Silkwood Cast Then and Now

Key Takeaways:

• Silkwood, released in 1983, is a powerful biographical drama about nuclear plant worker and whistleblower Karen Silkwood.
• The film features an all-star cast including Meryl Streep, Kurt Russell, and Cher.
• Many cast members have had successful post-Silkwood careers, with some becoming Hollywood legends.
• Several actors, like Craig T. Nelson and Bruce McGill, have become recognisable faces on television.
• Sadly, some cast members have passed away since the film's release.

Silkwood, released in 1983, is a powerful biographical drama that features a stellar cast portraying complex characters. This article explores the main actors, their ages during filming, and their careers in the four decades since the film's release.

Meryl Streep as Karen Silkwood

Age during filming: 33-34 years old

Meryl Streep portrayed the titular character, Karen Silkwood, a nuclear plant worker and union activist. Streep's performance captured Karen's transformation from a carefree individual to a passionate whistleblower, showcasing her growing anxiety and resolve as she uncovered dangerous practices at the Kerr-McGee plutonium plant.

Now: As of 2024, Meryl Streep is 74 years old. Post-Silkwood, Streep's career has been nothing short of legendary. She has won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards for Sophie's Choice (1982), The Iron Lady (2011), and August: Osage County (2013). Streep has consistently delivered powerful performances in films like The Devil Wears Prada, Doubt, and The Post, solidifying her status as one of the greatest actresses of all time.

Kurt Russell as Drew Stephens

Age during filming: 31-32 years old

Kurt Russell played Drew Stephens, Karen's boyfriend and co-worker at the nuclear plant.

Now: Kurt Russell is 73 years old in 2024. After Silkwood, Russell starred in cult classics like Big Trouble in Little China and Overboard. He later gained critical acclaim for his roles in films like Tombstone and The Hateful Eight. Russell has also found success in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing Ego in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Read more about Kurt Russell's post-Tombstone career

Cher as Dolly Pelliker

Age during filming: 36-37 years old

In a departure from her usual glamorous image, Cher took on the role of Dolly Pelliker, Karen's lesbian roommate and close friend.

Now: In 2024, Cher is 77 years old. Following Silkwood, Cher's acting career flourished with roles in Mask (1985) and her Academy Award-winning performance in Moonstruck (1987). She has continued to act sporadically while maintaining a successful music career and becoming a pop culture icon.

Explore Cher's top 10 movie roles

Craig T. Nelson as Winston

Age during filming: 39-40 years old

Craig T. Nelson portrayed Winston, a manager at the Kerr-McGee plant. Nelson's performance captured Winston's authoritative demeanour and the pressure he faced to maintain the status quo at the plant.

Now: Craig T. Nelson is 80 years old in 2024. Post-Silkwood, Nelson found significant success on television, starring in the long-running sitcom Coach (1989-1997), for which he won an Emmy Award. He later had a prominent role in Poltergeist (1982) and the critically acclaimed series Parenthood (2010-2015) and has appeared in films like The Incredibles and its sequel.

Diana Scarwid as Angela

Age during filming: 27-28 years old

Diana Scarwid portrayed Angela, the beautician and "special friend" to Dolly.

Now: Diana Scarwid is 68 years old in 2024. After Silkwood, Scarwid continued to act in both film and television, with notable roles in Crazy in Alabama (1999) and the TV series Prison Break (2005-2009). However, her appearances have become less frequent in recent years.

Fred Ward as Morgan

Age during filming: 40-41 years old

Fred Ward played Morgan, a fellow employee at the Kerr-McGee plant who became involved in Karen's efforts to expose the safety violations at the facility.

Now: Fred Ward passed away on May 8, 2022, at the age of 79. Post-Silkwood, Ward had a successful career in film and television, with notable roles in The Right Stuff (1983), Tremors (1990), and Short Cuts (1993). He continued acting until shortly before his death.

Learn more about the cast of Tremors

Ron Silver as Paul Stone

Then: Ron Silver was 36-37 years old when he took on the role of Paul Stone, a union representative who works with Karen.

Now: Ron Silver passed away on March 15, 2009, at the age of 62. After Silkwood, Silver had a distinguished career as an actor, director, and political activist. He won a Tony Award for his performance in David Mamet's play Speed-the-Plow and had recurring roles in popular TV series like The West Wing and Veronica's Closet.

Charles Hallahan as Earl Lapin

Then: Charles Hallahan was 39-40 years old when he portrayed Earl Lapin, the Doctor, at the nuclear plant.

Now: Charles Hallahan passed away on November 25, 1997, at the age of 54. Following Silkwood, Hallahan had a successful career in both film and television, with notable roles in The Thing (1982), Pale Rider (1985), and the TV series Hunter (1986-1991).

Josef Sommer as Max Richter

Then: Josef Sommer was 48-49 years old when he played Max Richter, a character involved in the management or oversight of the nuclear facility.

Now: Josef Sommer is 89 years old in 2024. After Silkwood, Sommer continued to work steadily in film and television, with notable roles in Witness (1985), The Sum of All Fears (2002), and the TV series Damages (2007-2012).

Sudie Bond as Thelma Rice

Then: Sudie Bond was 54-55 years old when she took on the role of Thelma Rice in Silkwood.

Now: Sudie Bond passed away on November 14, 1984, at the age of 56, just a year after Silkwood's release. Her final film role was in The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984).

E. Katherine Kerr as Gilda Schultz

Then: E. Katherine Kerr was 45-46 years old when she played Gilda Schultz in Silkwood.

Now: E. Katherine Kerr passed away on July 1, 2019, at the age of 82. Post-Silkwood, Kerr focused more on theatre, both as an actress and playwright. She won an Obie Award for her performance in Cloud 9 and taught acting at Yale University.

Bruce McGill as Mace Hurley

Then: Bruce McGill was 32-33 years old when he portrayed Mace Hurley in the film.

Now: Bruce McGill is 73 years old in 2024. After Silkwood, McGill has had a prolific career in both film and television. He's known for his roles in films like The Insider (1999) and Law Abiding Citizen (2009), and for his long-running role as Detective Vince Korsak on the TV series Rizzoli & Isles (2010-2016).

David Strathairn as Wesley

Then: David Strathairn was 33-34 years old when he played Wesley in Silkwood.

Now: David Strathairn is 75 years old in 2024. After Silkwood, Strathairn has had a distinguished career in film, television, and theatre. He received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) and has had notable roles in films like L.A. Confidential (1997) and Lincoln (2012).

Other Notable Names

Will Patton, who had a minor part in Silkwood, went on to achieve recognition for his intense performances. He later starred in memorable films such as Remember the Titans (2000) and Armageddon (1998).

Anthony Heald, though not a household name at the time of Silkwood, later gained fame for his chilling portrayal of Dr. Frederick Chilton in The Silence of the Lambs (1991).

Bill Cobbs, with his distinctive voice and commanding presence, had a small role in Silkwood that hinted at his future as a respected character actor. He would go on to appear in notable films like The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) and Night at the Museum (2006), often bringing gravitas to his roles.

M. Emmet Walsh, already an established character actor by 1983, continued to build his reputation after Silkwood. His versatility shone through in films like Blood Simple (1984) and Blade Runner (1982), cementing his status as one of Hollywood's most reliable supporting actors.