Eddie and the Cruisers (1983): Cast Then and Now
Uncover the journey of Eddie and the Cruisers cast, then and now. From Berenger's Oscar nod to Paré's lasting fame, see how this 1983 cult hit shaped careers. Discover where the rock drama's stars landed in this nostalgic look at Eddie and the Cruisers, then and now.
Eddie and the Cruisers was a musical drama film released in 1983, featuring an ensemble cast of actors portraying the members of a fictional rock band. Though the movie was not a big success upon its initial release, it later gained a cult following from fans who connected with its classic rock soundtrack.
Nearly 40 years later, let's take a look at where the cast of this underrated musical gem is today.
Tom Berenger as Frank Ridgeway
Tom Berenger played Frank Ridgeway, a reporter investigating the mysterious death of Eddie Wilson, the lead singer of Eddie and the Cruisers.
- Age in 1983: 34 years old
- Current Age: 74 years old
Berenger went on to have a successful career as a character actor, starring in hits like Major League, Platoon, Training Day, and Inception. He earned an Oscar nomination for his performance in Platoon. Other notable credits include roles on TV series like Hatfields & McCoys and films such as Sniper.
Michael Paré as Eddie Wilson
Taking on the role of enigmatic frontman Eddie Wilson was Michael Paré.
- Age in 1983: 25 years old
- Current Age: 65 years old
After Eddie and the Cruisers, Paré appeared in movies like Streets of Fire, The Philadelphia Experiment, Gone in 60 Seconds, and Bad Moon. He continues to work regularly in television and film, most recently starring in the action movie Lonestar Heroes.
Richard Wells
Joe Pantoliano as Doc Robbins
Joe Pantoliano played the band's keyboardist, Doc Robbins.
- Age in 1983: 32 years old
- Current Age: 72 years old
Pantoliano is likely best known for his roles in television series like The Sopranos and films like The Matrix, Memento, and Bad Boys. He has over 100 acting credits and won an Emmy for The Sopranos.
Matthew Laurance as Sal Amato
Matthew Laurance portrayed Sal Amato, one of the Cruisers.
- Age in 1983: 33 years old
- Current Age: 73 years old
After Eddie and the Cruisers, Laurance made guest appearances on shows like The A-Team and Beverly Hills, 90210. He also appeared in movies such as Demolition Man.
David Wilson as Kenny Hopkins
David Wilson played band member Kenny Hopkins.
- Age in 1983: 34 years old
- Current Age: 74 years old
Wilson has remained best known for his role in Eddie and the Cruisers, though he also made appearances on series like NYPD Blue. He seems to have retired from acting.
Richard Wells
Ellen Barkin as Maggie Foley
Ellen Barkin portrayed Maggie Foley, Eddie's love interest.
- Age in 1983: 29 years old
- Current Age: 69 years old
After Eddie and the Cruisers, Barkin found huge success in films like The Big Easy, Ocean's Thirteen, and Switch. More recently, she's starred in series like Animal Kingdom. She has won multiple acting awards.
Helen Schneider as Joann Carlino
Helen Schneider played Joann Carlino, a friend of the band.
- Age in 1983: 31 years old
- Current Age: 71 years old
Schneider is likely best recognised as Carlino in Eddie and the Cruisers, though she also appeared in soaps like One Life to Live and series like Spenser: For Hire.
Richard Wells
Michael 'Tunes' Antunes as Wendell Newton
Michael Antunes portrayed Wendell Newton, yet another member of the Cruisers band.
- Age in 1983: 43 years old
- Current Age: 83 years old
Outside of acting, Antunes pursued music. He was a member of the band Sha Na Na. His credits include Hair and Eddie and the Cruisers.
It's always fun to look back on older films and see where the cast members are today. Nearly four decades later, the core group from Eddie and the Cruisers have gone down different paths - some still acting, others transitioning into retirement. But for music lovers, their time as the Cruisers remains something special.
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