The Brat Pack: Where Are They Now?

In the 1980s, a group of young actors burst onto the scene, starring in films that defined a generation with their raw take on youth, friendship, and rebellion. Dubbed the Brat Pack, these stars brought teen struggles to life in movies that still resonate today.

The term, coined in a 1985 New York Magazine article, was a nod to the Rat Pack but carried a cheeky edge that some actors disliked. From gritty dramas to heartfelt comedies, their work shaped pop culture. Let’s dive into where all Brat Pack members—core and associated—are now.

Rob Lowe

Rob Lowe’s charm and good looks made him a standout in ‘The Outsiders’ (1983), ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ (1985), and ‘About Last Night’ (1986). His roles as a heartthrob captured the era’s spirit, though offscreen challenges briefly dimmed his star.

Lowe rebounded with a strong career, starring in ‘The West Wing’ (1999-2006), ‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009-2015), and ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ (2020-2025). He hosts ‘The Floor’ on Fox and has produced projects like ‘Wild Bill’. His staying power keeps him thriving in Hollywood.

Emilio Estevez

Emilio Estevez, son of Martin Sheen, shone in ‘The Outsiders’ (1983), ‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985), and ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ (1985). His authentic, relatable characters made him a fan favorite and a key Brat Pack figure.

He pivoted to directing, with films like ‘Bobby’ (2006) and ‘The Public’ (2018), and starred in ‘The Way’ (2010), which he also directed. Estevez returned for ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’ (2021-2022), reprising his iconic role. He remains a creative force behind the camera.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise, already a rising star, appeared in ‘The Outsiders’ (1983) and ‘Taps’ (1981) alongside other Brat Pack members. His charisma and intensity hinted at the megastar he would become.

Cruise skyrocketed to fame with ‘Top Gun’ (1986) and went on to lead blockbusters like ‘Mission: Impossible’ (1996-2024) and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022). Still a box-office giant, he continues to produce and star in major films, maintaining his A-list status.

Anthony Michael Hall

Anthony Michael Hall played the quintessential nerd in ‘Sixteen Candles’ (1984), ‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985), and ‘Weird Science’ (1985). His youthful roles, plus a stint on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (1985-1986), made him a Brat Pack staple.

Hall’s career grew with roles in ‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990), ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008), and ‘Halloween Kills’ (2021). He recently appeared in ‘The Goldbergs’ (2013-2023) and ‘Bosch: Legacy’ (2022-2025), showing his knack for diverse roles.

Sean Penn

Sean Penn, part of the extended Brat Pack, starred in ‘Taps’ (1981) and ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ (1982). His raw talent and intense performances set him apart early on.

Penn won Oscars for ‘Mystic River’ (2003) and ‘Milk’ (2008), starring in films like ‘Dead Man Walking’ (1995) and ‘Licorice Pizza’ (2021). He also directs and focuses on political activism, balancing a storied career with social causes.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore captivated audiences in ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ (1985) and ‘About Last Night’ (1986). Her magnetic presence and emotional depth made her a standout in the Brat Pack.

She became the highest-paid actress of her time with hits like ‘Ghost’ (1990) and ‘A Few Good Men’ (1992). Moore recently starred in ‘Feud: Capote vs. The Swans’ (2024) and wrote a memoir, ‘Inside Out’ (2019), keeping her career vibrant.

Andrew McCarthy

Andrew McCarthy’s sensitive roles in ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ (1985), ‘Pretty in Pink’ (1986), and ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ (1989) defined his Brat Pack era. His introspective charm won over audiences.

McCarthy transitioned to directing, working on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013-2019) and ‘The Blacklist’ (2013-2023). He wrote ‘Brat: An ’80s Story’ (2021) and directed the Hulu documentary ‘Brats’ (2024), reflecting on the Brat Pack’s legacy.

Matt Dillon

Matt Dillon brought grit to ‘The Outsiders’ (1983), ‘Tex’ (1982), and ‘Rumble Fish’ (1983). His brooding intensity made him a natural fit for the Brat Pack’s edgier roles.

Dillon continued acting in films like ‘There’s Something About Mary’ (1998) and ‘Crash’ (2004). He recently appeared in ‘Asteroid City’ (2023) and is set to star in ‘Haunted Heart’ (2025), maintaining a steady presence in film.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage, often considered Brat Pack-adjacent, appeared in ‘Rumble Fish’ (1983) and ‘The Cotton Club’ (1984). His unique energy set him apart in the 1980s scene.

Cage won an Oscar for ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ (1995) and starred in hits like ‘National Treasure’ (2004-2007) and ‘Pig’ (2021). Known for eclectic roles, he recently appeared in ‘Longlegs’ (2024) and continues to take on bold projects.

Judd Nelson

Judd Nelson’s rebellious streak defined his roles in ‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985) and ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ (1985). His intense, edgy performances became a Brat Pack hallmark.

Nelson kept acting in ‘Suddenly Susan’ (1996-2000) and voiced characters in ‘Transformers’ projects. His recent work includes ‘South of Hope Street’ (2024) and ‘The Most Dangerous Game’ (2022), showing he’s still active in the industry.

Ally Sheedy

Ally Sheedy’s quirky, soulful roles in ‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985) and ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ (1985) made her iconic. Her portrayal of Allison in ‘The Breakfast Club’ remains a fan favorite.

Sheedy starred in ‘Short Circuit’ (1986) and later took roles in ‘High Art’ (1998) and ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ (2016). She recently appeared in ‘Single Drunk Female’ (2022-2023), reuniting with Molly Ringwald, and continues to act.

Timothy Hutton

Timothy Hutton, linked to the Brat Pack through ‘Taps’ (1981), brought depth to his early roles. An Oscar winner for ‘Ordinary People’ (1980), he stood out among his peers.

Hutton starred in ‘The Falcon and the Snowman’ (1985) and later appeared in ‘Leverage’ (2008-2012) and ‘American Crime’ (2015-2017). He continues acting, with recent roles in ‘The Long Home’ (2021), keeping his career active.

Molly Ringwald

Molly Ringwald ruled the 1980s with ‘Sixteen Candles’ (1984), ‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985), and ‘Pretty in Pink’ (1986). Her relatable, heartfelt performances made her the Brat Pack’s teen queen.

Ringwald moved to France, acting in French films, and later starred in ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’ (2008-2013) and ‘Riverdale’ (2017-2023). She recently appeared in ‘Feud: Capote vs. The Swans’ (2024) and ‘The Bear’ (2022-2025).

Which Brat Pack star’s career path inspires you most, or which of their films still hits home? Share your thoughts in the comments!