Photo:Warner Brothers/Alamy
Warner Brothers/Alamy
Kids all across the U.S. have grown up reading S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novelThe Outsiders,which tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his gang of friends, known as the Greasers. Ponyboy and his friends encounter loss and grief and learn right from wrong.
Many schools also showFrancis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film adaptation, makingThe Outsidersan integral part of modern American culture — even 40 years after its release.
Virtually every young star of the film would become a massive Hollywood star with careers that have spanned decades. The young cast, which includedTom Cruise,Matt Dillon,Rob Lowe,Patrick SwayzeandDiane Lane, was a who’s-who of the decade’s rising talent.
But what are the stars up to now? Here’s what to know about theOutsiderscast today.
C. Thomas Howell as Ponyboy Curtis
Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett ; Jason Mendez/Getty
The Outsiderswas Howell’s first starring role after having a small part inE.T. the Extra-Terrestrialthe year prior. Throughout the rest of the ‘80s and into the ‘90s, Howell landed other lead roles in hits such asRed Dawn(1984),Soul Man(1986) andGettysburg(1993).
Howell will next star alongsideDennis Quaidin the filmReagan, aRonald Reaganbiopic. Howell will star as Reagan’s secretary of defense, Caspar Weinberger.
Ralph Macchio as Johnny Cade
Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett ; Sean Zanni/Getty
Ralph Macchio, 61, played Johnny Cade, Ponyboy’s friend who kills one of the Socs after they’re attacked one night.
The Outsiderswas Macchio’s first major acting role. Speaking toDrew Barrymoreonher showin 2022, he recalled the movie’s “unnerving” audition process. “Every actor was in one big soundstage … with all the actors sitting around the perimeter, and Francis would call different actors to read different roles and would mix and match,” he said.
Macchio continued: “You’re already sweating because you’re in the room with one of the great filmmakers and storytellers in American cinema history. Everybody wants to be in this movie because they love the book, and yet you’re watching everyone’s audition and watching the reaction of the director. … It was really important for him to mix and match and see the chemistry because these boys all knew each other and had history together.”
The following year, Macchio would find further success as Daniel LaRusso inThe Karate Kid(1984). Over the next decade, Macchio landed leading roles, starring inThe Karate Kid’s two sequels in 1986 and 1989 and joiningJoe Pesciin the hit comedyMy Cousin Vinny(1992).
In 2018, Macchio returned to the “Miyagiverse” for the seriesCobra Kai, reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso. In January 2023, Netflix announced thatCobra Kai’s sixth and final seasonwas on the way.
Off-screen, Macchio has been married toPhyllis Fierrosince 1987. The couplemet at a partywhen Macchio was just 15. In a 2021 interview with PEOPLE, Macchio recalled the party: “This is 1970 or whatever, so this is Cheez Doodles, 7Up, Tootsie Rolls, probably the Ruffles with onion dip,” he said. “She was a friend of my cousin, and we just smiled and talked and danced a little. Probably the Hustle!” The couple have two children,JuliaandDaniel.
Matt Dillon as Dallas “Dally” Winston
Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett ; Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty
Matt Dillon, 59, played Dallas “Dally” Winston, one of the older Greasers who is hardened from his previous life of crime and poverty in New York City.
A few years beforeThe Outsiders, Dillon had made a name for himself in movies includingLittle Darlings(1980) andTex(1982). After starring as one of the Greasers, Dillon’s career flourished over the next two decades, and he landed starring roles in movies likeThe Flamingo Kid(1984),There’s Something About Mary(1998),Wild Things(1998) andCrash(2005). Next up, Dillon will star inWes Anderson’sAsteroid City.
In 2022, Dillon appeared on Danny Pellegrino’s podcastEverything Iconic, where he recalled his fond memories of working onThe Outsiders. “I think everyone got along great when we made the film, but I was closest I think with Tommy [Cruise] and with Ralph because we had a lot of scenes together,” he said. “But we all got along. … It’s a very familial atmosphere, working with [Coppola].”
Off-screen, Dillon has been dating actress and dancerRoberta Mastromichelesince 2014.
Patrick Swayze as Darrel “Darry” Curtis
Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett ; Barry Brecheisen/WireImage
Patrick Swayzestarred as Darrel “Darry” Curtis, the oldest Curtis brother who raises his brothers Ponyboy and Sodapop after the death of their parents.
The Outsiderswas Swayze’s first major role, but throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, he became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, thanks to his leading roles in blockbuster hits includingDirty Dancing(1987),Road House(1989),Ghost(1990) andPoint Break(1992). Swayze continued acting into the 2000s, working on smaller indie projects and straight-to-video releases.
In 2008, Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and initially had an encouraging prognosis; in March of that year, Swayze’s doctor said, “Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far.”
A year later, tabloids began reporting that Swayze’s health was in decline, but the actor denied the reports, telling PEOPLE in part, “Once again, I am one of the lucky ones with pancreatic cancer that is responding well to the treatment.”
On Sept. 14, 2009, Swayze died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 57. His reps told PEOPLE, “Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months.”
Swayze married dancer and choreographer Lisa Niemi in 1975 and remained with her until his death. In 2023, Niemi toldtheTodayshowthat shestill loved him. “Just because somebody’s gone doesn’t end your relationship with them,” she said. “We spent 34 years together, and that’s always going to be a part of my life and who I am.”
