Ferris Bueller's Day Off Cast: Where Are They Now?
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VOICE OVER: Ryan Wild
WRITTEN BY: Nancy Roberge-Renaud
Bueller? Bueller? Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're having a look at the main cast of this 1980s favorite and what they've been up to since their “Bueller” days! Our countdown includes cast members Ben Stein, Alan Ruck, Jennifer Grey and more!
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re having a look at the main cast of this 1980s favorite and what they’ve been up to since their “Bueller” days! Which is your favorite “Ferris Bueller” moment? Let us know in the comments!
The Economics Professor
“Bueller…Bueller…” Despite having a minimal role in this film, Ben Stein made his mark by uttering a simple surname. Stein’s resumé is nothing short of impressive, pre- and post-“Bueller.” Stein began his career in politics as a speechwriter for presidents Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon but somehow found himself a character actor. Following his memorable turn as the economics teacher in “Bueller”, he appeared in numerous TV and film productions, most notably in “The Wonder Years” and “The Mask.” From 1997 to 2003, Stein hosted a successful game show, “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” Stein’s most recent entertainment credit is voice acting in 2019, but his political columns and publications continue to flow.
It’s more than likely we don’t have to tell you what Charlie Sheen is up to these days. Sheen had a small role in “Bueller” as Garth Volbeck, or “boy in police station.” This role was minimal, yet just a few months after the box office release of “Bueller,” Sheen became a star when “Platoon” premiered. Since then, Sheen has been consistently working in film and television. His most notable recurring television role was that of Charlie Harper in “Two and a Half Men,” from which he was fired after some incendiary public remarks and salary demands. His struggles with substance use, mental health issues and high profile divorces were well publicized. Sheen continues to work in film and TV on a regular basis.
Edie McClurg had a small yet memorable role in “Bueller” as the busy, bustling school secretary. She already had experience under her belt at the time, having appeared in comedy variety shows, TV movies and shows, and major motion pictures such as 1976’s “Carrie.” McClurg has made her career as a character and voice actor, her acting credits including anything from “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” to “Van Wilder.” Her voice acting credits include Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and “Frozen,” as well as Pixar’s “Cars” to name a few. In 2019, McClurg’s family filed for conservatorship of her affairs, stating that she was suffering from dementia. Despite this, McClurg guest voiced on “Family Guy” in 2020 and starred in the 2022 film “Eyes Upon Waking.”
Canadian actor Lyman Ward appeared in the film as patriarch Tom Bueller. Like some others in this list, Ward made his career as a character actor. He began with an appearance in an episode of “Bonanza” in 1971, and he has been working steadily since in film and short stints in TV shows. His filmography post-“Bueller” includes “The A-Team,” “Family Ties,” “Monk,” and many more. He appeared in films such as “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” and “Independence Day” in minor roles. Ward continues to work to this day, with his name attached to a project in post-production as of 2023. Fun fact, Ward married his onscreen “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” wife, Cindy Pickett, in 1986, but the couple divorced in 1992.
Cindy Pickett was already known for her recurring role on soap opera “Guiding Light” between 1976 and 1980 when she was cast as matriarch Katie Bueller. Though she did appear in a number of films prior to and following “Bueller,” her main work was in television. She appeared in the 1980s series “St. Elsewhere” as Dr. Carol Novino from 1986 to 88. She has multiple TV guest spot credits in such shows as “Magnum, P.I.” and “CSI: Miami” and has a credited role in the upcoming “Star Trek Equinox: The Night of Time.” As previously mentioned, she was married to her onscreen “Ferris Bueller” husband Lyman Ward between 1986 and 1992. Fun fact: Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward also played the parents in the 1992 film “Sleepwalkers.”
Jeffrey Jones already had an established acting career by the time he played Principal Ed Rooney in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Prior to the 80s comedy, Jones most notably starred as Emperor Joseph II in 1984’s “Amadeus.” Subsequent to “Bueller,” Jones appeared in such films as “Beetlejuice,” “The Hunt for Red October,” and “Sleepy Hollow” and had a recurring role on HBO series “Deadwood” as A.W. Merrick. The 2019 release of “Deadwood: The Movie” brought with it closer scrutiny of its actors, and Jones’ criminal past drew attention; in 2002, Jones was arrested on charges of engaging in inappropriate behavior with a minor. He was convicted and had to register as an offender. He hasn’t worked since 2019.
