The San Fernando Valley teens graduated and moved on. Find out where the actors who played Spicoli, Stacy, Brad, and Rat are today.

What happened to the cast of Fast Times at Ridgemont High? See its young stars, then and now

The San Fernando Valley teens graduated and moved on. Find out where the actors who played Spicoli, Stacy, Brad, and Rat are today.

By Madeline Boardman

Madeline Boardman

Madeline Boardman is a former digital features director at **. She left EW in 2017.

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and Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

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May 5, 2026 2:00 p.m. ET

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Anthony Edwards, Sean Penn, and Eric Stoltz in 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'. Credit:

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

Before Amy Heckerling introduced audiences to privileged Beverly Hills teens in *Clueless*, she made her feature directorial debut with a film about high schoolers living in the San Fernando Valley during the early ‘80s.* *

*Fast Times at Ridgemont High* is loosely adapted from Cameron Crowe’s year of undercover reporting — conducted from inside a high school in Southern California — and follows four students as they spend their school year avoiding academics, and instead learning about sex, drugs, and life.

Heckerling filled her ensemble cast with young, unknown actors, four of whom have become Oscar nominees. (Three won.) The film premiered just as Gen X entered high school, preserving the slang and cultural attitudes of the time while predicting the next generation of Hollywood’s rising stars.

Keep reading to see what the cast of *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* is up to today.**

Sean Penn (Jeff Spicoli)

Sean Penn as Jeff Spicoli in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Sean Penn at the 69th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2016, in Cannes, France. Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images

After popping up in TV movies and one-off episodes, and making his big-screen debut in 1981's *Taps*, Sean Penn landed his breakout role with *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*.

The actor, who plays the weed-loving surfer Jeff Spicoli, became a huge star soon after, racking up Oscar nominations for his roles in *Dead Man Walking* (1995), *Sweet and Lowdown* (1999), and *I Am Sam* (2001).

Penn took home Best Actor trophies for his turns in *Mystic River* (2003) and *Milk* (2008), and won Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Col. Steven J. Lockjaw in Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another *(2025)*.*

The actor also stepped behind the camera as the director of such films as *The Pledge* (2001), *Into the Wild* (2007), and *Flag Day* (2021). A vocal activist for disaster relief, Penn founded the nonprofit organization Community Organized Relief Effort.

Penn is currently dating model Valeria Nicov. He was previously married three times (including to Madonna) and shares two children with his ex-wife, actress Robin Wright.

Jennifer Jason Leigh (Stacy Hamilton)

Jennifer Jason Leigh as Stacy Hamilton in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Jennifer Jason Leigh at the 88th annual Academy Awards on Feb. 28, 2016, in Hollywood, Calif. Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

With various TV appearances to her name, Jennifer Jason Leigh nabbed a role in *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* as Stacy Hamilton, an inexperienced sophomore who gets involved with an older man.

She spent the next decade adding film roles to her résumé, including *Easy Money *(1983), *Flesh + Blood* (1985), *The Hitcher* (1986), *The Big Picture* (1989), *Miami Blues *(1990), *Backdraft *(1991), *Rush* (1991), and *Single White Female* (1992).

She went on to appear in *Short Cuts* (1993), *Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle *(1994), *The Machinist* (2004), *Margot at the Wedding* (2007), *Greenberg* (2010), and *The Spectacular Now* (2013), and earned Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for *The Hateful Eight* (2015).

On TV, Leigh has appeared on shows like *Weeds*, *Twin Peaks: The Return*, *The Affair*, *Atypical*, and *Hunters*. She had a main role as Lorraine Lyon in season 5 of FX's *Fargo *and a recurring one in season 2 of* High Potential*.

The actress shares a son with her ex-husband, filmmaker Noah Baumbach.

Judge Reinhold (Brad Hamilton)

Judge Reinhold as Brad Hamilton in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Judge Reinhold at the 19th annual Hollywood Film Awards at the Beverly Hills Hilton on Nov. 1, 2015, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Mark Davis/Getty Images

Early in his career, Judge Reinhold joined *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* as Brad Hamilton, Stacy's older brother and a popular all-American student at the school.

He followed up the gig with an appearance in 1984's *Gremlins* and a turn as Det. Billy Rosewood in *Beverly Hills Cop *— a role he reprised in 1987's *Beverly Hills Cop II*, 1994's *Beverly Hills Cop III*,* and 2024’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F*. He also appeared as Dr. Neal Miller in all three of *The Santa Clause* holiday films (1994–2006).

In addition to these franchises, Reinhold expanded his résumé with big-screen roles in *Ruthless People *(1986), *Family Plan* (1997), *My Brother the Pig* (1999), *Whacked!* (2002), and *Swing Vote* (2008), and made the transition to television, popping up in episodes of *Seinfeld* (for which he earned an Emmy nomination), *Ellen*, *Monk*, *Arrested Development*, and *Easy Money*.

