Since its 1987 release, ‘Spaceballs‘ ended up being a cult classic among film parodies. Directed by Mel Brooks, this movie flipped the ‘Star Wars’ narrative while offering a blend of humor and space opera. As we approach the end of 2023, let’s explore where Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Daphne Zuniga are today.
Bill Pullman
Bill Pullman portrayed Lone Starr, a satirical blend of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo in the film. Post ‘Spaceballs,’ Pullman’s career expanded across various genres. He starred in films such as ‘A League of Their Own,’ ‘Sleepless in Seattle,’ and ‘Casper,’ and appeared as the President in the sci-fi epic ‘Independence Day.’ His recent ventures include roles in the TV series ‘The Sinner,’ where he played Detective Harry Ambrose, and ‘1600 Penn,’ portraying the American President.
In 2023, Pullman portrayed Alex Murdaugh in the Lifetime series ‘Murdaugh Murders: The Movie.’ His recent filmography includes ‘The Coldest Game’ (2019), ‘Dark Waters’ (2019), and ‘The High Note’ (2020). Additionally, he appeared in ‘Halston’ (2021) and ‘This Fool’ (2023).
John Candy
Remembered for his portrayal of Barf, John Candy started his career as a comedian in Canada. He rose to fame through early roles in ‘1941’ and ‘The Blues Brothers.’ His talent shone in ‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’ and ‘Spaceballs,’ both released in the same year. Unfortunately, Candy’s life was cut short in 1994 due to a heart attack. He had been attached to several major projects before his passing, including film adaptations of ‘A Confederacy of Dunces‘ and ‘The Incomparable Atuk,‘ and a biopic of Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle.
Daphne Zuniga
Known for her role as Princess Vespa, Daphne Zuniga’s acting career began in 1982, and she achieved widespread recognition in ‘Melrose Place’ as Jo Reynolds from 1992 to 1996. Beyond acting, Zuniga is an active environmental advocate. Her recent roles include ‘Gates Of Paradise’ (2019), ‘Christmas In Paris’ (2019), and guest appearances in ‘NCIS’ (2020) and ‘Fantasy Island’ (2021). In 2022, she appeared in ‘Dynasty’ as Sonya Jackson.
Brenda Strong
Brenda Strong, who appeared as Nurse Gretchen in ‘Spaceballs,’ has since continued her acting career with roles in ‘Starship Troopers,’ ‘Black Dog,’ and TV series like ‘Twin Peaks’ and ‘Seinfeld.’ Her role as Mary Alice Young in ‘Desperate Housewives’ from 2004 to 2012 was particularly notable, earning her two Emmy nominations. Her recent works include ’13 Reasons Why,’ ‘All Rise,’ and 2023’s ‘Unprisoned.’ Brenda will be starring in ‘The Venery of Samantha Bird’ as Nan Bird, a TV series in post-production.
Stephen Tobolowsky
Stephen Tobolowsky, remembered as the Captain of the Guard in ‘Spaceballs,’ has appeared in classics like ‘Groundhog Day,’ ‘Memento,’ and ‘Thelma and Louise.’ A prolific character actor, his recent projects include ‘Strange Nature’ (2018), ‘Monsters At Large’ (2018), ‘Fractured’ (2019), and TV shows ‘Grace and Frankie’ (2022), ‘Haul Out the Holly’ (2022), and ‘Lopez vs Lopez’ (2023). His upcoming projects are the TV Series ‘Adventures in Wonder Park’ as the voice of Uncle Tony for 1 episode, ‘Inventors’ as the voice of Don Manning, and the short ‘Watching Walter’ as Walter.