Prior to playing snooty sister Jeanie in “Bueller,” Jennifer Grey notably appeared in the 1984 cult classic “Red Dawn.” She is best known for playing Baby Houseman in 1987’s “Dirty Dancing.” No one put her in the corner after this, as she appeared consistently in films, voice acting, TV movies and guest spots on popular shows. Grey withdrew from acting for a couple of years in the late 1980s, after a fatal car crash caused by then boyfriend Matthew Broderick. Grey underwent 2 rhinoplasty surgeries at age 29 (amidst pressure from the industry and her mother) which rendered her unrecognizable and nearly ended her career. She is still working, with a project slated for release in 2024.
Mia Sara had a lead role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” as girlfriend Sloane Peterson. She had previously made her film debut as Princess Lili in 1985’s “Legend,” which eventually became a cult classic. Following “Bueller,” Sara appeared in a variety of films, TV movies and guest spots. Her most recognizable credits post-”Bueller” are the 1994 Van Damme film “Timecop” and the short-lived 2002 series “Birds of Prey” as Harley Quinn. Sara retired from the acting game in exchange for the role of mother, with her last credit being a short film in 2013. She was once married to Sean Connery’s son Jason, but the two divorced in 2002. She married Jim Henson’s son Brian in 2010.
Alan Ruck auditioned for the role of Cameron Frye in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on advice from his friend Matthew Broderick. It was a great move; his role as Ferris’s unfortunate best friend is one of the best performances in the movie. Ruck had a few projects under his belt prior to “Bueller,” but the 80s comedy likely launched his career. Ruck has been busy since 1986. He has appeared in films such as “Speed” and “The Happening,” as well as a seemingly endless list of TV appearances, most recently as Connor Roy in “Succession,” which wrapped up in May of 2023. He married actress Mireille Enos, star of the AMC show “The Killing,” in 2008. He continues to work with no signs of stopping.
Matthew Broderick began his career on the stage, which he frequently revisits. Pre-”Bueller,” he appeared in 1983’s critically acclaimed film “WarGames” as protagonist David Lightman. His most recognizable role is without a doubt that of snarky, rule- and fourth wall-breaking teen Ferris Bueller. Post-“Bueller,” Broderick drew attention in 1989’s Civil War era film “Glory,” as well as voicing Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King.” In 1987, Broderick was involved in a fatal car accident in which he sustained multiple injuries. He was convicted of reckless driving and fined. He has consistently appeared in movie, TV and voice acting roles until present day, including 2023’s Netflix mini-series “Painkiller.” Broderick has been married to actor Sarah Jessica Parker since 1997.
Ben Stein
The Economics Professor
“Bueller…Bueller…” Despite having a minimal role in this film, Ben Stein made his mark by uttering a simple surname. Stein’s resumé is nothing short of impressive, pre- and post-“Bueller.” Stein began his career in politics as a speechwriter for presidents Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon but somehow found himself a character actor. Following his memorable turn as the economics teacher in “Bueller”, he appeared in numerous TV and film productions, most notably in “The Wonder Years” and “The Mask.” From 1997 to 2003, Stein hosted a successful game show, “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” Stein’s most recent entertainment credit is voice acting in 2019, but his political columns and publications continue to flow.
Charlie Sheen
Garth VolbeckIt’s more than likely we don’t have to tell you what Charlie Sheen is up to these days. Sheen had a small role in “Bueller” as Garth Volbeck, or “boy in police station.” This role was minimal, yet just a few months after the box office release of “Bueller,” Sheen became a star when “Platoon” premiered. Since then, Sheen has been consistently working in film and television. His most notable recurring television role was that of Charlie Harper in “Two and a Half Men,” from which he was fired after some incendiary public remarks and salary demands. His struggles with substance use, mental health issues and high profile divorces were well publicized. Sheen continues to work in film and TV on a regular basis.
Edie McClurg
GraceEdie McClurg had a small yet memorable role in “Bueller” as the busy, bustling school secretary. She already had experience under her belt at the time, having appeared in comedy variety shows, TV movies and shows, and major motion pictures such as 1976’s “Carrie.” McClurg has made her career as a character and voice actor, her acting credits including anything from “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” to “Van Wilder.” Her voice acting credits include Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and “Frozen,” as well as Pixar’s “Cars” to name a few. In 2019, McClurg’s family filed for conservatorship of her affairs, stating that she was suffering from dementia. Despite this, McClurg guest voiced on “Family Guy” in 2020 and starred in the 2022 film “Eyes Upon Waking.”
