103-563: Anthony Michael Hall (born Michael Anthony Thomas Charles Hall ; April 14, 1968) is an American actor, producer and comedian. He is best known for starring in the teen-centered John Hughes films Sixteen Candles , The Breakfast Club , and Weird Science . Hall diversified his roles to avoid becoming typecast as his geek persona, joining the cast of Saturday Night Live (1985–1986) and starring in films such as Out of Bounds (1986), Johnny Be Good (1988), Edward Scissorhands (1990) and Six Degrees of Separation (1993). After
206-454: A Reagan Republican worldview. In response to this, P. J. O'Rourke wrote that: I have no idea how, or if, John voted ... John and I never bothered to talk much about our politics. What we did talk about was the 20th century's dominant scrambled egghead bien pensant buttinski parlor pinko righty-tighty lefty-loosey nutfudge notion that middle-class American culture was junk, that middle-class Americans were passive dimbulbs, that America itself
309-454: A Reagan Republican worldview. In response to this, P. J. O'Rourke wrote that: I have no idea how, or if, John voted ... John and I never bothered to talk much about our politics. What we did talk about was the 20th century's dominant scrambled egghead bien pensant buttinski parlor pinko righty-tighty lefty-loosey nutfudge notion that middle-class American culture was junk, that middle-class Americans were passive dimbulbs, that America itself
412-561: A 13-year-old kid," said Hughes. The film was a significant box office hit in 1983, grossing over $ 61 million in the United States. After Vacation , Hall moved on to other projects and declined to reprise his role in the 1985 sequel. Hall's breakout role came in 1984, when he was cast as "The Geek", the scrawny, braces-wearing geek who pursued Molly Ringwald's character in John Hughes's directing debut Sixteen Candles . Hall tried to avoid
515-579: A 2010 independent crime-drama film, with Tony Danza and Frank Whaley . Hall made guest appearances in two episodes of the sitcom Community . In 2011, he played the main antagonist in Season 3 of Warehouse 13 . He played Walter Sykes, a man who once benefited from the use of an artifact but harboured a deep-seated anger towards the Warehouse and its agents when the artifact was taken from him (episodes 3.09, 3.11, 3.12). He also guest-starred in Z Nation in
618-554: A Baby , and Uncle Buck ; and wrote the films National Lampoon's Vacation , Mr. Mom , Pretty in Pink , The Great Outdoors , National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation , Home Alone , Dutch , and Beethoven . Most of Hughes' works were set in Chicago at the fictional Shermer High School and were coming-of-age teen comedy films. Many of his most enduring characters from these years were written for Molly Ringwald . While out on
721-458: A Baby , and Uncle Buck ; and wrote the films National Lampoon's Vacation , Mr. Mom , Pretty in Pink , The Great Outdoors , National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation , Home Alone , Dutch , and Beethoven . Most of Hughes' works were set in Chicago at the fictional Shermer High School and were coming-of-age teen comedy films. Many of his most enduring characters from these years were written for Molly Ringwald . While out on
824-492: A camera trick." On November 17, 2016, the Los Angeles District Attorney charged Hall with felony assault with serious bodily injury following a September 13 confrontation with a neighbor at Hall's Playa del Rey condominium complex. In September 2017, Hall pleaded no contest to a lesser charge, was found guilty, and sentenced to three years probation and 40 hours of community service. He was subsequently sued by
927-417: A character based on U.S. General Michael Flynn , who became a controversial public figure around the time of the film's release. At the end of production, Pitt presented his co-stars with engraved wristwatches as a memento for their time making the film. Hall: "It was just such a privilege to work with him [Pitt]." In 2016, Hall played himself as a customer in an AT&T Mobile commercial. The same year, Hall
1030-530: A child, was "Vacation '58", later to become the basis for the film National Lampoon's Vacation . Among his other contributions to the Lampoon , the April Fools' Day stories "My Penis" and "My Vagina" gave an early indication of Hughes's ear for the particular rhythm of teenspeak, as well as for the various indignities of teenage life in general. His first credited screenplay, National Lampoon's Class Reunion ,
1133-428: A child, was "Vacation '58", later to become the basis for the film National Lampoon's Vacation . Among his other contributions to the Lampoon , the April Fools' Day stories "My Penis" and "My Vagina" gave an early indication of Hughes's ear for the particular rhythm of teenspeak, as well as for the various indignities of teenage life in general. His first credited screenplay, National Lampoon's Class Reunion ,
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#17330859220591236-423: A conversation with Stanley Kubrick , but after an eight-month negotiation, a financial agreement could not be reached. "It was a difficult decision, because in that eight-month period, I read everything I could about the guy, and I was really fascinated by him," Hall said when asked about the film. "I wanted to be a part of that film, but it didn't work out. But all sorts of stories circulated, like I got on set and I
1339-475: A cover of " Don't You (Forget About Me) ." The One Tree Hill episode titled "Don't You Forget About Me," broadcast on February 1, 2010, ended with a scene similar to the ending scene of Sixteen Candles. It also contained references to other Hughes movies such as Home Alone . The 2011 Bob's Burgers episode " Sheesh! Cab, Bob? " also paid homage to Sixteen Candles. The teen comedy Easy A (2010) starring Emma Stone paid tribute to Hughes and his films at
