of Separation.” He continues to work on TV and in film and is currently developing film and television projects under his production company banner, AMH Entertainment. (Photo: AP)![Then: Michael Shoeffling]()
Michael Schoeffling, 24, played Jake Ryan in the film - the object of Sam’s infatuation. Before landing this role, Michael worked as a model and was also an accomplished wrestler. (Photo: Universal Pictures)![Now: Michael Shoeffling]()
Michael, now 48, had trouble finding work despite the success of the film. His last film role was in “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken” in 1991. He has since retired from acting and lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and two kids where he builds hand-crafted furniture.![Then: John Cusack]()
John Cusack, 18, made his film debut in the romantic comedy “Class” opposite Rob Lowe in 1983 before being cast as Bryce, one of the members of the geek brigade. He went on to become a film fixture in the 80s. (Photo: Universal Pictures)![Now: John Cusack]()
John, 43, is one of the only members of the cast to go on to become a major movie star. He has starred in countless highly successful films, including “Grosse Point Blank,” “Con Air,” “Being John Malkovich,” “Serendipity,” and many more. (Photo: Reuters)![Then: Gedde Watanabe]()
Gedde Watanabe, 29, got his big break playing Long Duk Dong - the outrageous foreign exchange student. (Photo: Universal Pictures)![Now: Gedde Watanabe]()
Gedde, 54, had a recurring role on “ER” from 1997-2003 playing a gay nurse named Yosh Takata. He has also made countless TV guest appearances and had small roles in films such as “That Thing You Do!” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” (Photo: Reuters)![Then: Haviland Morris]()
Haviland Morris, 25, had very little experience as an actress before being cast as obnoxious prom queen Carolyn Mulford. After the film, she appeared in “Who’s that Girl” with Madonna in 1987 and “Gremlin 2” in 1990. (Photo: Universal Pictures)![Now: Haviland Morris]()
Haviland, 49, played Dr. Claire Baxter on “One Life to Live” from 2001-2003 and has made guest appearances on several shows including “Sex and the City,” “Law and Order: SVU, and “One Tree Hill.” She currently works as a real estate agent. (Photo: Halstead Property)Now & Then: Sixteen Candles
Everyone forgot Sam's birthday in "Sixteen Candles," but we sure haven't forgot the 80s teen stars featured in this John Hughes classic.
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- Now & Then: Sixteen Candles
