Four decades after its theatrical debut, the 1985 sci-fi comedy Weird Science continues to charm a new generation of fans. The film, a quintessential product of writer-director John Hughes, follows two socially awkward teenagers who use a doll and some rudimentary computer programming to create their ideal woman. Though often overshadowed by Hughes's other 1985 hit, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science has cemented its status as a beloved cult classic, having grossed $38.9 million against a $7.5 million budget. We track down the cast of this bizarre and hilarious film to see where their paths have led.
From 'Perfect Woman' to Ranch Life: Kelly LeBrock's Journey
For many cinema-goers in 1985, the standout star was Kelly LeBrock, who played Lisa, the computer-generated woman brought to life. The actress, who grew up in London's Kensington, was a model before her breakout role as the 'perfect woman' in 1984's The Woman in Red. Following the success of Weird Science, LeBrock shocked Hollywood by stepping back from acting, not returning until 1990 opposite then-husband Steven Seagal in Hard to Kill.
Now 65, LeBrock has traded the glamour of Tinseltown for a quieter existence. In a recent appearance, she described giving up "diamonds for dirt", managing a ranch in California's Santa Ynez Valley where she cares for horses, cattle, and chickens. She also opened up about past health battles, including a struggle with skin cancer, from which she has fully recovered. "I don't really go out anymore. I'm sort of a bit of a recluse, but I like it like that," she admitted, reflecting on her life away from the spotlight.
The Teen Stars: From Brat Pack to Diverse Careers
The film's protagonists, Gary and Wyatt, were played by Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith. Hall, then 17, was a core member of Hughes's 'Brat Pack', having also starred in The Breakfast Club. He actively worked to shed his geek image with roles in films like Edward Scissorhands and later found TV success in The Dead Zone. More recently, he appeared in The Dark Knight and Amazon's Reacher. In 2023, Hall welcomed his first child with wife Lucia Oskerova, embracing fatherhood at 55.
In stark contrast, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, who was just 16 during filming, left acting behind entirely. After a few lesser-known roles, he stepped away from the screen in the early 1990s. He pursued academia, earning a doctorate in Medieval Studies. Today, he is an associate professor of English at California State University, Long Beach, publishing scholarly work on medieval culture and even writing for gaming magazines. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in 2014, he is now legally blind.
Supporting Players Turned Global Superstars
The film's supporting cast featured a future Hollywood titan: Robert Downey Jr., who played school bully Ian. His career, though marred by well-documented legal and substance abuse issues in the late 1990s and early 2000s, soared to unprecedented heights. He achieved global fame as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, becoming the world's highest-paid actor. In 2023, he won an Academy Award for his role in Oppenheimer. Downey Jr. has been sober since 2003 and has spoken candidly about his past, describing a prison stint as the "most dangerous place" he's ever been.
Another supporting player, Robert Rusler (who played Max), continued with a steady career in film and television, while the film itself remains a testament to John Hughes's prolific and influential period in the mid-1980s. Weird Science not only launched and shaped careers but also endures as a quirky, heartfelt snapshot of 80s teen comedy, its legacy assured by both its original charm and the fascinating trajectories of its cast.