1442-475: A cover of " Don't You (Forget About Me) ." The One Tree Hill episode titled "Don't You Forget About Me," broadcast on February 1, 2010, ended with a scene similar to the ending scene of Sixteen Candles. It also contained references to other Hughes movies such as Home Alone . The 2011 Bob's Burgers episode " Sheesh! Cab, Bob? " also paid homage to Sixteen Candles. The teen comedy Easy A (2010) starring Emma Stone paid tribute to Hughes and his films at
1545-572: A detective who was forced to team up with a strange looking Gnome, making for a buddy cop movie with mixed reviews. He also was in the 1992 comedy Into the Sun , where he starred as a visiting celebrity at a military air base. Film critic Janet Maslin praised his performance, writing that "Hall, whose earlier performances (in films like National Lampoon's Vacation and Sixteen Candles ) have been much goofier, remains coolly funny and graduates to subtler forms of comedy with this role." The following year, he played
1648-473: A director was 1991's Curly Sue . By that time, in 1991, his John Hughes Entertainment production company had signed various deals with 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. Actor John Candy created many memorable roles in films written, directed or produced by Hughes, including National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), The Great Outdoors (1988), Uncle Buck (1989), Home Alone (1990), Career Opportunities and Only
1751-473: A director was 1991's Curly Sue . By that time, in 1991, his John Hughes Entertainment production company had signed various deals with 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. Actor John Candy created many memorable roles in films written, directed or produced by Hughes, including National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), The Great Outdoors (1988), Uncle Buck (1989), Home Alone (1990), Career Opportunities and Only
1854-533: A film he wrote and produced about a child accidentally left behind when his family goes away for Christmas, forcing him to protect himself and his house from a pair of inept burglars. Hughes completed the first draft of Home Alone in just 9 days. Home Alone was the top-grossing film of 1990, and remains the most successful live-action family comedy of all time. He followed up with the sequels Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in 1992 and Home Alone 3 in 1997. Some of
1957-482: A film he wrote and produced about a child accidentally left behind when his family goes away for Christmas, forcing him to protect himself and his house from a pair of inept burglars. Hughes completed the first draft of Home Alone in just 9 days. Home Alone was the top-grossing film of 1990, and remains the most successful live-action family comedy of all time. He followed up with the sequels Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in 1992 and Home Alone 3 in 1997. Some of
2060-445: A gay love interest to Will Smith , who had previously agreed to a kissing scene between the two. However, on the day of the shoot, Smith refused to film the scene. Smith told the press that he called Denzel Washington for advice, who told him that an onscreen same-sex kiss was a bad career move. When asked about the incident during an interview, Hall said, "I didn't care. I wasn't that comfortable with it, either, and ultimately, we used
2163-484: A gay man who teaches down-and-out Will Smith to dupe rich people in the critically acclaimed film Six Degrees of Separation ; Hall claimed that it was "the hardest role [he] ever had". In 1994, Hall starred in and directed his first feature film, a low-budget Showtime comedy titled Hail Caesar about a would-be rock star who works in a pencil eraser factory. The film also co-starred Samuel L. Jackson , Robert Downey Jr. , and Judd Nelson . In addition, he produced
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#17330859220592266-554: A heart attack. He was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital , where he was pronounced dead at age 59. Hughes's funeral was held on August 11 in Chicago; he was buried at Lake Forest Cemetery . It was attended by his wife, his two children, and his grandchildren. The pilot episode of the NBC comedy Community , broadcast on September 17, 2009, was dedicated to Hughes. The episode included several references to The Breakfast Club and ended with
2369-458: A heart attack. He was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital , where he was pronounced dead at age 59. Hughes's funeral was held on August 11 in Chicago; he was buried at Lake Forest Cemetery . It was attended by his wife, his two children, and his grandchildren. The pilot episode of the NBC comedy Community , broadcast on September 17, 2009, was dedicated to Hughes. The episode included several references to The Breakfast Club and ended with
2472-703: A lot (...) She [Marion] would be critical of what John would want to do". Hughes was a fan of the Beatles, and allegedly knew a lot about movies and the Rat Pack . After dropping out of the University of Arizona , Hughes began selling jokes to well-established performers such as Rodney Dangerfield and Joan Rivers . Hughes used his jokes to get an entry-level job at Needham, Harper & Steers as an advertising copywriter in Chicago in 1970 and later in 1974 at Leo Burnett Worldwide . During this period, he created what became
2575-551: A lot (...) She [Marion] would be critical of what John would want to do". Hughes was a fan of the Beatles, and allegedly knew a lot about movies and the Rat Pack . After dropping out of the University of Arizona , Hughes began selling jokes to well-established performers such as Rodney Dangerfield and Joan Rivers . Hughes used his jokes to get an entry-level job at Needham, Harper & Steers as an advertising copywriter in Chicago in 1970 and later in 1974 at Leo Burnett Worldwide . During this period, he created what became