Rob Lowe as Sodapop Curtis
Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett ; Rich Polk/Getty
Rob Lowe, 59, played Sodapop Curtis, the middle brother of Darry and Ponyboy, who often made jokes to mask his true emotions.
Both9-1-1: Lone StarandUnstablehave been renewed for more seasons.
Emilio Estevez as Keith “Two-Bit” Matthews
Emilio Estevez, 61, played Keith “Two-Bit” Matthews, one of the Greasers and a good friend to the Curtis brothers.
Like much of the cast,The Outsiderswas Estevez’s first major role, but it was far from his last. He went on to star in films likeThe Breakfast Club(1985),St. Elmo’s Fire(1986),Young Guns(1988) andThe Mighty Ducks(1992).
Estevez also comes from a famous Hollywood family. His father isMartin Sheen, known for his roles inThe West WingandGrace and Frankie, and his brother isCharlie SheenfromTwo and a Half Men.
In his personal life, Estevez dated model Carey Salley on and off throughout the ‘80s. The pair had two children, son Taylor Estevez and daughter Paloma Estevez. He was also briefly engaged toDemi Moorein 1986 and was married to dancer and singerPaula Abdulfrom 1992 to 1994. In 2006, he became engaged to journalist Sonja Magdevski, with whom he started a winery. They have since ended their relationship.
In May 2023, Estevez confirmed toUproxxthat he wroteGuns 3: Alias Billy the Kid, the third installment in theYoung Gunsfranchise. The release date has yet to be announced.
Tom Cruise as Steve Randle
Tom Cruise, 60, played Steve Randle, a member of the Greasers and Sodapop’s best friend who works with him at a gas station.
ThoughThe Outsiderswas Cruise’s first major film, he would shoot to fame just a few months later whenRisky Businesspremiered. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, Cruise continued to star in hit movies such asTop Gun(1986),Rain Man(1988),Born on the Fourth of July(1989),Mission: Impossible(1996) andJerry Maguire(1996).
In recent years, Cruise has continued to star in blockbuster hits, including theMission: Impossiblesequels, theJack Reacherfranchise andTop Gun: Maverick(2022), which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Cruise has been married three times, most recently to actressKatie Holmesfrom 2006 to 2012 with whom he had daughterSuri Cruise, born in April 2006.
Before Holmes, Cruise was married to Mimi Rogers from 1987 to 1990 and toNicole Kidmanfrom 1990 to 2001. He and Kidman welcomedtwo children,Isabella JaneandConnor Antony.
Diane Lane as Sherri “Cherry” Valance
Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett ; Paul Morigi/Getty
Diane Lane, 58, played Sherri “Cherry” Valance, a Soc girl and Ponyboy’s crush. Throughout the novel and film, she tries to de-escalate the tension between the Greasers and the Socs.
Before starring inThe Outsiders, Lane already had a few notable roles under her belt, including starring oppositeKenny RogersinSix Pack(1982). Though Lane continued acting throughout the ‘80s, her biggest roles came in the 1990s and 2000s when she starred in movies such asJudge Dredd(1995) andThe Perfect Storm(2000). In 2003, she was nominated for an Oscar for her performance inUnfaithful(2002).
She eventually joined the DC Extended Universe as Martha Kent, Superman’s adoptive mother, inMan of Steel(2013),Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice(2016) andJustice League(2017).
During a 2017Radio Andyinterview, Lane recalled Coppola’s unique tactics to ensure tension between the actors portraying the Greasers and Socs. Coppola kept the two groups separated throughout filming and, according to Lane, the actors playing the Socs “actually got a little more [money] per diem” to help flare tensions between the two groups.
Off-screen, Lane was married to actor Christopher Lambert from 1988 to 1994. She and Lambert had a daughter, Eleanor Jasmine Lambert, in September 1993. Lane was later married to actorJosh Brolinfrom 2004 to 2013.
According toDeadline, Lane will star as American socialite and fashionista Slim Keith in season 2 of FX’santhology seriesFeud. The new season, titledCapote’s Women, will feature a star-studded cast to portray controversial authorTruman Capoteand his entourage of conniving socialites.Tom Hollanderwill play Capote andNaomi Watts,Chloë SevignyandCalista Flockhartwill also star.
Leif Garrett as Bob Sheldon
Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett ; Albert L. Ortega/Getty
Leif Garrett, 61, played Bob Sheldon, Sherri’s boyfriend who, along with some other Socs, attacks Ponyboy and Johnny. Johnny stabs Bob in self-defense, ultimately killing him.
BeforeThe Outsiders, Garrett had established himself as a musician best known for hits like “I Was Made for Dancin’ ” and “Feel the Need," and had starred in films likeWalking Tall(1973) andGod’s Gun(1976).
After his two hit albums in the late ‘70s, Garrett’s music career slowed down. AfterThe Outsiders, he appeared in the now-cult classicCheerleader Camp(1987) and theDavid SpadecomedyDickie Roberts: Former Child Star(2003).
In 2019, he released a book,Idol Truth: A Memoir, chronicling his life as a former child star and his journey to sobriety. In early 2020, Garrett toldFox Newsthat he was sober. “Right now, I’m just taking things one day at a time,” he said. “I’m not in jail and I’m not in rehab. It took a long time to get to a point where I don’t have to self-medicate myself to escape the pain. That feels good. Hard drugs are a difficult thing, especially if you’ve done it for a while. I play music because I love it. I will always love it.”
source: people.com
