Whether through iconic films like The Breakfast Club (1985), St. Elmo’s Fire (1985), or Pretty in Pink (1986), the “Brat Pack” was an undeniable force in the 1980s. This group of young actors dominated the decade’s cinematic landscape and made headlines both on and off the screen. In 2024, Andrew McCarthy directed a Hulu documentary titled BRATS that reunites several members of the Brat Pack to reflect on their Hollywood reign and its impact on their lives. Here’s a look at where these stars are now and how their careers have evolved.
What is the Brat Pack and Why Does It Matter?
The term “Brat Pack” refers to a group of young actors who frequently appeared in teen movies during the 1980s. This informal ensemble includes stars like Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Andrew McCarthy, and Demi Moore. They became cultural icons and shaped the teen movie genre.
How Has Molly Ringwald’s Career Evolved?
Molly Ringwald, 56, has continued to stay relevant since her ’80s heyday with hits like Sixteen Candles (1984) and Pretty in Pink (1986). She gained attention for playing a parent in The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Riverdale. More recently, she appeared in Netflix’s Kissing Booth trilogy, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and FX’s Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. Reflecting on The Breakfast Club, Ringwald acknowledged that while she loves the movie, some elements haven’t aged well, a sentiment she shared with The Times in April 2024. Ringwald has three children with her husband, Panio Gianopoulos, whom she married in 2007.
What Has Anthony Michael Hall Been Up To?
Anthony Michael Hall, 56, joined Saturday Night Live at 17 and starred in films like Weird Science (1985) and Edward Scissorhands (1990). He later appeared in TV series such as The Dead Zone, Awkward, Murder in the First, The Goldbergs, and Bosch: Legacy. In 2021, Hall played Tommy Doyle in Halloween Kills. In 2017, he was sentenced to probation for assaulting a neighbor. Hall married actress Lucia Oskerova in 2020, and they have a son, Michael Anthony Hall II.
What Has Ally Sheedy Accomplished?
Ally Sheedy, 61, starred in Short Circuit (1986) and High Art (1998). She also had roles in Kyle XY and Psych. Sheedy is open about her experiences, expressing her fondness for The Breakfast Club. In 2015, she reunited with Molly Ringwald for the film’s 30th anniversary and appeared with her again in Single Drunk Female. Sheedy married David Lansbury in 1992, and they share a transgender son. They divorced in 2008.
What is Judd Nelson’s Perspective on the Brat Pack?
Judd Nelson, 64, followed his Brat Pack fame with roles in From the Hip (1987), New Jack City (1991), and Billionaire Boys Club (2018). He starred in Suddenly Susan and had recurring roles in Empire. Recently, he appeared in Dante’s Hotel (2023) and South of Hope Street (2024). Nelson declined to participate in McCarthy’s BRATS documentary, stating that he never believed the Brat Pack existed.
How Did Emilio Estevez Continue His Career?
Emilio Estevez, 61, enjoyed success with movies like Stakeout (1987), Young Guns (1988), and The Mighty Ducks series. He directed and starred in The Way (2010) and The Public (2018). Estevez reprised his role as Coach Bombay in the first season of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. He agreed to participate in BRATS because of his long-standing friendship with McCarthy. Estevez has two children with former model Carey Salley and was previously married to Paula Abdul.
What Has Andrew McCarthy Been Doing?
Andrew McCarthy, 61, starred in Pretty in Pink, Mannequin (1987), Less Than Zero (1987), and Weekend at Bernie’s (1989). He shifted to directing, working on shows like Orange Is the New Black and The Blacklist. McCarthy joined The Resident in its sixth season and released his memoir, Brat: An ’80s Story, in 2021. He is married to Dolores Rice, and they have two children. McCarthy’s documentary aims to reconcile the Brat Pack’s legacy with its members’ current lives.
How Has Rob Lowe Managed His Career?
Rob Lowe, 60, starred in About Last Night (1986) with Demi Moore. Despite a public scandal in 1988, Lowe returned with roles in Wayne’s World (1992), The West Wing, Brothers and Sisters, and Parks and Recreation. He currently stars in 9-1-1: Lone Star and appeared in Super Troopers 2 (2018) and Dog Gone (2023). Lowe has been married to Sheryl Berkoff since 1991, and they have two sons.
What is Demi Moore’s Current Focus?
Demi Moore, 61, found success with Ghost (1990) and A Few Good Men (1992). After a hiatus, she returned with Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003) and worked on projects like Empire and Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. Her 2019 memoir revealed personal and professional insights. Moore participated in the BRATS documentary, reflecting on her Brat Pack years. She has three daughters with Bruce Willis and was also married to Ashton Kutcher.
Conclusion
The Brat Pack’s influence on Hollywood and pop culture remains significant. Through their individual journeys, these stars have navigated fame, personal challenges, and evolving careers. Andrew McCarthy’s documentary BRATS offers a unique opportunity to revisit this iconic group and reflect on their lasting legacy.