2678-456: A maker of only teen movies, Hughes branched out in 1987 by writing, directing, and producing the hit comedy Planes, Trains and Automobiles starring Steve Martin and John Candy . His later output was not so well received critically, with films like Dutch (1991), written and produced by Hughes, performing poorly at the box office. Films like Uncle Buck and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation , however, proved popular. His final film as
2781-456: A maker of only teen movies, Hughes branched out in 1987 by writing, directing, and producing the hit comedy Planes, Trains and Automobiles starring Steve Martin and John Candy . His later output was not so well received critically, with films like Dutch (1991), written and produced by Hughes, performing poorly at the box office. Films like Uncle Buck and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation , however, proved popular. His final film as
2884-519: A premiere than any other cable series in television history with 6.4 million viewers. The Dead Zone quickly developed a loyal audience, with the show and Hall receiving strong reviews. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote that "Hall's Johnny flashes the qualities - comic timing, great facial expressions - that made him a star in the 1980s movies Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club ." The Dead Zone , Hall said, "has transformed my career." The show proved to be one of USA Network's top shows and one of
2987-500: A really big high school, and I didn't know anybody. But then The Beatles came along and changed my whole life. And then Bob Dylan 's Bringing It All Back Home came out and really changed me. Thursday I was one person, and Friday I was another. My heroes were Dylan, John Lennon and Picasso , because they each moved their particular medium forward, and when they got to the point where they were comfortable, they always moved on. In 1963, Hughes's family moved to Northbrook, Illinois ,
3090-500: A really big high school, and I didn't know anybody. But then The Beatles came along and changed my whole life. And then Bob Dylan 's Bringing It All Back Home came out and really changed me. Thursday I was one person, and Friday I was another. My heroes were Dylan, John Lennon and Picasso , because they each moved their particular medium forward, and when they got to the point where they were comfortable, they always moved on. In 1963, Hughes's family moved to Northbrook, Illinois ,
3193-418: A series of appearances in low-budget films and guest roles on TV series in the mid and late 1990s, he gained media attention once again in the 1999 Emmy -nominated TNT original movie Pirates of Silicon Valley , co-starring Noah Wyle as Apple Computer 's Steve Jobs . Hall was widely praised for his portrayal of Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates . "I really fought for this part because I knew it would be
Anthony Michael Hall - Misplaced Pages Continue
3296-598: A series of minor roles in the 1990s, he starred as Microsoft 's Bill Gates in the 1999 television film Pirates of Silicon Valley . He had the leading role in the USA Network series The Dead Zone from 2002 to 2007. In 2008, he appeared in a minor role in The Dark Knight . Since 2019, Hall has appeared in ABC 's The Goldbergs . He starred in the slasher film Halloween Kills (2021). Michael Anthony Thomas Charles Hall
3399-448: A suburb of Chicago. There, his father found work selling roofing materials. Hughes attended Grove Middle School, later going on to Glenbrook North High School , which gave him inspiration for the films that eventually made his reputation. He met Nancy Ludwig, a cheerleader and his future wife, in high school. As a teenager, Hughes turned to movies as an escape. According to childhood friend Jackson Peterson, "His mom and dad criticized him
3502-448: A suburb of Chicago. There, his father found work selling roofing materials. Hughes attended Grove Middle School, later going on to Glenbrook North High School , which gave him inspiration for the films that eventually made his reputation. He met Nancy Ludwig, a cheerleader and his future wife, in high school. As a teenager, Hughes turned to movies as an escape. According to childhood friend Jackson Peterson, "His mom and dad criticized him
3605-763: A three-film deal with Universal Pictures . Hughes's directorial debut, Sixteen Candles (1984), won almost unanimous praise when it was released in 1984, due in no small part to its more honest depiction of navigating adolescence and the social dynamics of high school life in stark contrast to the Porky's -inspired comedies made at the time. It was the first in a string of efforts about teenage life set in or around high school, including The Breakfast Club (1985), Weird Science (1985), and Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), all of which he wrote and directed, and Pretty in Pink (1986) and Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), which he wrote and produced. To avoid being pigeonholed as
3708-717: A three-film deal with Universal Pictures . Hughes's directorial debut, Sixteen Candles (1984), won almost unanimous praise when it was released in 1984, due in no small part to its more honest depiction of navigating adolescence and the social dynamics of high school life in stark contrast to the Porky's -inspired comedies made at the time. It was the first in a string of efforts about teenage life set in or around high school, including The Breakfast Club (1985), Weird Science (1985), and Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), all of which he wrote and directed, and Pretty in Pink (1986) and Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), which he wrote and produced. To avoid being pigeonholed as
