“The Goonies,” the 1985 adventure film, remains a beloved classic. Let’s dive into where the cast of this nostalgic movie is today, exploring their journeys since their swashbuckling days.
Sean Astin: From Mikey Walsh to Major Roles
Sean Astin, who played the protagonist Mikey Walsh, went on to achieve cinematic greatness. His most notable role was Samwise Gamgee in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Astin has also featured in “Stranger Things” and appeared in a variety of low-budget romantic comedies. Known for his attendance at comic and nerd conventions, Astin continues to be a significant figure in the entertainment industry.
Ke Huy Quan: Data’s Return to the Spotlight
Ke Huy Quan, the actor behind the fan-favorite Data, struggled with stardom post-“Goonies.” He worked as a fight choreographer for “X-Men” and appeared in “Finding ‘Ohana” (2021). Quan recently returned to the limelight with his award-winning performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and is set to star in the “American-Born Chinese” series.
Josh Brolin: A Consistent Box Office Presence
Josh Brolin, who portrayed Brand Walsh, has had a remarkable career trajectory. Despite a slump in the ’90s, Brolin found renewed success with roles such as George W. Bush, Thanos, and Llewelyn Moss in “No Country for Old Men.” His continued presence in Hollywood makes him one of the most successful actors from “The Goonies.”
Corey Feldman: From Mouth to Cult Classics
Corey Feldman, already a successful actor by “The Goonies,” went on to star in several ’80s cult classics like “Stand by Me,” “The Lost Boys,” and “License to Drive.” Feldman’s early life was troubled, as he discusses in his 2013 memoir “Coreyography.” He continues to deal with challenges related to his past.
Jeff Cohen: Chunk’s Transformation
Jeff Cohen, known for his “truffle-shuffle” as Chunk, stepped away from acting. His last acting credit was in “Perfect Harmony” (1991). Cohen is now a successful entertainment lawyer and oversaw Ke Kuy Quan’s contract for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
Kerri Green: Andy’s Television Journey
Kerri Green, who played Brand’s girlfriend Andy, found it hard to follow up her ’80s fame. Her career mostly involved TV cameos on shows like “ER,” “Mad About You,” and “In the Heat of the Night,” with her last acting credit in 2012’s “Complacent.”
Martha Plimpton: From Stef to Emmy Winner
Martha Plimpton, like Green, shifted her focus to television post-’80s. She founded an abortion advocacy organization and made headlines by winning an Emmy for her guest role in “The Good Wife.”
Joe Pantoliano: A Versatile Career Post Francis Fratelli
Joe Pantoliano, who played Francis Fratelli, enjoyed a successful career in Hollywood. His notable appearances include “The Fugitive,” “Bad Boys,” and “The Matrix,” culminating in an Emmy for “The Sopranos.”
John Matuszak: The Late Sloth
John Matuszak, the actor behind Sloth, was a professional NFL player before “The Goonies.” Tragically, he passed away four years after the film’s release due to an accidental overdose.
Anne Ramsey: A Talented Yet Short-Lived Career
Anne Ramsey played the menacing Mama Fratelli. Her performance in “Throw Momma from the Train” earned her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. Ramsey passed away just three years after “The Goonies.”
Robert Davi: The Villainous Jake Fratelli
Robert Davi, who portrayed Jake Fratelli, has had a prolific acting career, often cast as a villain. He directed “My Son Hunter” (2022), a biopic about Hunter Biden.
Lupe Ontiveros: Rosalita’s Endearing Legacy
Lupe Ontiveros, who played Rosalita, continued to take small roles in films like “Blood in Blood Out,” “Selena,” and “As Good as It Gets.” She passed away in 2012.
“The Goonies” cast members have navigated diverse paths since their adventure on the big screen. From enduring Hollywood success to ventures beyond acting, their stories reflect the dynamic nature of life after fame.
