Wherearethestarsof Weird Science 40yearslater Froman Oscarwinnertoawrongfuldeath

Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, August 6th 2025 at 18:49 GMT by HELLO! Magazine
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The 1985 John Hughes classic starred an ensemble cast led by Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith and Kelly LeBrock

Weird Science Stars: Where Are They Now, 40 Years After the Iconic '80s Comedy?

It's hard to believe that *Weird Science*, the outrageous 1985 teen comedy directed by John Hughes, turns 40 next year. The film, which follows two awkward high school nerds who create their dream woman using a computer, became a cult classic thanks to its blend of sci-fi absurdity, heartfelt coming-of-age moments, and memorable '80s flair. Starring a mix of rising stars and established talents, the movie captured the era's obsession with technology, romance, and rebellion. But what happened to the cast after they brought this wild story to life? From Hollywood comebacks to quieter lives away from the spotlight, here's an in-depth look at where the stars of *Weird Science* are today.

Starting with Anthony Michael Hall, who played Gary Wallace, one of the film's lead protagonists. At just 17 when the movie was released, Hall was already a John Hughes staple, having appeared in *Sixteen Candles* and *The Breakfast Club*. His portrayal of the sarcastic, girl-crazy Gary was pitch-perfect, channeling the frustrations of teenage awkwardness. Post-*Weird Science*, Hall continued to build an impressive career. He starred in films like *Out of Bounds* and *Edward Scissorhands*, but it was his transition to television that kept him in the public eye. In the 2000s, he took on the role of Johnny Smith in the USA Network series *The Dead Zone*, based on Stephen King's novel, which ran for six seasons and earned him critical acclaim for his dramatic depth. More recently, Hall has embraced villainous roles, appearing in *Halloween Kills* as an older Tommy Doyle, reprising his connection to the horror genre from his early days in *Halloween*. He's also popped up in Netflix's *The Goldbergs* and Hulu's *Reprisal*. Now in his 50s, Hall remains active in the industry, often reflecting on his Hughes collaborations in interviews. He's spoken about how those films shaped his career, and he's even dabbled in producing and directing. Outside of acting, Hall has been open about his personal growth, including overcoming substance issues in his youth, and he now advocates for mental health awareness.

Ilan Mitchell-Smith, who portrayed Wyatt Donnelly, Gary's more timid best friend, had a shorter stint in the spotlight. At 16 during filming, Mitchell-Smith brought a wide-eyed innocence to Wyatt, making him the perfect foil to Hall's brash Gary. The film was one of his biggest roles, following appearances in *The Wild Life* and preceding *Journey to the Center of the Earth*. However, by the late '80s, Mitchell-Smith decided to step away from acting to pursue academia. He earned a degree in medieval studies from the University of California, Davis, and later a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. Today, he's a professor of English at California State University, Long Beach, specializing in medieval literature, chivalry, and even role-playing games. Mitchell-Smith has occasionally returned to pop culture discussions, appearing at fan conventions and in documentaries about '80s films. In a fascinating twist, he's connected his academic work to his Hollywood past by writing about fantasy and gaming, including contributions to *Dungeons & Dragons* publications. Married with children, he leads a fulfilling life far from the red carpet, though he fondly recalls *Weird Science* as a fun chapter in his youth.

No discussion of *Weird Science* would be complete without Kelly LeBrock, the stunning model-turned-actress who embodied Lisa, the computer-generated dream woman with magical powers. LeBrock, already a fashion icon in the '80s thanks to her Pantene campaigns and marriage to action star Steven Seagal, brought glamour and wit to the role, making Lisa both empowering and hilarious. After the film, she starred in *Hard to Kill* and *Woman in Red*, but her career slowed in the '90s as she focused on family. Divorcing Seagal in 1996 amid a high-profile split, LeBrock raised her three children largely out of the public eye on a ranch in California. She battled health issues, including weight gain and depression, which she openly discussed in her 2018 book *Fierce*. In recent years, LeBrock has made a comeback, appearing in films like *10 Days in a Madhouse* and the reality show *Growing Up Supermodel*, which featured her daughter Arissa. Now in her 60s, she's an advocate for body positivity and animal rights, often sharing her life on social media. LeBrock has expressed gratitude for *Weird Science*, crediting it with launching her acting career and allowing her to subvert the "perfect woman" trope.

Bill Paxton, who stole scenes as Chet Donnelly, Wyatt's bullying older brother with the unforgettable transformation into a grotesque creature, was on the cusp of stardom. Paxton's over-the-top performance as the sleazy, militaristic Chet became one of the film's highlights. Following *Weird Science*, he built a legendary career with roles in blockbusters like *Aliens*, *Twister*, *Titanic*, and *Apollo 13*. He also directed and starred in *Frailty*, showcasing his versatility. Paxton remained a beloved figure in Hollywood until his untimely death in 2017 at age 61 from complications following heart surgery. His legacy endures through his extensive filmography and tributes from colleagues like James Cameron. Fans remember him not just for Chet's antics but for his warm personality and dedication to storytelling.

Robert Downey Jr., in a smaller but memorable role as Ian, one of the cool kids who torments Gary and Wyatt, was just beginning his ascent. At 20, Downey's charisma shone through, foreshadowing his future as Iron Man. After *Weird Science*, he navigated highs and lows, including Oscar-nominated performances in *Chaplin* and a well-documented battle with addiction. His triumphant return in the Marvel Cinematic Universe redefined superhero films, and today, at 59, he's an A-lister with roles in *Oppenheimer* and upcoming projects like *The Sympathizer*. Downey has often credited his early Hughes films for honing his comedic timing.

Other notable cast members include Suzanne Snyder, who played Deb, one of the girls at the party. Snyder continued acting in films like *Killer Klowns from Outer Space* and TV shows such as *Seinfeld*, but has since shifted to writing and producing. Judie Aronson, as Hilly, appeared in *Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter* and later focused on fitness, becoming a Pilates instructor. Michael Berryman, the mutant biker leader, maintained a niche in horror with roles in *The Hills Have Eyes* and beyond, embracing his unique appearance due to a rare condition.

*Weird Science* endures as a time capsule of '80s excess, and its stars' paths reflect the unpredictable nature of fame. Some chased the limelight, others found fulfillment elsewhere, but all contributed to a film that still sparks nostalgia. Whether rewatching Lisa's iconic lines or Chet's slime-covered demise, the movie's magic lives on through its talented ensemble. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full HELLO! Magazine Article at:
[ https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/848843/weird-science-stars-now-40-years-later/ ]

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Wherearethestarsof Weird Science 40yearslater Froman Oscarwinnertoawrongfuldeath

Weird Science Stars: Where Are They Now, 40 Years After the Iconic '80s Comedy?