3811-767: A tribute to Hughes's work. A retrospective of clips from Hughes's films was followed by cast members from several of them, including Molly Ringwald, Matthew Broderick, Macaulay Culkin , Judd Nelson , Ally Sheedy , Anthony Michael Hall and Jon Cryer , gathering on stage to commemorate Hughes and his contributions to the film industry. Hughes's work has also influenced a new generation of millennial filmmakers, including M. H. Murray of Teenagers fame, who has cited Hughes as one of his main influences. In interviews, Murray stated, "I loved how John Hughes wrote teens ... They were flawed in this genuine sort of way." Kelly Fremon Craig , who wrote and directed The Edge of Seventeen , also cited Hughes as an influence. Hughes
3914-767: A tribute to Hughes's work. A retrospective of clips from Hughes's films was followed by cast members from several of them, including Molly Ringwald, Matthew Broderick, Macaulay Culkin , Judd Nelson , Ally Sheedy , Anthony Michael Hall and Jon Cryer , gathering on stage to commemorate Hughes and his contributions to the film industry. Hughes's work has also influenced a new generation of millennial filmmakers, including M. H. Murray of Teenagers fame, who has cited Hughes as one of his main influences. In interviews, Murray stated, "I loved how John Hughes wrote teens ... They were flawed in this genuine sort of way." Kelly Fremon Craig , who wrote and directed The Edge of Seventeen , also cited Hughes as an influence. Hughes
4017-505: A two-year break due to a reported drinking problem , Hall returned to acting by starring opposite Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder in Tim Burton 's 1990 hit Edward Scissorhands , this time as the film's villain. By then in his 20s, he shifted to more mature roles, trying to establish himself as an adult actor. After Scissorhands , he appeared in a series of low-budget films, including the 1990 film A Gnome Named Gnorm , where he starred as
4120-509: A walk one morning in New York City in the summer of 2009, Hughes suffered a fatal heart attack. After his death, his legacy was honored by many, including at the 82nd Academy Awards by actors he had worked with such as Ringwald, Matthew Broderick , Anthony Michael Hall , Chevy Chase , and Macaulay Culkin among others. Actors whose careers Hughes helped launch include Michael Keaton , Hall, Bill Paxton , Broderick, Culkin, and members of
4223-453: A walk one morning in New York City in the summer of 2009, Hughes suffered a fatal heart attack. After his death, his legacy was honored by many, including at the 82nd Academy Awards by actors he had worked with such as Ringwald, Matthew Broderick , Anthony Michael Hall , Chevy Chase , and Macaulay Culkin among others. Actors whose careers Hughes helped launch include Michael Keaton , Hall, Bill Paxton , Broderick, Culkin, and members of
Anthony Michael Hall - Misplaced Pages Continue
4326-732: Is English , Irish and Italian . He has a half-sister, Mary Chestaro, from his mother's second marriage to Thomas Chestaro, a show business manager. His half-sister is a singer performing under the name Mary C. He transposed his first and middle names when he entered show business because there was another actor named Michael Hall who was already a member of the Screen Actors Guild . Hall attended St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's School of New York before moving on to Manhattan 's Professional Children's School . Hall began his acting career at age eight and continued throughout high school. "I did not go to college," he has said, "but I'm an avid reader in
4429-410: Is almost there. "Then you extend the neck and you do a little duck walk." He walks across the room. Add ill-fitting clothes, mop-top hair, a pair of oversize glasses and a cold stare, and the impersonation is complete. After making a cameo appearance as himself in the 2000 comedy film Happy Accidents , Hall appeared in several made-for-TV films. He starred opposite Sheryl Lee as a cheating husband in
4532-420: Is referenced in the song "Hello Chicago" by the collaborative project between Jesu and Sun Kil Moon , and appears on the album 30 Seconds To The Decline Of Planet Earth . Mark Kozelek recalls a phone conversation with Hughes in which Kozelek asked him for $ 15,000 in order to release his album Songs for a Blue Guitar (released by his band The Red House Painters). Hughes agreed, stating "You're young and on
4635-420: Is referenced in the song "Hello Chicago" by the collaborative project between Jesu and Sun Kil Moon , and appears on the album 30 Seconds To The Decline Of Planet Earth . Mark Kozelek recalls a phone conversation with Hughes in which Kozelek asked him for $ 15,000 in order to release his album Songs for a Blue Guitar (released by his band The Red House Painters). Hughes agreed, stating "You're young and on
4738-576: The Brat Pack group. Hughes was born on February 18, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan , to Marion Crawford, who volunteered in charity work, and John Hughes Sr., who worked in sales. He was the only boy, and had three sisters. He spent the first twelve years of his life in Grosse Pointe, Michigan , where he was a fan of Detroit Red Wings right winger Gordie Howe . One of Howe's #9 jerseys, sent by Howe himself,
4841-421: The Brat Pack group. Hughes was born on February 18, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan , to Marion Crawford, who volunteered in charity work, and John Hughes Sr., who worked in sales. He was the only boy, and had three sisters. He spent the first twelve years of his life in Grosse Pointe, Michigan , where he was a fan of Detroit Red Wings right winger Gordie Howe . One of Howe's #9 jerseys, sent by Howe himself,
4944-618: The Lincoln Center Festival's production of St. Joan of the Microphone , and in a play with Woody Allen . In 1980, he made his screen debut in the Emmy -winning TV movie The Gold Bug , in which he played the young Edgar Allan Poe . In 1981 he starred as Huck Finn in Rascals and Robbers: The Secret Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn opposite Patrick Creadon , but it was not until
