Thrashin' (1986) Cast Then and Now: 39 Years Later
In 1986, a young Josh Brolin led a gang of skateboarding rebels in the cult classic Thrashin'. Nearly four decades later, one became Hollywood royalty, others found steady success, and tragically, two co-stars died at the exact same age.
I still remember the first time I saw that iconic poster—Josh Brolin in Ray-Bans, skateboard in hand, looking like the coolest thing to hit the Venice Beach scene. Thrashin' dropped in 1986 when skateboarding was more rebellion than sport, and MTV still played music videos between cartoons. As a child of the 80s, this legitimately was one of my favourite films to watch!
Directed by David Winters (who choreographed for Elvis and started as a Broadway dancer), this Romeo and Juliet on wheels captured the raw energy of Southern California skate culture. Production designer Catherine Hardwicke got her start on Thrashin' before becoming a director herself—her second film would be the skateboarding epic Lords of Dogtown (2005), bringing her career full circle. The film followed Corey Webster (Josh Brolin), an out-of-town skater who falls for Chrissy (Pamela Gidley), sister of rival gang leader Tommy Hook (Robert Rusler). What made Thrashin' special wasn't just the story—it was the authentic skateboarding featuring legends like Tony Hawk, Christian Hosoi, and Steve Caballero, plus a cameo from the Red Hot Chili Peppers in their original lineup.
Meat Loaf recorded the theme song "Thrashin'" specifically for the film, alongside White Sister's "Touch the Sky"—both tracks remain unreleased on any official format, making them holy grails for 80s soundtrack collectors.
While critics dismissed it as "West Side Story on wheels," Thrashin' became a cult phenomenon that defined skateboarding movies for an entire generation. But what happened to the cast who brought this 80s time capsule to life?
Featured Stars
Josh Brolin (Corey Webster) - From Skate Punk to Hollywood Royalty
THEN:
Josh Brolin was just 18 years old when Thrashin' filmed in late 1985. Fresh off The Goonies success, he learned to skateboard specifically for the role, performing many of his own stunts alongside professional skaters. Playing the earnest outsider Corey Webster, Brolin brought genuine California cool to the Romeo role in this skateboarding love story.
Director David Winters wanted Brolin after seeing his work in The Goonies, believing he could handle both the skating and the emotional arc of falling for the enemy's sister. The filmmakers even included a subtle nod to his previous film—a picture of a skull missing an eye appears on the Daggers' house wall, referencing the iconic pirate imagery from The Goonies. Behind the scenes, Brolin formed lasting friendships with the professional skaters who taught him their craft.
NOW:
At 57, Josh Brolin stands as one of Hollywood's most respected character actors. His 2025 has been dominated by the horror hit "Weapons," which earned him a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score—the highest-rated film of his career, surpassing even Avengers: Endgame.
Career Highlights Post-Thrashin': • No Country for Old Men (2007) - Career-defining breakthrough • Milk (2008) - Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor
• Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thanos (2018-2019) - Global superstar status • Dune franchise (2021-2024) - Critical acclaim as Gurney Halleck • The Running Man remake (November 2025) and Knives Out 3 upcoming
Married to Kathryn Boyd since 2016, Brolin has openly addressed past struggles with anger and alcohol, now living a grounded life focused on family and wellness. His transformation from teen heartthrob to serious dramatic actor proves that some skateboarding rebels do land on their feet.
Robert Rusler (Tommy Hook) - The Steady Hand Behind the Bad Boy
THEN:
At 20, Robert Rusler was already a rising star when he landed the role of Tommy Hook, leader of the fearsome Daggers gang. He was actually the second choice—Johnny Depp was originally cast alongside girlfriend Sherilyn Fenn, but the producer rejected him after three attempts.
Rusler brought genuine skateboarding skills and punk edge to Hook, creating one of the 80s' most memorable teen antagonists. His intimidating presence and natural skating ability made the rivalry with Brolin's character feel authentic.
NOW:
At 59, Robert Rusler has quietly built one of the entertainment industry's most consistent character acting careers. After his horror breakouts in Weird Science and A Nightmare on Elm Street 2, he found his niche in television with notable roles in Babylon 5, 24, NCIS, and General Hospital.
