
Clueless cast members look very different as movie celebrates 30th anniversary
The original 1995 movie, which is loosely based on Jane Austen's novel Emma, starred Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, the late Brittany Murphy, Stacey Dash, Breckin Meyer, and Donald Faison.
The Amy Heckerling-directed movie was a surprise box office smash and made $88million with a budget of $12million.
Three decades later the rom-com has maintained such a devoted following that it sparked a teen sitcom, an off-Broadway musical, and a forthcoming TV series.
Fans were left divided by the announcement of a Clueless television series at Peacock, with Alicia set to reprise her iconic role.
However, the upcoming series will be written by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage who worked on Gossip Girl and The O.C. which gave millennial Clueless lovers hope for the eventual reboot - plus, Silverstone is returning to the small screen.
Despite the movie's popularity and the cast skyrocketing to superstardom from relative obscurity, plenty of drama followed them after the film's premiere. Now, Daily Mail is revealing how the surprising blockbuster transformed the lives of the cast, who were plagued by addiction issues, multiple divorces, and a whole range of controversies.
These days, Silverstone, 48, looks nothing like the plaid-wearing, preppy fashionista she shot to fame playing when she was only 18.
She often dresses down in neutral tones and has lived a much more granola life than her bougie Beverly Hills counterpart.
The vegan lifestyle blogger has found herself in hot water many times over the years for her parenting beliefs, including saying her son Bear has never needed medicine thanks to being vegan and taking baths with her son during quarantine.
The star also posted a video in which she fed her infant by chewing food and then transferring it from her mouth straight to his, which proved to be quite controversial as a parenting technique.
Alicia shares Bear with ex-husband Christopher Jarecki, who she was married to from 2005 to 2018. They share joint legal and physical custody and she pays him spousal support.
While she might seem as far removed as possible from glamorous Cher, Alicia has revisited the character who made her famous over the years.
Most recently she reprised the role during a Super Bowl commercial for Rakuten, stepping back into her famous yellow plaid ensemble.
Stacey Dash, 58, played Cher's best friend Dionne, a fellow Beverly Hills preppy party girl. Unlike Silverstone, Dash reprised her role for the Clueless TV series in 1996. Since her time on Clueless she has proven to be quite the controversial figure, with multiple divorces, a Fox firing, and a mugshot to her name.
Over the years, Dash has opened up about her abusive upbringing and her struggles with drugs, admitting that she was taking 18 to 20 Vicodin pills a day at the height of her addiction.
The right wing anchorwoman has also proven quite controversial. The former commentator was fired by Fox News in 2016 after she claimed Barack Obama 'didn't give a s***' about terrorism.
Dash drew intense criticism for backing Donald Trump's statement after the 2017 Charlottesville neo-Nazi rally in Virginia when he said there were 'very fine people on both sides,' as well as for defending Trump's claim that Mexican immigrants were drug traffickers, rapists and criminals and calling for an end to celebrating Black History Month.
In a DailyMailTV interview in March 2021, Dash apologized for any hurt she had caused, blaming her 'arrogant pride and anger' and vowed to withdraw from politics.
Dash has also dealt with a myriad of serious issues in her personal life.
The star has been married and divorced four times and has two children. In September 2019, Dash was arrested for alleged domestic assault towards then-husband Jeffrey Marty, after she called 911 to report he 'put her in a chokehold.' Marty later bailed her out and case was dropped on his request.
Heartthrob Justin Walker, 55, played potential love interest Christian Stovitz, who was Cher's crush until she realized he wasn't interested in women after her failed seduction. Walker disappeared from the spotlight and now looks quite different, sporting salt and pepper locks instead of '90s heartthrob hair.
Walker went on to appear in an episode of Pamela Anderson's V.I.P and a Pizza Hut ad and later ran California restaurant Teddy Teadle's Grill before launching a fantasy sport wagering website.
Of course, Brittany Murphy, who played outsider Tai Frasier who gets the ultimate cool girl makeover, met the most tragic end of all.
After her breakout role in Clueless, Brittany went on to star in hit films like Girl Interrupted, Uptown Girl,s and Riding In Cars With Boys. She then married English filmmaker Simon Monjack in 2007. However, their life together was cut short when in December 2009, the actress suddenly passed away at just 32 from pneumonia, which was said to be exacerbated by iron-deficiency anemia and an overdose of legal drugs.
For some luckier actors, Clueless proved to be a star making moment that didn't lead to behind-the-scenes issues.
Jeremy Sisto, who played popular high schooler Elton in Clueless, went on to star in more than 20 movies, including Thirteen and Waitress. Sisto also appeared in Six Feet Under, Suburgatory (which Silverstone played his love interest), Law & Order and FBI.