5047-542: The 16-year-old actor and Ringwald were "the movie's standout performers". Hall and fellow co-star Molly Ringwald dated for a short period after filming The Breakfast Club . Later that year, Hall portrayed Gary Wallace, another likable misfit, in Weird Science . Critic Sheila Benson from the Los Angeles Times said Hall was "the role model supreme" for the character, but she also acknowledged that "he [was] outgrowing
5150-468: The 1986 film Out of Bounds , Hall's first excursion into the thriller and action genre. The film grossed only $ 5 million domestically and was a critical and financial disappointment. Critic Roger Ebert described Out of Bounds as "an explosion at the cliché factory," and Caryn James from The New York Times claimed that not even "Hall, who made nerds seem lovable in John Hughes' Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club , [couldn't] do much to reconcile"
5253-532: The 2001 USA Network cable movie Hitched . In the same year, he played renowned music producer Robert "Mutt" Lange in VH1 's movie Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story and starred as legendary lefty baseball pitcher Whitey Ford in Billy Crystal 's highly acclaimed HBO film, 61* . On the big screen, Hall took on supporting roles in the mystery-drama The Caveman's Valentine (2001) opposite Samuel L. Jackson ,
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#17330859220595356-519: The 2021 Halloween sequel, Halloween Kills . While he expressed interest in returning for 2022's Halloween Ends , this did not come to pass. In 2023, Hall appeared in the Amazon Prime Video series Bosch: Legacy for 5 episodes, a follow-up to the critical acclaimed series Bosch (2014–2021). Hall was cast in Lee Child 's hit series Reacher , and will appear in the third season as
5459-517: The Dantes nom de plume include Maid in Manhattan , Drillbit Taylor and Beethoven . In 1994, Hughes retired from the public eye and moved back to the Chicago area. The following year, Hughes and Ricardo Mestres, both of whom had production deals with Walt Disney Pictures , formed the short-lived joint venture production studio Great Oaks Entertainment. Hughes worked in Chicago, while Mestres
5562-416: The Dantes nom de plume include Maid in Manhattan , Drillbit Taylor and Beethoven . In 1994, Hughes retired from the public eye and moved back to the Chicago area. The following year, Hughes and Ricardo Mestres, both of whom had production deals with Walt Disney Pictures , formed the short-lived joint venture production studio Great Oaks Entertainment. Hughes worked in Chicago, while Mestres
5665-460: The Lonely (both 1991). Over the years, Hughes and Candy developed a close friendship. Hughes was greatly shaken by Candy's sudden death from a heart attack in 1994. "He talked a lot about how much he loved Candy—if Candy had lived longer, I think John would have made more films as a director", says Vince Vaughn , a friend of Hughes. Hughes's greatest commercial success came with Home Alone (1990),
5768-411: The Lonely (both 1991). Over the years, Hughes and Candy developed a close friendship. Hughes was greatly shaken by Candy's sudden death from a heart attack in 1994. "He talked a lot about how much he loved Candy—if Candy had lived longer, I think John would have made more films as a director", says Vince Vaughn , a friend of Hughes. Hughes's greatest commercial success came with Home Alone (1990),
5871-703: The award to his former castmates. Emilio Estevez could not attend due to family commitments, while Judd Nelson appeared earlier on the red carpet, but while moving to seats closer to the stage, got separated from the group. Hall quipped that the two were "in Africa with Dave Chappelle ." As of 2016, Hall lives in the Playa del Rey neighborhood of Los Angeles . He is godfather to Robert Downey Jr. 's son, Indio Falconer Downey. In 2019, Hall became engaged to Slovak-Canadian actress Lucia Oskerova . In February 2023, they announced that they were expecting their first child. Their son
5974-608: The best script that I've had an opportunity to direct." The show's sixth and final season premiered on June 17, 2007. USA Network officially canceled The Dead Zone in December 2007. Hall appeared in the tenth episode of Criss Angel Mindfreak ' s fourth season. In 2008, Hall appeared as Gotham City television reporter/anchor Mike Engel in The Dark Knight . Hall develops film and television projects under his production company banner AMH Entertainment. Hall starred in Aftermath ,
6077-554: The bottom," he said. "I never went to rehab ...I was able to govern myself and continue my work." In 1990, Hall's physical appearance in Edward Scissorhands surprised audiences. His more muscular appearance and intimidating physical demeanor provoked rumors of steroid use, but Hall later said that "the weight gain was natural." Hall's role in the 1993 film Six Degrees of Separation made news not because of what occurred onscreen, but rather what failed to occur. Hall played
6180-448: The clichés of geekiness. "I didn't play him with 100 pens sticking out of his pocket," he said. "I just went in there and played it like a real kid. The geek is just a typical freshman." Hall landed a spot on the promotional materials along with co-star Ringwald. Reviews of the film were positive for Hall and his co-stars, and a review in People even claimed that Hall's performance "pilfer[ed]
6283-632: The critically panned Freddy Got Fingered (2001) opposite Tom Green , and the action-comedy All About the Benjamins (2002) opposite Ice Cube . Hall began his first regular series role in 2002, starring as Johnny Smith in USA Network 's supernatural drama The Dead Zone , a TV series adapted from Stephen King 's best-selling novel . He was cast in the show after executive producer Michael Piller saw his performance in Pirates of Silicon Valley . The show debuted on June 16, 2002, and drew higher ratings for