Career Highlights Post-Thrashin': • Babylon 5 (1994-1995) - Cult sci-fi success as Warren Keffer • Steady guest appearances on major TV series (24, The Closer, NCIS) • Recent recurring role on General Hospital (2014-2015) • Active on the horror convention circuit, appearing at Horror Realm 2025
Married to Erin Louise Jellison with three sons, Rusler maintains an active social media presence and continues taking television roles. He's proof that steady professionalism often outlasts flash-in-the-pan fame.
Pamela Gidley (Chrissy) - Beauty and Talent Cut Short
THEN:
Pamela Gidley was 20 years old and making her acting debut in Thrashin' after winning the "Most Beautiful Girl in the World" contest from Wilhelmina Modeling Agency in 1985. Her portrayal of Chrissy balanced innocence with strength, creating the perfect romantic center for the skateboarding storm.
Despite some clunky dialogue, Gidley brought sincerity and natural naivete to her character, with a subtle maturity that made her relatable. Her chemistry with Brolin anchored the film's emotional core. Sharp-eyed viewers can spot her on the October 1985 cover of Seventeen magazine that appears in the bus scene—Gidley was a frequent cover model for the publication.
Interestingly, Thrashin' marked the first collaboration between Gidley and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, who appears in the film's skate party scene. They would go on to work together in four more films: Dudes (1987), The Blue Iguana (1988), Liar's Poker (1999), and Goodbye, Casanova (2000).
AFTER FILM:
Tragically, Pamela Gidley died on April 16, 2018, at age 52 in her home in Seabrook, New Hampshire. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Career Highlights: • Cherry 2000 (1988) - Cult sci-fi classic as the robot girlfriend • Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992) - Teresa Banks, the first victim • CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - Recurring role as forensic anthropologist Teri Miller • Television appearances in MacGyver, The Pretender, Strange Luck
Richard Wells
Josh Brolin paid tribute to her on Instagram, calling her "a spitfire and a truly funny person" and remembering "amazing and innocent memories". Her first performance in Thrashin' launched a career that would touch cult classics and mainstream television before ending far too soon.
Brooke McCarter (Tyler) - From Vampire to Tragedy
THEN:
Brooke McCarter was 22 when he played Tyler, one of Corey's fellow Ramp Locals in Thrashin'. Born in Pennsylvania, he'd already won a modeling contest at 14 and was signed with Ford modeling agency in New York before segueing to acting.
His natural athleticism and boy-next-door looks made him perfect for the skateboarding crew, though his biggest fame was still ahead of him.
AFTER FILM:
Brooke McCarter died on December 22, 2015, at age 52 in Tampa, Florida, from the genetic liver condition alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Career Highlights: • The Lost Boys (1987) - Vampire Paul, his most famous role • Managed Corey Haim through the 1990s after their Lost Boys friendship • Took a 20-year acting hiatus (1998-2009) to work in telecommunications and raise his daughter as a single father • The Uh-Oh Show (2009) - Return to acting in Herschell Gordon Lewis horror
Lost Boys co-star Alex Winter paid tribute: "We had some very very good times together back in the day". McCarter's journey from teen skateboarding movie to vampire classic to dedicated single father shows the diverse paths actors take beyond the spotlight.
Richard Wells
Sherilyn Fenn (Velvet) - From Thrashin' to Twin Peaks Icon
THEN:
Sherilyn Fenn was 21 and in a small supporting role as Velvet, Hook's girlfriend. She was cast alongside her then-boyfriend Johnny Depp, though Depp was ultimately rejected by the producer. Even in this minor role, Fenn's screen presence hinted at the star power that would soon explode.
Her scenes in Thrashin' were brief but memorable, showcasing the distinctive look and mysterious quality that would define her career.
NOW:
At 60, Sherilyn Fenn remains a cultural icon thanks to her breakthrough role as Audrey Horne in Twin Peaks. Recently photographed in Los Angeles with striking purple hair, she continues to evolve her distinctive style.
