Directed by John Hughes, the film followed a charismatic high school student who skipped class for an unforgettable day in Chicago, inspiring generations of fans along the way. As the movie celebrates its 40th anniversary, here’s a look at what the cast members have been doing in the years since they brought this beloved classic to life.
Matthew Broderick
Four decades after turning Ferris Bueller into one of cinema’s most memorable teenagers, Matthew Broderick remains as busy as ever across stage and screen. He is currently appearing in the Off Broadway satire “Ulster American” while also lining up new film projects, including “Tomorrow Is a Drag” and “The Best Is Yet to Come,” which reunites him with former co-star Alan Ruck.
In recent years, audiences have seen him tackle dramatic material as Richard Sackler in Netflix’s “Painkiller,” while also popping up in series such as “Only Murders in the Building” and “Elsbeth.” Theater continues to be a major part of his career, highlighted by his acclaimed run in “Plaza Suite” opposite wife Sarah Jessica Parker. Away from the spotlight, Broderick enjoys family life with Parker and their three children, splitting time between New York City and Ireland.
Alan Ruck
While many fans still associate Alan Ruck with anxious teenager Cameron Frye, the actor has spent decades building a remarkably varied career. His profile received a major boost in recent years thanks to his acclaimed performance as Connor Roy on “Succession,” a role that earned him both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Looking ahead, Ruck has a busy schedule that includes the FX series “Disinherited.” Ferris Bueller fans will also get a special reunion when he shares the screen once again with Matthew Broderick in “The Best Is Yet to Come.” Away from Hollywood, Ruck enjoys family life with actress Mireille Enos and their children while continuing to balance television, film, and theater projects.
Mia Sara
Unlike many of her contemporaries, Mia Sara largely stepped away from Hollywood and spent years out of the public eye. The actress, who played Ferris Bueller’s girlfriend Sloane Peterson, recently made a surprise return to acting in “The Life of Chuck,” director Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novella.
Her comeback followed a 14-year-absence from the screen, during which she embraced a quieter lifestyle with husband Brian Henson in the English countryside. Sara devoted much of that time to writing poetry, horseback riding, and personal wellness practices, pursuits she has described as deeply fulfilling. It ultimately took a conversation with Flanagan, whose work she greatly admired, to convince her that the right role was worth returning for.
Jennifer Grey
Jennifer Grey has continued to reinvent herself long after her memorable turn as Jeanie Bueller, Ferris’s perpetually frustrated sister. The actress is preparing to revisit one of her most famous roles as Baby Houseman in the long-awaited “Dirty Dancing” sequel, where she is also serving as an executive producer. She recently appeared in Jesse Eisenberg’s acclaimed film “A Real Pain,” adding another well-received project to her extensive résumé.
Beyond acting, Grey found success as an author with her bestselling memoir “Out of the Corner,” which offered an unusually candid look at her career, personal struggles, and life in the spotlight. She remains active across film, television, and voice work, proving her career is as varied today as it was when audiences first met Jeanie in 1986.
Jeffrey Jones
Jeffrey Jones, remembered by movie fans as the exasperated Principal Ed Rooney, has largely remained out of the spotlight for many years. His Hollywood career slowed dramatically in the early 2000s following legal troubles that effectively ended his status as a regular screen presence.
One of his final significant acting roles came as newspaper publisher A. W. Merrick on HBO’s “Deadwood,” a character he later reprised in the 2019 reunion film. In recent years, he has made only occasional public appearances, including a “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” cast panel at a fan convention, where he spoke about relocating from Los Angeles to the desert.
Ben Stein
Few actors have become as closely associated with a single scene as Ben Stein, whose monotone economics teacher delivered one of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” most quoted moments. Today, Stein spends far less time in front of movie cameras and focuses instead on writing, public speaking, and economic commentary.
He remains a frequent columnist and media contributor, offering his views on finance, business, and current events through articles, television appearances, and speaking engagements around the country. An accomplished author, Stein has written dozens of books covering subjects ranging from investing to personal finance.
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen’s appearance in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” lasted only a few minutes, but his brief role as the police station delinquent became one of the film’s most memorable cameos. After decades spent as one of Hollywood’s most-talked about-stars, Sheen has entered a new chapter focused on stability, family, and rebuilding his career.
He recently launched the production company STRAC Media and has partnered with WME to develop future television and film projects. Sheen has also been open about his personal journey through a documentary and memoir that revisited both his successes and struggles. These days, he balances new professional ambitions with a quieter life centered on his children and long term sobriety.