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#17330859220596386-457: The director for putting him on the map and giving him those opportunities as a child. "I had the time of my life," he said. "I'd consider [working with Hughes again] any day of the week." To avoid being typecast, Hall turned down roles written for him by John Hughes in Ferris Bueller's Day Off ( Cameron Frye ) and Pretty in Pink ( Phil "Duckie" Dale ), both in 1986. Instead, he starred in
6489-574: The disparate themes of the movie. Hall joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) during its 1985–86 season at the age of 17. He was, and remains, the youngest cast member in the show's history. Art Garfunkel , Edd Byrnes , Robert F. Kennedy , and Daryl Hall were among Hall's celebrity impersonations. Hall had admired the show and its stars as a child, but he found the SNL environment to be far more competitive than he had imagined. "My year there, I didn't have any breakout characters and I didn't really do
6592-679: The facility is named the Anthony Michael Dining Hall. In 2006, Hall was ranked #4 in VH1 's list of the "100 Greatest Teen Stars" and number 41 in "100 Greatest Kid Stars". In June 2005, The Breakfast Club was rewarded with the Silver Bucket of Excellence Award at the MTV Movie Awards , in honor of the film's twentieth anniversary. For the show, MTV attempted to reunite the original cast. Ally Sheedy , Molly Ringwald , and Hall appeared together on stage, and Paul Gleason gave
6695-613: The famous Edge "Credit Card Shaving Test" ad campaign. Hughes's work on the Virginia Slims account frequently took him to the Philip Morris headquarters in New York City, which allowed him to visit the offices of National Lampoon magazine. Soon thereafter, Hughes became a regular contributor; editor P. J. O'Rourke recalled that "John wrote so fast and so well that it was hard for a monthly magazine to keep up with him." One of Hughes's first stories, inspired by his family trips as
6798-502: The famous Edge "Credit Card Shaving Test" ad campaign. Hughes's work on the Virginia Slims account frequently took him to the Philip Morris headquarters in New York City, which allowed him to visit the offices of National Lampoon magazine. Soon thereafter, Hughes became a regular contributor; editor P. J. O'Rourke recalled that "John wrote so fast and so well that it was hard for a monthly magazine to keep up with him." One of Hughes's first stories, inspired by his family trips as
6901-494: The film" from Ringwald. Despite achieving only moderate success at the box office, the film made overnight stars of Ringwald and Hall. In 1985, Hall starred in two additional teen-oriented films written and directed by Hughes. He was cast as Brian Johnson, "the brain," in The Breakfast Club , co-starring Emilio Estevez , Judd Nelson , Ally Sheedy , and Molly Ringwald . Film critic Janet Maslin praised Hall, stating that
7004-461: The highest-rated programs on basic cable. The Dead Zone opening credits list Hall as co-producer (seasons 1–3), producer (seasons 5) and co-executive producer (season 6). Hall also directed an episode from season three, "The Cold Hard Truth," guest starring standup comic Richard Lewis . "['The Cold Hard Truth'], I feel, is my best work as a director, because I had this great crew that knows me well and has been working with me," said Hall. "I also had
7107-691: The media, save a select few in 1999 to promote the soundtrack album of Reach the Rock . The album was compiled by Hughes's son, John Hughes III, and released on his son's Chicago-based record label Hefty Records . He also recorded an audio commentary for the 1999 DVD release of Ferris Bueller's Day Off . In 1970, the then-20-year old Hughes married Nancy Ludwig, whom he had met in high school. Together they had two children: John Hughes III (born in 1976) and James Hughes (born in 1979). They were together until his death in 2009. Nancy Hughes died on September 15, 2019. Michael Weiss argued that Hughes's films expressed
7210-644: The media, save a select few in 1999 to promote the soundtrack album of Reach the Rock . The album was compiled by Hughes's son, John Hughes III, and released on his son's Chicago-based record label Hefty Records . He also recorded an audio commentary for the 1999 DVD release of Ferris Bueller's Day Off . In 1970, the then-20-year old Hughes married Nancy Ludwig, whom he had met in high school. Together they had two children: John Hughes III (born in 1976) and James Hughes (born in 1979). They were together until his death in 2009. Nancy Hughes died on September 15, 2019. Michael Weiss argued that Hughes's films expressed
7313-554: The ongoing process of educating myself." Through the 1980s, Hall's mother managed his career, eventually relinquishing that role to her second husband. At the age of seven, Hall started his career in commercials. He was the Honeycomb cereal kid and appeared in several commercials for toys and Bounty . His stage debut was in 1977, when he was cast as the young Steve Allen in Allen's semi-autobiographical play The Wake . He went on to appear in
7416-470: The release of the 1982 Kenny Rogers film Six Pack that he gained real notice. The following year, Hall landed the role of Rusty Griswold, Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo 's son, in National Lampoon's Vacation , catching the attention of the film's screenwriter John Hughes , who was about to make the jump to directing. "For [Hall] to upstage Chevy, I thought, was a remarkable accomplishment for
7519-603: The rise, and I'm just an old man living in Chicago". British indie pop band The 1975 cites Hughes as an influence in the band's music. Maisie Peters released a song called "John Hughes Movie" in 2021. Hughes's films served as inspiration for the style and tone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Spider-Man: Homecoming directed by Jon Watts , who took inspiration from films such as Ferris Bueller's Day Off . Writer John Hughes (filmmaker) John Wilden Hughes Jr. (February 18, 1950 – August 6, 2009)