Lyman Ward
Tom BuellerCanadian actor Lyman Ward appeared in the film as patriarch Tom Bueller. Like some others in this list, Ward made his career as a character actor. He began with an appearance in an episode of “Bonanza” in 1971, and he has been working steadily since in film and short stints in TV shows. His filmography post-“Bueller” includes “The A-Team,” “Family Ties,” “Monk,” and many more. He appeared in films such as “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” and “Independence Day” in minor roles. Ward continues to work to this day, with his name attached to a project in post-production as of 2023. Fun fact, Ward married his onscreen “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” wife, Cindy Pickett, in 1986, but the couple divorced in 1992.
Cindy Pickett
Katie BuellerCindy Pickett was already known for her recurring role on soap opera “Guiding Light” between 1976 and 1980 when she was cast as matriarch Katie Bueller. Though she did appear in a number of films prior to and following “Bueller,” her main work was in television. She appeared in the 1980s series “St. Elsewhere” as Dr. Carol Novino from 1986 to 88. She has multiple TV guest spot credits in such shows as “Magnum, P.I.” and “CSI: Miami” and has a credited role in the upcoming “Star Trek Equinox: The Night of Time.” As previously mentioned, she was married to her onscreen “Ferris Bueller” husband Lyman Ward between 1986 and 1992. Fun fact: Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward also played the parents in the 1992 film “Sleepwalkers.”
Jeffrey Jones
Ed RooneyJeffrey Jones already had an established acting career by the time he played Principal Ed Rooney in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Prior to the 80s comedy, Jones most notably starred as Emperor Joseph II in 1984’s “Amadeus.” Subsequent to “Bueller,” Jones appeared in such films as “Beetlejuice,” “The Hunt for Red October,” and “Sleepy Hollow” and had a recurring role on HBO series “Deadwood” as A.W. Merrick. The 2019 release of “Deadwood: The Movie” brought with it closer scrutiny of its actors, and Jones’ criminal past drew attention; in 2002, Jones was arrested on charges of engaging in inappropriate behavior with a minor. He was convicted and had to register as an offender. He hasn’t worked since 2019.
Jennifer Grey
Jeanie BuellerPrior to playing snooty sister Jeanie in “Bueller,” Jennifer Grey notably appeared in the 1984 cult classic “Red Dawn.” She is best known for playing Baby Houseman in 1987’s “Dirty Dancing.” No one put her in the corner after this, as she appeared consistently in films, voice acting, TV movies and guest spots on popular shows. Grey withdrew from acting for a couple of years in the late 1980s, after a fatal car crash caused by then boyfriend Matthew Broderick. Grey underwent 2 rhinoplasty surgeries at age 29 (amidst pressure from the industry and her mother) which rendered her unrecognizable and nearly ended her career. She is still working, with a project slated for release in 2024.
Mia Sara
Sloane PetersonMia Sara had a lead role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” as girlfriend Sloane Peterson. She had previously made her film debut as Princess Lili in 1985’s “Legend,” which eventually became a cult classic. Following “Bueller,” Sara appeared in a variety of films, TV movies and guest spots. Her most recognizable credits post-”Bueller” are the 1994 Van Damme film “Timecop” and the short-lived 2002 series “Birds of Prey” as Harley Quinn. Sara retired from the acting game in exchange for the role of mother, with her last credit being a short film in 2013. She was once married to Sean Connery’s son Jason, but the two divorced in 2002. She married Jim Henson’s son Brian in 2010.
Alan Ruck
Cameron FryeAlan Ruck auditioned for the role of Cameron Frye in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on advice from his friend Matthew Broderick. It was a great move; his role as Ferris’s unfortunate best friend is one of the best performances in the movie. Ruck had a few projects under his belt prior to “Bueller,” but the 80s comedy likely launched his career. Ruck has been busy since 1986. He has appeared in films such as “Speed” and “The Happening,” as well as a seemingly endless list of TV appearances, most recently as Connor Roy in “Succession,” which wrapped up in May of 2023. He married actress Mireille Enos, star of the AMC show “The Killing,” in 2008. He continues to work with no signs of stopping.
Matthew Broderick
Ferris BuellerMatthew Broderick began his career on the stage, which he frequently revisits. Pre-”Bueller,” he appeared in 1983’s critically acclaimed film “WarGames” as protagonist David Lightman. His most recognizable role is without a doubt that of snarky, rule- and fourth wall-breaking teen Ferris Bueller. Post-“Bueller,” Broderick drew attention in 1989’s Civil War era film “Glory,” as well as voicing Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King.” In 1987, Broderick was involved in a fatal car accident in which he sustained multiple injuries. He was convicted of reckless driving and fined. He has consistently appeared in movie, TV and voice acting roles until present day, including 2023’s Netflix mini-series “Painkiller.” Broderick has been married to actor Sarah Jessica Parker since 1997.
