National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) Cast Then and Now: 47 Years Later

Back in 1978, National Lampoon's Animal House revolutionised comedy forever. I still remember John Belushi's food fight scene—pure chaos that created the entire gross-out comedy genre.

This $3 million college romp earned $141.6 million domestic, launched unknown actors into stardom, and proved R-rated comedies could dominate mainstream cinema. Nearly five decades later, the cast journeys reveal both Hollywood triumph and heartbreaking tragedy.

The Breakout Stars

Kevin Bacon as Chip Diller

Then (1978): At 19, Bacon was a struggling waiter when he landed his film debut as the smarmy ROTC cadet. Completely unknown, he returned to waiting tables after filming wrapped.

Now (2025): At 66, Bacon remains Hollywood royalty. His 2024 included Leave the World Behind, MaXXXine, and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Currently directing "Family Movie" with wife Kyra Sedgwick and their children. The "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" game made him more famous than any single role.

See Kevin Bacon in Diner...

Diner (1982) Cast: Then and Now - A Journey Through Time

From fresh-faced newcomers to Hollywood icons, the cast of Diner (1982) has undergone an incredible transformation over four decades. Featuring breakthrough performances from Steve Guttenberg, Mickey Rourke, Kevin Bacon, and Ellen Barkin, this ensemble defined a generation of talent.

Rewind ZoneRichard Wells

Tim Matheson as Eric "Otter" Stratton

Then (1978): At 29, Matheson was the cast veteran, having voiced Jonny Quest since age 13. His smooth-talking Otter nearly landed him Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Now (2025): At 77, Matheson stars in Netflix's Virgin River (renewed through season 7) and published his memoir "Damn Glad to Meet You" in November 2024. He and partner Daniel Grodnik bought National Lampoon itself in 1989, selling two years later. Emmy nominations for The West Wing cemented his dramatic credentials.

Tom Hulce as Larry "Pinto" Kroger

Then (1978): Fresh from Broadway at 23, Hulce played the naive freshman with wide-eyed innocence that perfectly captured college anxiety.

Now (2025): At 71, Hulce largely retired from acting in the mid-1990s, focusing on theater directing. His Oscar nomination for Amadeus (1984) and voice work as Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame defined his peak years. He surprised fans by reprising Quasimodo in Disney's 2023 "Once Upon a Studio."

The Tragic Legend

John Belushi as John "Bluto" Blutarsky

Then (1978): At 28, Belushi was Animal House's only established star from Saturday Night Live. His food-flinging Bluto became the breakout performance that transformed him into comedy royalty.

Legacy: Belushi died March 5, 1982, at 33 from an accidental overdose at the Chateau Marmont Hotel. Between Animal House and his death, he conquered multiple mediums: The Blues Brothers went double platinum, the 1980 film became a hit. The Slimer character in Ghostbusters was designed as tribute to his enduring influence.

The Supporting Ensemble

Karen Allen as Katy

Then (1978): At 26, Animal House was Allen's film debut as Boon's increasingly frustrated girlfriend. Limited screen time but memorable presence.

Now (2025): At 73, Allen recently reprised Marion Ravenwood in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023). Her 2024 projects include "Unsinkable: Titanic Untold" and "The Easy Kind." She teaches at Bard College and runs Karen Allen Fiber Arts in Massachusetts.

Sarah Holcomb as Clorette DePasto

Then (1978): At 18, Holcomb played Mayor DePasto's supposedly innocent daughter in the film's most controversial scenes. Her fearless performance in the toga party sequence became legendary.

The Mystery: Holcomb appeared in Caddyshack (1980) then vanished completely from Hollywood. Rumours of drug addiction and mental health struggles circulated before she disappeared entirely. The full story of Sarah Holcomb's mysterious disappearance reveals one of Hollywood's most heartbreaking vanishing acts.

Sarah Holcomb: Animal House Star’s Tragic Hollywood Exit

Sarah Holcomb was just 18 when she starred in Animal House, creating comedy’s most controversial scene. Two years later, she appeared in Caddyshack. By 22, her career was over—discover the tragic story of Hollywood’s most mysterious disappearance.

Rewind ZoneRichard Wells

Bruce McGill as Daniel Simpson "D-Day" Day

Then (1978): McGill was 28 playing the motorcycle-riding D-Day. His performance in the final parade sequence became instantly iconic.

Now (2025): At 74, McGill enjoyed one of the steadiest careers from the cast. Notable roles in The Insider (1999), Lincoln (2012), and television's MacGyver as Jack Dalton. People still shout "D-Day!" at him on the street.

Those We've Lost

Stephen Furst as Kent "Flounder" Dorfman

Then (1978): At 23, Furst's bumbling Flounder provided the film's heart. His innocent interactions with older Delta brothers became beloved moments.

Legacy: Furst died June 16, 2017, at 63 from diabetes complications. His career included dramatic work on St. Elsewhere and Babylon 5. As a lifelong diabetic, he became an American Diabetes Association spokesperson. His filmmaker sons asked fans to "celebrate his life by watching one of his movies."

Donald Sutherland as Professor Dave Jennings

Then (1978): Sutherland commanded $25,000 for two days as the pot-smoking professor—famously rejecting a percentage deal worth approximately $14 million.

Legacy: Sutherland passed away June 20, 2024, at 88. His prolific career continued through The Hunger Games franchise and earned him an honorary Oscar in 2017. His "Don't write this down" classroom scene remains quotable gold.

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Additional Notable Cast Members

Peter Riegert (Boon): Now 77, continues working with recent Succession appearances and his "Vocal Heroes" podcast.

James Widdoes (Hoover): At 74, became successful TV director with 100+ episodes including Two and a Half Men and Veep.

John Vernon (Dean Wormer): Created one of cinema's most memorable authority figures. Passed away 2005 at 72.

Mark Metcalf (Neidermeyer): Now 78, later appeared in Twisted Sister music videos and remains active in Wisconsin theater.

You Might Remember This If...

You watched Animal House on late-night cable when it became essential viewing for college-bound kids. You can still quote "Toga! Toga!" or Belushi's "What? Over? Did you say 'over'?" You remember when college comedies had heart beneath the hijinks and R-rated meant something.

Final Thoughts

Animal House remains culturally significant yet increasingly controversial. Modern University of Oregon students describe it as "old-fashioned," reflecting evolved social attitudes toward its content. Yet its influence on comedy remains undeniable—from Porky's to Superbad, every college comedy still uses its template.

The cast's diverse paths tell Hollywood's complete story: meteoric rises, tragic falls, steady careers, and mysterious disappearances. While Belushi became legend through early death and Holcomb vanished entirely, survivors like Bacon and Matheson prove longevity often trumps brief fame.