7622-465: The role of Gideon, a former communications manager leading a group of zombie apocalypse survivors (only episode 2.11). Hall reprised his role as Rusty Griswold from National Lampoon's Vacation, in a series of Old Navy 2012 holiday commercials featuring the Griswold family. In 2015, Hall was cast in the 2017 Netflix film War Machine and worked alongside Brad Pitt . Hall played General Greg Pulver,
7725-569: The role of Zachary Beck. As of June 2024 Hall was said to be developing a new series with Robert Downey Jr called Singularity . Hall became a regular subject of tabloid media after New York magazine named him a member of the " Brat Pack ", the group of young actors who became famous in the 1980s and frequently starred together. In the late 1980s, Hall's drinking problem, which began in his early teens, made headlines. Hall eventually quit drinking and became fully sober by 1990. "The truth is, I had my partying nights, but I never really bounced at
7828-479: The role of a lifetime," Hall said. "It was a thrill and a daunting challenge to play someone of his stature and brilliance." Hall described his physical appearance as 20-year-old Gates to the San Francisco Chronicle : "First, you have to lose the neck." The top six inches of his spine seem to disappear. "You go down, down. You lose the body; you get softer shoulders, you slump, you create a little gut." He
7931-457: The role" and "[didn't] need to hold the patent on the bratty bright kid". Weird Science was a moderate success at the box office but was generally well received by critics. Those roles established him as the 1980s' "nerd-of-choice," as well as a member of Hollywood 's Brat Pack . Hall, who portrayed Hughes's alter egos in Sixteen Candles , The Breakfast Club and Weird Science , credited
8034-634: The soundtrack for the film with composer Herbie Tribino. The film featured songs written and performed by Hall. Following his family tradition, Hall pursued his other passion of music. He was the lead singer and songwriter for his band, Hall of Mirrors, formed in 1998. The band released an album, Welcome to the Hall of Mirrors , through Hall's own RAM Records label in 1999, with collaborations from former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke and Prince 's former keyboard player Tommy Barbarella . It featured songs from his self-directed film Hail Caesar (1994). After
8137-501: The subsequent films he wrote and produced during this time also contained elements of the Home Alone formula, including the successful Dennis the Menace (1993) and the box office flop Baby's Day Out (1994). He also wrote screenplays under the pseudonym Edmond Dantes (or Dantès), after the protagonist of Alexandre Dumas 's novel The Count of Monte Cristo . Screenplays credited to
8240-400: The subsequent films he wrote and produced during this time also contained elements of the Home Alone formula, including the successful Dennis the Menace (1993) and the box office flop Baby's Day Out (1994). He also wrote screenplays under the pseudonym Edmond Dantes (or Dantès), after the protagonist of Alexandre Dumas 's novel The Count of Monte Cristo . Screenplays credited to
8343-419: The things I dreamed I would do," he said, "but I still learned a lot and I value that. I'll always be proud of the fact that I was a part of its history." Hall was one of six cast members (the others being Joan Cusack , Robert Downey Jr. , Randy Quaid , Terry Sweeney and Danitra Vance ) who were dismissed at the end of that season. Hall was offered the starring role in the 1987 film Full Metal Jacket in
8446-419: The very end, where Stone's character states she wishes her life were a John Hughes movie, by showing various clips of Sixteen Candles , The Breakfast Club , and Ferris Bueller's Day Off . After Hughes's death, many of those who knew him commented on the impact Hughes had on their lives and on the film industry. Molly Ringwald said, "I was stunned and incredibly sad to hear about the death of John Hughes. He
8549-419: The very end, where Stone's character states she wishes her life were a John Hughes movie, by showing various clips of Sixteen Candles , The Breakfast Club , and Ferris Bueller's Day Off . After Hughes's death, many of those who knew him commented on the impact Hughes had on their lives and on the film industry. Molly Ringwald said, "I was stunned and incredibly sad to hear about the death of John Hughes. He
8652-447: The victim. In August 2020, Hall caught the media's attention after an argument with hotel guests at a pool in Austin , Texas . Hall apologized immediately afterwards. The 2001 film Not Another Teen Movie pays tribute to Hall's numerous appearances in the teen-oriented, 1980s comedy films parodied by the movie. A brief shot of the sign over the door of a high school cafeteria reveals that
8755-413: Was a flop and that America's suburbs were a living hell almost beyond the power of John Cheever 's words to describe ... We were becoming conservatives—in the most conservational sense. There were things that others before us had achieved and these were worth conserving ... Family was the most conservative thing about John. Walking across the family room in your stocking feet and stepping on a Lego (ouch!)
8858-413: Was a flop and that America's suburbs were a living hell almost beyond the power of John Cheever 's words to describe ... We were becoming conservatives—in the most conservational sense. There were things that others before us had achieved and these were worth conserving ... Family was the most conservative thing about John. Walking across the family room in your stocking feet and stepping on a Lego (ouch!)
