In 1985, the sci-fi comedy-drama ‘Cocoon’ ended up being a notable success for director Ron Howard. Over three decades later, here is a look at what happened to the film’s cast, especially Don Ameche and Wilford Brimley.
Don Ameche
Don Ameche continued to grace the silver screen after ‘Cocoon.’ He received critical acclaim for his role in ‘Things Change’ (1988), a film praised for its humor and depth. He was later in various projects, including a guest appearance on ‘The Golden Girls’ in 1990, roles in ‘Oscar’ (1991), ‘Folks!’ (1992), and lending his voice to Shadow in ‘Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey’ (1993). His final film, ‘Corrina, Corrina’ (1994), was released after his passing.
Ameche’s life came to a close on December 6, 1993, at his son’s residence in Scottsdale, Arizona. He passed away due to prostate cancer at age 85. Respecting his wishes, Ameche was cremated, and his ashes were interred at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Asbury, Iowa.
Wilford Brimley
Despite being younger than his on-screen peers, Wilford Brimley convincingly played the role of a senior in ‘Cocoon,’ thanks in part to makeup and his acting talent. His filmography post-‘Cocoon’ included roles that often brought forward his ability to play stern, yet endearing characters.
Brimley was also recognized for his musical talents, releasing a jazz album titled ‘This Time, The Dream’s On Me’ in 2004. His skills as a harmonica player were also well-received, notably during his 2011 appearance on ‘The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.’
On August 1, 2020, Brimley passed away at 85 in a hospital in St. George, Utah. The cause was a prolonged kidney condition.
The Remaining ‘Cocoon’ Cast Members
Beyond Ameche and Brimley, the cast of ‘Cocoon’ included talented actors whose careers and lives took various paths after the film’s release.
After ‘Cocoon,’ Hume Cronyn continued to act in films like ‘*batteries not included’ and ‘Cocoon: The Return.’ He remained active on stage and won an Emmy in 1990 for ‘Age Old Friends.’ Cronyn passed away in 2003 at the age of 91.
Known for his Broadway and film roles, Jack Gilford continued to work in the entertainment industry until his passing in 1990 due to stomach cancer. He was 81 years old at that time.
Post-‘Cocoon,’ Steve Guttenberg maintained a steady acting career, appearing in various TV shows like ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’ and films like ‘Lavalantula.’ He also engaged in charitable work and married Emily Smith in 2019.
After ‘Cocoon,’ Maureen Stapleton appeared in several movies and won a 1968 Emmy Award. She was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1981. Stapleton passed away in 2006 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Jessica Tandy had a resurgence in her career in the 1980s and won an Oscar for ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ in 1989. She continued acting until her death in 1994 from complications related to ovarian cancer.
Recognized for roles in ‘Species’ and ‘Practical Magic,’ Herta Ware continued acting until her death in 2005 due to Parkinson’s disease complications.
After ‘Cocoon,’ Charles Lampkin appeared in several TV series before passing away in 1989 at the age of 76.
So, the only remaining member of the ‘Cocoon’ cast is currently Guttenberg.
