The Driver (1978) Cast Updated in 2024

The Driver, a neo-noir action thriller released in 1978, is a masterpiece of minimalist storytelling directed by Walter Hill. The film follows a professional getaway driver caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an obsessed detective. Known for its intense car chases and sparse dialogue, The Driver has become a cult classic that influenced many subsequent films in the crime and action genres. For a deeper dive into the film's impact and legacy, check out our review of Walter Hill's "The Driver".

Let's take a look at where the cast of this influential film is now, over four decades later.

Ryan O'Neal (The Driver)

Then (1978): Ryan O'Neal played the titular role of The Driver, a cool, enigmatic getaway driver of few words but exceptional skill behind the wheel. O'Neal's restrained performance perfectly captured the character's stoic professionalism.

Now (2024): O'Neal, now 82, has had a long and varied career since The Driver. He continued to act in films and television, with notable roles in series like Bones and Desperate Housewives. However, in recent years, he has stepped back from acting due to health issues. O'Neal's performance in The Driver remains one of his most iconic roles, showcasing his ability to convey depth with minimal dialogue.

Bruce Dern (The Detective)

Then (1978): Bruce Dern portrayed The Detective, a relentless and obsessive cop determined to catch The Driver. Dern's intense, almost manic performance provided the perfect foil to O'Neal's cool reserve.

Now (2024): At 87, Bruce Dern has maintained an impressive career well into his later years. He's experienced a career renaissance, earning Oscar nominations for his roles in Nebraska (2013) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). Dern continues to work regularly, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility across a wide range of roles.

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Isabelle Adjani (The Player)

Then (1978): French actress Isabelle Adjani played The Player, a mysterious gambler who becomes entangled with The Driver. Her ethereal beauty and enigmatic presence added depth to the film's noir atmosphere.

Now (2024): Adjani, now 68, has continued her successful career primarily in French cinema. She has won numerous awards, including five César Awards for Best Actress, more than any other actress. While she works less frequently now, Adjani remains a respected figure in international cinema, known for her intense performances and striking screen presence.

Ronee Blakley (The Connection)

Then (1978): Ronee Blakley portrayed The Connection, a crucial link in The Driver's network. Though her role was small, Blakley brought a nervous energy to her character that added to the film's tense atmosphere.

Now (2024): After The Driver, Blakley, now 78, continued to act sporadically but focused more on her music career. She has released several albums and continues to perform as a singer-songwriter. While not as prominent in Hollywood as she once was, Blakley's contributions to both film and music are still remembered and appreciated.

Matt Clark (Red Plainclothesman)

Then (1978): Matt Clark played one of The Detective's plainclothes officers, bringing a grounded realism to the role that contrasted with Dern's manic energy.

Now (2024): Clark, now 87, has had a long career as a character actor in both film and television. While he's less active now, he continued to take on roles well into his 70s, appearing in shows like NYPD Blue and Dharma & Greg. His solid performance in The Driver is representative of the dependable character work he's known for throughout his career.

Felice Orlandi (Gold Plainclothesman)

Then (1978): Felice Orlandi portrayed another of The Detective's plainclothes officers, adding to the film's gritty, realistic portrayal of police work.

Now: Orlandi passed away in 2003 at the age of 78. After The Driver, he continued to work in television and film, with appearances in shows like Quincy, M.E. and The A-Team. His role in The Driver remains one of his most notable film appearances.

Joseph Walsh (Glasses)

Then (1978): Joseph Walsh played Glasses, one of The Driver's criminal associates. His character added to the film's portrayal of the criminal underworld.

Now (2024): Walsh, now in his 80s, has had a diverse career in the entertainment industry. While he continued to act occasionally after The Driver, he's also known for his work as a writer and producer. He wrote the screenplay for the 1985 film California Split and has worked on various other projects in Hollywood.

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Rudy Ramos (Teeth)

Then (1978): Rudy Ramos portrayed Teeth, another member of the criminal element in the film. His character contributed to the tense, noir atmosphere of The Driver.

Now (2024): Ramos, now 73, has maintained a steady acting career since The Driver. He's appeared in numerous television shows over the years, including Yellowstone and Longmire. Ramos has also performed a one-man show about Geronimo, showcasing his range as an actor beyond his early film roles.

Legacy of The Driver

The Driver remains an influential film in the crime and action genres. Its minimalist style, intense car chases, and the nameless character archetypes have inspired many subsequent films, including Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive (2011) and Edgar Wright's Baby Driver (2017).

The film showcases Walter Hill's talent for taut, efficient storytelling and his skill with action sequences. It stands as one of the highlights in Hill's impressive filmography. For more on Hill's exceptional body of work, check out our ranking of Walter Hill's Top 10 Movies.

The performances of the cast, particularly O'Neal's laconic Driver and Dern's obsessive Detective, have become iconic in the neo-noir genre. Their cat-and-mouse game, played out against the backdrop of nighttime Los Angeles, continues to captivate audiences decades after the film's release.

Trivia

1. The main characters in The Driver are never named, only referred to by their roles (The Driver, The Detective, etc.). This adds to the film's minimalist style and noir atmosphere.
2. Walter Hill wrote the screenplay for The Driver in just three weeks.
3. The film's car chases were all performed practically, without the use of CGI (which wasn't available at the time). Many of the stunts were performed by the actors themselves, including Ryan O'Neal.
4. The Driver was a commercial failure upon its initial release but has since gained a strong cult following and is now considered a classic of the neo-noir genre.
5. Bruce Dern's character fires his gun only once in the entire film, despite being a police detective in an action thriller.
6. The film's style and tone heavily influenced Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive (2011), which Refn has openly acknowledged.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who directed The Driver?
   The Driver was directed by Walter Hill, known for his work in action and Western genres.
2. Are there any spoken names in the film?
   No, none of the main characters are referred to by name in the film, only by their roles or descriptions.
3. Did Ryan O'Neal do his own driving stunts?
   Yes, Ryan O'Neal performed many of his own driving stunts in the film, adding to the authenticity of the car chase scenes.
4. Was The Driver successful when it was first released?
   No, The Driver was not a commercial success upon its initial release. However, it has since gained a cult following and is now considered a classic.
5. How did The Driver influence later films?
   The Driver's minimalist style, intense car chases, and nameless character archetypes have influenced many later films, particularly in the crime and action genres. Notable examples include Drive (2011) and Baby Driver (2017).

Conclusion

The cast of The Driver brought to life a tense, stylish thriller that has stood the test of time. From Ryan O'Neal's cool reserve to Bruce Dern's manic intensity, each performance contributed to the film's unique atmosphere. While some cast members have passed on and others have stepped back from the limelight, their work in The Driver continues to influence filmmakers and entertain audiences to this day.

Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering The Driver for the first time, the film's legacy and the careers of its cast members offer a fascinating glimpse into Hollywood history and the evolution of the neo-noir and action genres.