8961-517: Was an American filmmaker, producer and screenwriter. He began his career in 1970 as an author of humorous essays and stories for the National Lampoon magazine. He went on in Hollywood to write, produce and direct some of the most successful live-action-comedy films of the 1980s and 1990s. He directed such films as Sixteen Candles , The Breakfast Club , Weird Science , Ferris Bueller's Day Off , Planes, Trains and Automobiles , She's Having
9064-465: Was an American filmmaker, producer and screenwriter. He began his career in 1970 as an author of humorous essays and stories for the National Lampoon magazine. He went on in Hollywood to write, produce and direct some of the most successful live-action-comedy films of the 1980s and 1990s. He directed such films as Sixteen Candles , The Breakfast Club , Weird Science , Ferris Bueller's Day Off , Planes, Trains and Automobiles , She's Having
9167-438: Was and will always be such an important part of my life. ... He will be missed – by me and by everyone that he has touched. My heart and all my thoughts are with his family now." Matthew Broderick also released his own statement, saying, "I am truly shocked and saddened by the news about my old friend John Hughes. He was a wonderful, very talented guy and my heart goes out to his family." The 82nd Academy Awards (2010) included
9270-438: Was and will always be such an important part of my life. ... He will be missed – by me and by everyone that he has touched. My heart and all my thoughts are with his family now." Matthew Broderick also released his own statement, saying, "I am truly shocked and saddened by the news about my old friend John Hughes. He was a wonderful, very talented guy and my heart goes out to his family." The 82nd Academy Awards (2010) included
9373-496: Was based in Los Angeles. The company produced the films Jack , 101 Dalmatians , and Flubber , but Hughes and Mestres ended their partnership in 1997. The 1998 film Reach the Rock , which was produced as part of the partnership between Hughes and Mestres, was subsequently credited as "a Gramercy Pictures release of a John Hughes and Ricardo Mestres production". In the following years, Hughes rarely granted interviews to
9476-442: Was based in Los Angeles. The company produced the films Jack , 101 Dalmatians , and Flubber , but Hughes and Mestres ended their partnership in 1997. The 1998 film Reach the Rock , which was produced as part of the partnership between Hughes and Mestres, was subsequently credited as "a Gramercy Pictures release of a John Hughes and Ricardo Mestres production". In the following years, Hughes rarely granted interviews to
9579-673: Was born in June 2023. Hall assists at-risk youth through his literacy program, The Anthony Michael Hall Literacy Club, in association with Chapman University . Hall, during a 2020 interview on YouTube , described Republican president Donald Trump as "great" and further stated "I think what he's done for the country is incredible". Hall also suggested that conservative actors get blacklisted in Hollywood and said he had personally witnessed it in practice. John Hughes (filmmaker) John Wilden Hughes Jr. (February 18, 1950 – August 6, 2009)
9682-633: Was born on April 14, 1968, in the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston . He is the only child of blues-jazz singer Mercedes Hall's first marriage. She divorced Hall's father, Larry, an auto-body-shop owner, when their son was six months old. When Hall was three, he and his mother relocated to the West Coast, where she found work as a featured singer. After a year and a half, they returned to the East, eventually moving to New York City, where Hall grew up. Hall's ancestry
9785-512: Was cast in a recurring role on the TNT drama series Murder in the First . In 2019, Hall began appearing on the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs , when he played Rusty in the season 7 premiere, "Vacation", which paid homage to and poked fun at his character from the 1983 film. He had a recurring role on the show as guidance counselor Mr. Perott for the remainder of the series. Hall was cast as Tommy Doyle in
9888-419: Was fired, or I was pissed at him for shooting too long. It's all not true." He was replaced with Matthew Modine . His next film was 1988's Johnny Be Good , in which he worked with Uma Thurman and fellow Saturday Night Live cast member Robert Downey Jr. The film was a critical failure, and some reviewers panned Hall's performance as a high school football star, stating that he, the movies' reigning geek,
9991-489: Was later prominently featured in Hughes's 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off . Hughes described himself as "kind of quiet": I grew up in a neighborhood that was mostly girls and old people. There weren't any boys my age, so I spent a lot of time by myself, imagining things. And every time we would get established somewhere, we would move. Life just started to get good in seventh grade, and then we moved to Chicago. I ended up in
10094-440: Was later prominently featured in Hughes's 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off . Hughes described himself as "kind of quiet": I grew up in a neighborhood that was mostly girls and old people. There weren't any boys my age, so I spent a lot of time by myself, imagining things. And every time we would get established somewhere, we would move. Life just started to get good in seventh grade, and then we moved to Chicago. I ended up in
10197-474: Was miscast in the role. A review for The Washington Post claimed that the film was "crass, vulgar, and relentlessly brain-dead". Hall was considered for the role of Nuke Laloosh in Bull Durham . He was the top choice of Orion Pictures executives, but the actor irritated writer-director Ron Shelton by showing up unprepared for interviews. "I thought Ron was going to shoot him," said producer Mark Burg. After
10300-405: Was the fundamental building block of society. On August 5, 2009, Hughes and his wife traveled to New York City to visit their son James and their new grandson. James said his father appeared to be in good health that night and that the family had made plans for the next day. On the morning of August 6, Hughes was taking a walk close to his hotel on West 55th Street in Manhattan when he suffered
10403-405: Was the fundamental building block of society. On August 5, 2009, Hughes and his wife traveled to New York City to visit their son James and their new grandson. James said his father appeared to be in good health that night and that the family had made plans for the next day. On the morning of August 6, Hughes was taking a walk close to his hotel on West 55th Street in Manhattan when he suffered
10506-414: Was written while he was still on staff at the magazine. The resulting film became the second disastrous attempt by the flagship to duplicate the runaway success of National Lampoon's Animal House . Hughes's next screenplay for the imprint, however, National Lampoon's Vacation , would become a major hit in 1983. This, along with the success of another Hughes script that same year, Mr. Mom , earned him
10609-414: Was written while he was still on staff at the magazine. The resulting film became the second disastrous attempt by the flagship to duplicate the runaway success of National Lampoon's Animal House . Hughes's next screenplay for the imprint, however, National Lampoon's Vacation , would become a major hit in 1983. This, along with the success of another Hughes script that same year, Mr. Mom , earned him
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