Donald Faison, 51, who played Dash's popular boyfriend Murray, went on to reprise his role in the TV series and take off from there. The dad of six starred in Scrubs alongside pal Zach Braff.
Breckin Meyer, 51, who appeared as Tai's love interest, the stoner skateboarder Travis, went on to star in Road Trip, Rat Race, Garfield, and Robot Chicken.
Paul Rudd, who starred as Cher's handsome college step-brother Josh Lucas, has had a massive Hollywood career ever since his debut film and managed to avoid any drama in his personal life.
Rudd, 55, starred as Marvel's Ant-Man and appeared in classic comedy movies like Anchorman and Ghostbusters.
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Daily Mail
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Nicole Scherzinger looks emotional as she performs her final Sunset Boulevard show on Broadway
Nicole Scherzinger brought the house down in a dramatic farewell performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard on Sunday night. The former Pussycat Doll, 47, took to the stage one last time as the silent movie star and left fans stunned with her chilling finale look, featuring theatrical blood dripping down her neck. Nicole has won rave reviews for her role in the gritty Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, with her haunting portrayal of the character. In the lead up to her final show, tributes poured in to her via Nicole's social media. Her vocal coach described her as 'an absolute force of nature'. He revealed that on their first session, she looked at him right in the eyes and said: 'I'm a good student. Tell me what I need to do and I'm gonna get it done.' Nicole herself said that tonight's show would be 'magic in the making'. In a lengthy post to her Instagram she wrote: 'Today, the sun sets on Sunset Blvd for the final time. 'After living and breathing Norma Desmond for the past two years, it's almost impossible to grasp that today is the last show. What began as a limited run, then extended, now somehow, nearly 10 months on Broadway have flown by. 'Norma's story is for anyone who's ever felt alone. Lonely. Abandoned. Outcast. 'For anyone who never felt like they belonged. 'For those who once loved something deeply and had it taken from them, aching to reclaim it. 'For the dreamers. The fighters. The believers. The warriors. For those unshakable in their purpose and power, doing what they love most. ''This is my life. It always will is nothing else.'' She added: 'Norma has changed me forever. Thank you, Broadway 'for the magic in the making.' 'Thank you and to the entire beautiful, brilliant @andrewlloydwebber @jamielloyd @alanwilliamsmd @fabianaloise and to the entire beautiful, brilliant @sunsetblvdmusicalcompany, for everything.' Fans flocked to her comment section and penned: 'Just absolutely incredible. I saw it 3 times and I would have seen it more if I could lol. You are a force my love. So proud of you!!!!!! Love you queen!!!!!' In a lengthy post to her Instagram Nicole reflected emotionally on her final performance describing how deeply she connected with the character (pictured onstage during The 78th Annual Tony Awards performing a number from the musical) Fans flocked to her comment section and penned: 'Just absolutely incredible. I saw it 3 times and I would have seen it more if I could lol. You are a force my love. So proud of you!!!!!! Love you queen!!!!!' 'So happy I saw it twice. Wish I could have seen it 20 more times!' 'So beyond happy for you. Saw the show four (or was it five) times and every time you were even more nuanced, took different risks and had the audience in the palm of their hands. Brava! She's a Hawaiian Tony Winner!!!!!' 'You have given Norma the stage she deserves for a new Audience and a new generation! Saw it 3 times it was incredible every time! Brava my dear.' 'You have changed OUR lives forever with your talent, wisdom, bravery, and most of all your willingness to open up your heart and reveal it to us night after night. You are the North Star for all that it means to be a performer, and I am so beyond grateful that I got to live at a time in history to witness such beautiful art. Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you. ❤️ You are the GREATEST STAR OF ALL' The critically acclaimed musical, runs for approximately two hours and 35 minutes and and has earned Nicole a Tony at this year's awards. Nicole took over taking over the role from acting legend Glenn Close, 78, who won her third Tony Award in 1995 for the role. After watching Nicole's performance earlier this year, Glenn said: 'You can't approach Norma with a faint heart. She tests your metal [and] demands that you dig deep.' She continued: 'Nicole's performance is an act of raw artistry and astounding bravery. 'She and the entire production blew me away. I loved meeting Nicole, [her co-star] Tom Francis, and many members of the ensemble backstage afterwards!' Sunset Boulevard has been a huge success and grossed more than $1.08 million during its first week of six previews alone at the St. James Theatre in New York City. Nicole initially played the role of Norma when it opened in London in 2023, whilst West End legend Rachel Tucker served as her alternate. Last year, upon hearing the news that she would be starring the Broadway show, Nicole raved that she could 'hardly believe' that she was getting the chance. 'Little Nicole has waited for this her whole life. And I get to do it with this beautiful cast @sunsetblvdmusical and these two heroes of mine @andrewlloydwebber @jamielloyd,' she wrote on Instagram.


Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Liam Neeson jokes that his favourite part of making The Naked Gun was filming 'sex scenes' with co-star Pamela Anderson
Liam Neeson has joked that his favourite part of making The Naked Gun was filming 'the sex scenes' with his co-star Pamela Anderson. Fans have not been quite sure of the status of the co-stars' relationship after he said he 'loved' her earlier this year - ahead of the new film being released on August 1. And now Liam has joked about their intimate scenes as The Sun reports the pair were given an intimacy co-ordinator on set. The star explained: 'I'd never had one before. But she was in the background. There was no kind of, 'OK! Excuse me!'. Pamela portrays a nightclub singer, who comes to Police Squad for help following the murder of her brother, in Akiva Schaffer's slapstick comedy continuation. Pamela added that the intimacy co-ordinator knew when to walk away and joked that she stormed off, with Liam claiming she threw her hands up in the air and said, 'I can't take this! This is too hot for me. I'm going for coffee'. Last week Pamela set the record straight on romance rumours between the pair as the Baywatch queen posed for Entertainment Weekly for their digital cover. And unfortunately there is no romance yet. 'I think I have a friend forever in Liam,' she said. 'And we definitely have a connection that is very sincere, very loving, and he's a good guy.' Neeson, 73, stars in the film as as Los Angeles Police Squad detective Frank Drebin Jr., son of Nielson's Frank Drebin. It comes after in October Neeson said he was 'madly in love' with the Playboy cover girl. 'She's just terrific to work with,' Neeson told People. 'I can't compliment her enough, I'll be honest with you. No huge ego. She just comes in to do the work. She's funny and so easy to work with. She's going to be terrific in the film.' 'Our chemistry was clear from the start. We have the utmost respect for one another,' Anderson told EW last month. 'I invited him and his assistant over for romantic dinners with me and my assistant so our relationship stayed "professionally romantic" during filming.' Pamela portrays a nightclub singer, who comes to Police Squad for help following the murder of her brother, in Akiva Schaffer's slapstick comedy continuation The Canadian-American beauty and Liam bonded over their shared 'love of literature and a good laugh' and she regularly left cookies, muffins, and homebaked sourdough bread in his dressing room. 'I am in awe of him, his experience, and work ethic. I soaked him in like a sponge,' Pamela gushed. 'I'm hoping people love it. We had so much fun making it. I think it's timely for a beloved comedy like this. I'm a fan of the originals. As Liam says, "We could all use a good giggle." I pray we do more.' And the feeling was definitely mutual for Neeson, who gushed to People last October: 'I'm madly in love with her. No huge ego. She just comes in to do the work. She's funny and so easy to work with. She's going to be terrific in the film.' The Naked Gun - hitting US/UK theaters August 1 - also features Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Busta Rhymes, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, and Eddie Yu. Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and David Zucker wrote and directed the original trilogy spanning 1988-1994, which amassed a total $476.4M at the global box office, following the short-lived ABC series Police Squad in 1982. The Oscar-nominated actor is technically five years older than original Naked Gun star Leslie Nielsen was when he shot the third film. Anderson previously worked with the late funnyman - who died, age 84, in 2010 - in Scary Movie 3 (2003) and Superhero Movie (2008), but they did not share any scenes together. This September, the Sonsie Skin co-founder will fly to England to shoot a mystery role in Sally Potter's upcoming funeral drama Alma alongside Dakota Fanning and Lindsay Duncan. In April, Pamela was in Australia filming her role as two-time divorcée Molly in Kornél Mundruczó's upcoming drama Place to Be alongside Ellen Burstyn and Taika Waititi. Last September, Anderson was hard at work on the Spanish set of Karim Aïnouz's dark satire Rosebush Pruning for Mubi alongside Elle Fanning, Callum Turner, Riley Keough, Jamie Bell, and Lukas Gage. The 15-time Playboy cover girl experienced a full-blown career resurgence last year after starring in Gia Coppola's drama The Last Showgirl, which earned her Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations.


