CATCH UP WITH THE '80s TEEN ICONS OF The Breakfast Club

In honor of its 40th anniversary, we're taking a walk down memory lane to see what the iconic cast—from the brain to the basket case—have been up to since the movie's debut

- JUDY KOUTSKY AND RAQUEL LEKIC

THE BREAKFAST CLUB CAST was an all-star ensemble made up of Hollywood greats: Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy and Anthony Michael Hall. The 1985 cult classic, set in a high school in Shermer, Illinois, captures the essence of teenage angst and rebellion as five students from different social backgrounds are required to spend their Saturday together in detention. Despite their initial differences and prejudices, they begin to understand and empathize with one another, discuss their personal struggles, share stories about their lives and form unexpected connections. Directed by the legendary late John Hughes, the film is one of the most popular coming-of-age movies of a generation and is celebrated for its portrayal of social stereotypes and the enduring quest for identity. Here, we take a look back at the stars of this iconic '80s film.

MOLLY RINGWALD

CLAIRE STANDISH

Molly Ringwald played Claire, the wealthy, popular girl of the group. The redheaded actress was a favorite of director John Hughes and starred in back-to-back teen movies: Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985) and Pretty in Pink (1986). Later, she starred in For Keeps (1988), a drama about teen pregnancy, The Pick-up Artist (1987), a rom-com with Robert Downey Jr., and The Stand (1994), a TV adaptation of Stephen King's post-apocalyptic novel. Ringwald most recently appeared in the TV series Riverdale, as well as The Bear, Monsters and Feud. She also appeared in the 2023 film Bad Things. In addition to acting, Ringwald is a singer and author. She released a jazz album, Except Sometimes