Career Highlights Post-Thrashin': • Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017) - Emmy and Golden Globe nominations as Audrey Horne • Wild at Heart (1990) - David Lynch collaboration, Palme d'Or winner • Of Mice and Men (1992) - Cannes Film Festival success • Active on Cameo, creating personalised videos for Twin Peaks fans
Fenn deliberately moved away from sex symbol roles after Twin Peaks, demanding no-nudity clauses and focusing on independent films. Her small Thrashin' role was the stepping stone to becoming David Lynch's most famous muse.
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Richard Wells
Supporting Cast & Skateboarding Legends
The Skateboarding Icons Who Made It Real
Tony Hawk was just 17 during filming and served as both featured skateboarder and stunt double for Josh Brolin. Today at 57, he's the most famous skateboarder in history, turning his passion into a billion-dollar empire through video games, equipment, and the Tony Hawk Foundation.
Christian Hosoi appeared as the green-haired Dagger gang member, representing the rebellious spirit of 80s skating. Steve Caballero and Tony Alva rounded out the legendary skater cameos that gave Thrashin' its authentic edge.
The Ramp Locals Who Found Different Paths
Josh Richman (Radley) leveraged his Thrashin' experience into directing music videos for Guns N' Roses and other major acts. Brett Marx (Bozo) continued acting in various projects throughout the 80s and 90s. David Wagner (Little Stevie) remained in entertainment but transitioned more toward behind-the-scenes work.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers Connection
The film featured the Freaky Styley incarnation of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, including the late Hillel Slovak, performing at the skate party scene. This captured the band just before their massive breakthrough, making Thrashin' a time capsule of both skateboarding and alternative music culture.
Film Legacy & Cultural Impact
Thrashin' holds a unique place in 80s cinema as the film that legitimised skateboarding culture in Hollywood. While critics dismissed it as "West Side Story on wheels," it gained cult status among kids of the 80s with all the right ingredients: gang rivalry, forbidden love, and authentic skateboarding.
The MTV series Jackass paid homage to the film's jousting scene in 2002, and the skateboard industry continues to describe it as "legendary". Recent streaming availability has introduced Thrashin' to new audiences discovering its authentic portrayal of 80s skate culture.
The film's influence extends beyond entertainment—it captured skateboarding at the moment it was transitioning from counterculture to mainstream sport. Tony Hawk's appearance alongside other legends preserved a crucial moment in skating history on film.
You Might Remember This If...
You had a Powell Peralta deck hanging on your bedroom wall next to your Metallica posters. You remember when MTV actually played music videos, and seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform before they were stadium-filling superstars felt like discovering a secret.
The sound of wheels hitting concrete still gives you chills, and you can perfectly recreate Corey's bus escape sequence even though you haven't seen the movie in 20 years. You know exactly what "Be there!" means, and you've probably quoted it ironically at least once this decade.
Where They Stand Today
The Thrashin' cast represents every possible Hollywood trajectory. Josh Brolin achieved the impossible—transitioning from teen skateboarding movies to Oscar-nominated dramatic roles to Marvel supervillain status. His journey proves that early "mistakes" (he once called his Thrashin' performance "horrendous") can become stepping stones to greatness.
Robert Rusler built the dream of every working actor: steady employment, creative satisfaction, and a happy family life. While he never became a household name, his four-decade career spans iconic horror films, beloved sci-fi series, and ongoing television work.
Sherilyn Fenn transformed a tiny Thrashin' role into cultural immortality through Twin Peaks, proving that sometimes the smallest opportunities lead to the biggest breakthroughs.
The skateboarding legends who appeared in the film—Tony Hawk, Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero—went on to define their sport globally, making Thrashin' an accidental documentary of skateboarding's future stars.
Thrashin' captured lightning in a bottle: the moment when skateboarding culture met Hollywood ambition. Nearly four decades later, it remains the most authentic portrayal of 80s skate rebellion ever filmed, even as we mourn the cast members who left us far too soon.
Rewind Zone Ratings:
• Nostalgia Factor: 8/10 (Pure 80s skateboarding time capsule)
• Rewatch Value: 7/10 (Unintentionally hilarious and genuinely cool)
• Hidden Gem Scale: 9/10 (Cult classic with legendary cameos)
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