The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
What the culture war over Superman gets wrong
We've entered the era of the superhero movie as sermon. No longer content with saving the world, spandex saviors are now being used to explain, moralize and therapize it. And a being from Krypton has shown up once again in a debate about real life; about borders, race and who gets to belong. Superman. Of all symbols. I've read reactionary thinkpieces, rage-filled quote tweets and screeds about the legal status of a fictional alien – enough to lose count. This particular episode of American Fragility kicked off because James Gunn had the audacity to call Superman 'the story of America'. An immigrant, by definition, as he was always meant to be. What set things off wasn't just the sentiment – it was who said it, and how plainly. Gunn, now headlining DC's cinematic future, told the Sunday Times that Superman was 'an immigrant who came from other places and populated the country'. He spoke of Superman's inherent kindness as a political statement in itself, noting that the film would play differently in some parts of America before adding, bluntly, that 'there are some jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness'. 'But screw them,' he added. It was that line – less the immigrant metaphor, more the unapologetic framing – that sent the usual outrage machine into motion. Enter Dean Cain, a former TV Superman. Cain accused Gunn of politicizing the character, which is remarkably foolish, considering Superman's been swatting at fascism since 1941. Meanwhile, over at Fox News, it's been a full meltdown over the idea that Superman, canonically not of this Earth, might be played as … not of this Earth. Liberal brainwashing, they suggested. Identity politics in a cape. But have they actually looked at David Corenswet? The man looks like he was made to sell oat milk in a Ralph Lauren ad. All cheekbones and cleft chin. If this is the foreign body in question, no wonder middle America has historically shrugged over Supes being an immigrant by definition. Even still, there's something telling about any collective gasp over a white, blue-eyed man with an immigrant backstory. The scramble to defend him says more than intended. For all the hand-wringing over Superman's alienness, what rarely gets named is how meticulously his story was crafted to cushion the unease of the topic at hand: otherness itself – the very thing people pretend was always central to his character. There are plenty of ways to frame the ridiculousness of this argument, clever ways to connect the dots, but the real fracture in Superman's myth hits, oddly enough, during a quiet scene in Tarantino's meditation on vengeance, Kill Bill: Vol. 2. In the scene, the villain, Bill (David Carradine) unpacks what makes Superman different from every other hero. 'What Kent wears – the glasses, the business suit – that's the costume,' Bill says. 'That's the costume Superman wears to blend in with us. Clark Kent is how Superman views us.' It's one hell of a tell – the kind of observation that pulls back the curtain on how Superman was engineered to understand the world, and how the world, in turn, reinforced how he should fit within it. From the start, Superman was never meant to be an outsider. His creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster – sons of Jewish immigrants – didn't craft him as a symbol of difference but as a projection of pure Americanness. They gave him a midwestern upbringing, an Anglo name in Clark Kent, and that square-jawed charm. Siegel and Shuster were working against the backdrop of unchecked antisemitism, at a time when Jewish immigrants faced hostility. But instead of exploring immigrant 'otherness', the artists imagined a version of America where that alienness could be easily discarded via an outfit change. Superman wasn't an outsider – he was the ideal immigrant, effortlessly slipping into a world that required no resistance. His story wasn't about struggling to belong, but about the fantasy of belonging, with the privilege of choosing whether or not to fight for it. That projection of safe, silent Americanness hasn't remained confined to the pages of comic books. Today's immigration politics run on the same fantasy. The myth of the 'good' immigrant – quiet, grateful, easy to assimilate – still runs wild. It's the same story that fuels the strange spectacle of politicians praising white South African farmers as victims of racial persecution, all while demonizing migrants from Latin America, the Middle East or sub-Saharan Africa. The notion of who deserves to stay has always been racialized, selective and violent. Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, has said that a person's physical appearance could be a factor in the decision to question them. He later said it could not be 'the sole reason'. But in April, Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, a US-born citizen from Georgia, was detained in Florida even after his mother showed authorities his birth certificate. In New York, Elzon Lemus, an electrician, was stopped because he 'looked like someone' agents were after. Maybe he didn't wear his suit and glasses that day. Superman, the immigrant who makes people comfortable, has never been just a comic book character. He's been a metaphor and living testament to the kind of 'other' that wealthy nations have always preferred: those who blend in, assimilate and rarely challenge the systems that demand their silence. If you're still not convinced that Superman's assimilationist fantasy is alive and well, just look at a White House meme from 10 July 2025: Trump dressed as Superman, with the words 'Truth. Justice. The American Way.' It's a glaring example of how cultural symbols are repurposed – hijacked, really – to serve a narrow and self-congratulatory vision of America. That's the trick of Superman: he's been a blank canvas of a both-sides heroism, which makes everyone feel seen. You don't even need to like or dislike Superman for the Maga debate to pull you in, as it was always meant to. The culture war still appointed a celebrity to govern the most powerful nation on Earth. It still turned a corporate diversity initiative into a national crisis. And it took a serious conversation about immigration and made a polished, all-American character its face. The culture war distorts, and it continues, relentless as ever. Noel Ransome is a Toronto-based freelance writer