Casts from the "Breakfast Club" and "St. Elmo's Fire" films are often considered core members of the Brat Pack. This includes actors such as Rob Lowe, Emilio Esteves and Molly Linward. Still, in addition to the core characters of the Brat Pack, there are many other neighboring actors who regularly work with these stars, who were almost as popular as actors in the 80s.
But while many Brat Pack actors later went into obscurity, others went on to enjoy successful careers in the film industry. We put together a list of five actors who emerged from "boyhood" and are now movie stars by their own abilities, and five who were later almost forgotten.
10. Successful Do-Tom Cruise
Tom cruise
Cruise's breakthrough role was played in the growth-themed television series Dangerous Business (1983), his first Golden Globe nomination. Since then, Cruise has enjoyed a fruitful career as one of the biggest big-screen actors, starring in films ranging from Top Gun to Mission: The Impossible Movie.
Cruise was also notorious for his Scientology faith. He spoke out bluntly about his association with the organization and even introduced people to the religion. The actor has had several high-profile relationships, the most notable of which include Katie Helms and Nicole Kidman.
9. Unsuccessful Molly Ringwald
Linwold
Linwald's performances in iconic '80s films like "Sixteen Candles" and "The Breakfast Club" defined that era, and she quickly became the epitome of a restless teenager.
Sixteen candles marked the beginning of a long-term partnership between Lin and director John Hughes, after which he would continue to make more mature films. Throughout the '90s, however, Lin Ward turned down some of the most high-profile films from the main characters, such as Beauty and Ghost — and her career never fully recovered.
Linwald, who is currently playing recurring roles in the hit TV series Riverdale, has yet to regain the glory of her teenage years.
8. Successful Patrick Swazi
Swazi
Swazi rose to fame in 1983 after starring in the coming-of-age drama "The Outsider.". Throughout the '80s, Swazi continued his winning streak, starring in films alongside other Brat Pack members, including Jennifer Grey and Charlie Sheen.
Swazi's most memorable role was in 1987, when he starred in the feel-good iconic blockbuster Dirty Dance, in which he reunited with Gray again. Although a low-budget film, "Dirty Dance" exceeded everyone's expectations and became one of the most famous films of the 80s.
After enjoying a successful film and stage career, Swaites tragically died in 2009 after battling pancreatic cancer. He was only 57 years old at the time.
7. Unsuccessful Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe is an '80s teen idol whose performances in Brat Pack classics such as "The Outsider," "The Fire of St. Elmo" and "About Last Night" captured the hearts of millions of people around the world.
However, in 1988, Lowe's promising career was damaged by his involvement in a sex tape scandal, and his public image and film career have since plummeted. Eventually, Lowe's career was rekindled by mocking his behavior during an episode of "Saturday Night Live."
Since then, Lowe has participated in his own short-lived reality show, Lowe Files, which aired only one season. He currently hosts the Fox Game series Samurai Mind, which is also his producer.
6. Successful Robert Downey Jr.
Downey Jr
Downey Jr. His film debut was when he was five years old and has since become one of Hollywood's most famous actors. Downey Jr.'s appearance on "Saturday Night Live" won rave reviews. He later starred in several iconic Brat Pack films, including "Weird Science" and "Low Than Zero."
However, it appears that Downey Jr.'s status soon reached its peak, leading him to a drug addiction. Throughout the late '90s and early 2000s, Downey Jr. He struggled with drug addiction until he regained consciousness in 2003. Since then, Downey Jr. has rebuilt his acting career, best known today for his role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a role that made him one of the highest paid actors of all time.
5. Unsuccessful Andrew McCarthy
Andrew McCarthy
Andrew McCarthy rose to fame for starring in the '80s films St. Elmo's Fire, Beautiful Pink, and Less Than Zero. Since his teenage years, McCarthy has directed hit series including "Gossip Girl" and "Orange is the New Black."
Although McCarthy starred in several film roles from the peak of his acting career, he has yet to return to the level of fame he enjoyed in the 80s. Today, McCarthy is best known as a travel writer and is currently the editor of the National Geological Traveler. As if his career as a young actor hadn't left him unscathed, McCarthy announced that he had been battling a severe alcohol addiction until 2004.
4. Successful James Spade
James Spade
James Spader rose to fame after getting a role, a men's backpack movie that went on to become a classic, Pretty In Pink. Since then, Spade has continued to enjoy a successful acting career, often playing the stereotypical "weirdo" in films such as "Sex, Lies and Videotapes" and "Stargate".
In 2011, Spade joined the cast of "Office" (USA) as the domineering, creepy boss Robert California. He was praised for his "mild anti-social" portrayal of the character.
After returning to the big screen to star in Ultron in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Spade prefers to stay out of the spotlight. He is currently dating his former Alien Hunter (2003) co-star Leslie Stefanson, who has a son.
3. Unsuccessful Ellie Shedi
Ellie Shedi
Hitty rose to fame for her performances at breakfast clubs and in the Fire of St. Elmo, defining the Brat Pack era for many kids in their 80s. After appearing in the independent film Higher Art, Siddy began dabbling in stage performances, starring in "Hedwig" and "An Inch of Anger" in 1999.
Hitty was praised for being the first woman to play the gender queer Hedwig, but her campaign ended prematurely amid mixed reviews from critics and viewers. Since then, Shedi has avoided living in the spotlight and instead insisted on staying in the dark. Played smaller roles in TV series such as XY and Psychiatry.
2. The successful Did-Demi Moore
Domi Moore
Moore became a hit after starring in several Brat Pack movies and became one of the best-known figures in show business, including blaming Rio, St. Elmo's Fire and About Last Night.
Moore's most famous role, however, was arguably in 1990, when she starred in "Ghost" with Patrick Swayze and Woopi Goldberg. By 1995, Moore was the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. You may not see her on screen very often these days, but Moore rarely comes out of the public eye, having been in a high-profile relationship on several occasions, most notably with other actors Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher.
1. Unsuccessful Anthony Michael Hall
Anthony Michael Hall
Hall rose to fame after starring in several teen movies throughout the '80s and was widely known for films he collaborated with John Hughes, such as "National Satire Holiday," "Breakfast Club," and "Weird Science."
Since then, Hall's acting career has slipped, and he admits that he was again a victim of alcoholism, which is related to the pressure to become a successful child star.
More recently, Hall has appeared in television commercials, including his re-emergence as Rusty Griswold in a series of old Navy commercials. He also pursued a career as a musician, as lead singer for his band Hall of Mirrors.