With the 40th anniversary of the beloved ’80s classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off approaching, fans are taking a nostalgic look back at the unforgettable cast and where life has taken them since the film’s release.
Directed by John Hughes, the 1986 hit became a cultural phenomenon, following three Chicago-area teens who skip school for an unforgettable day in the city. The film starred Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck, and went on to become one of the defining teen comedies of its era.
Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller)
Broderick, now 64, was just 23 when he played the charming rule-breaker Ferris Bueller, a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination. After the film’s success, he went on to build a long career in both film and television, appearing in projects like The Lion King, Godzilla, and Only Murders in the Building. He has also remained active on stage and has embraced the fact that Ferris Bueller remains his most iconic role.
Mia Sara (Sloane Peterson)
Sara, 58, played Ferris’s girlfriend Sloane. After the film, she continued acting in projects like Queenie and more recently returned with The Life of Chuck (2025). She has fondly remembered filming the famous Chicago parade sequence as one of her favorite experiences from the movie.
Alan Ruck (Cameron Frye)
Ruck, now 68, portrayed Ferris’s anxious best friend Cameron. He later found major acclaim on television, most notably as Connor Roy in HBO’s Succession. He has continued working steadily in film and TV, while often reflecting on how meaningful filming in Chicago was for him personally.
Jennifer Grey (Jeanie Bueller)
Jennifer Grey, 66, played Ferris’s suspicious sister Jeanie. Her career took off shortly after with Dirty Dancing. She has spoken openly about her relationship with Matthew Broderick during filming and the tragic 1987 car accident in Ireland that deeply affected her life.
Jeffrey Jones (Ed Rooney)
Jones, 79, famously played the determined school dean. He later appeared in films like Beetlejuice and Sleepy Hollow, as well as Deadwood. However, his career was later overshadowed by legal issues and he has largely stepped away from acting.
Charlie Sheen (Garth Volbeck)
Sheen made a brief but memorable appearance as a juvenile delinquent. He went on to become a major film and TV star with roles in Platoon, Wall Street, and Two and a Half Men. In recent years, he has spoken openly about addiction recovery and personal reflection.
The Bueller Parents
Cindy Pickett and Lyman Ward played Ferris’s unsuspecting parents. Both continued working in television and film in the decades that followed.
Nearly 40 years later, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off remains a defining snapshot of ’80s cinema—its cast forever linked to one of the most carefree and iconic days in movie history.