Reinhold shares a daughter with his wife, Amy Reinhold. The couple celebrated 25 years of marriage in 2025.

Robert Romanus (Mike Damone)

Robert Romanus as Mike Damone in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Robert Romanus at the opening night of ‘Divorce Party: The Musical’ at El Portal Theatre on March 3, 2013, in North Hollywood, Calif. Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Robert Romanus' second-ever film role was in *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*, in which he plays Mike Damone, a gambler and hopeful ladies' man.

Romanus then spent much of the '80s on the small screen, appearing in episodes of *Days of Our Lives*, *MacGyver*, *Fame*, *The Facts of Life*, and *21 Jump Street*. In later years, Romanus returned to Mike Damone for a 2013 episode of *Family Guy*, and earned credits for *Cougar Town*, *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation*, and *Code Black*.

On the big screen, Romanus has been in a string of horror and thriller movies, including *Terror Eyes* (2021), *In the Shadows* (2023), and *Sacred Grounds: Forbidden* (2025).

Brian Backer (Mark “Rat” Ratner)

Brian Backer as Mark Ratner in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Brian Backer attends Spike TV's 5th annual Guys Choice Awards at Sony Pictures Studios on June 4, 2011, in Culver City, Calif.

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Brian Backer won a Tony award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for *The Floating Light Bulb *the same year he made his movie debut in *The Burning *(1981). He followed that role with a turn as Mark "Rat" Ratner in *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*, an awkward student trying to woo Stacy.

The actor went on to appear in *Moving Violations *(1985), *The Money Pit* (1986), *Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol* (1987), *Loser* (2000), and *Vamps* (2012), and popped up in episodes of *Charles in Charge*, *Growing Pains*, and *Santa Barbara*.

Phoebe Cates (Linda Barrett)

Phoebe Cates as Linda Barrett in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Phoebe Cates at the 81st annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre on Feb. 22, 2009, in Hollywood, Calif. Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Phoebe Cates first hit the big screen in 1982, playing Sarah in *Paradise *and the alluring Linda Barrett in *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*.

She worked steadily over the next decade-plus, acting in projects like *Private School* (1983), *Gremlins* (1984), *Date With an Angel* (1987), *Bright Lights, Big City* (1988), and *Drop Dead Fred* (1991).

She largely retired from acting after 1994's *Princess Caraboo*, returning just once for the 2001 movie *The Anniversary Party*, which was cowritten and co-directed by her *Fast Times* costar Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Cates has been married to actor Kevin Kline since 1989. The couple shares two children: actor Owen Kline and singer Greta Kline (known by her stage name, Frankie Cosmos)

Amy Heckerling claims she 'got f---ed' on 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' royalties

Sean Penn recalls his 'terrible' 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' audition

Amanda Wyss (Lisa)

Amanda Wyss as Lisa in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Amanda Wyss at the premiere of ‘An Open Secret’ on July 15, 2015, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Michael Bezjian/Getty Images

Amanda Wyss found her spot in *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* as Lisa, Brad's high school girlfriend.

Wyss returned to the big screen two years later, starring in 1984's *A Nightmare on Elm Street*. She went on to earn credits for *Silverado *(1985) and *Better Off Dead* (1985), as well as episodes of *Cheers*, *Cagney & Lacey*, *Highlander*, *JAG*, *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation*, *Dexter*, *Murder in the First*, *All Rise,* *The Rookie*, and *Station 19*.

Ray Walston (Mr. Hand)

Ray Walston as Mr. Hand in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Ray Walston at the 47th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 8, 1996, in Pasadena, Calif.

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Susan Sterner/AP

Decades into his long career, Ray Walston joined *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* as Mr. Hand, the school's history teacher who has little tolerance for Spicoli's antics.

The *My Favorite Martian* alum returned to the role for the 1986 series *Fast Times*, and went on to appear in *Of Mice and Men* (1992), *House Arrest* (1996), and the series *Picket Fences*. He made his final screen appearances in episodes of *Touched by an Angel* and *7th Heaven* before his death in 2001 at the age of 86.

Forest Whitaker (Charles Jefferson)

Forest Whitaker as Charles Jefferson in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Forest Whitaker at the 2016 Performers4Peace Benefit Concert on May 9, 2016, in New York.

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage

Then a relatively unknown actor, Forest Whitaker nabbed his second movie gig with *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*. Whitaker played Charles Jefferson, the school's football star.

Whitaker built up his résumé in the '80s, earning credits for projects like *Vision Quest *(1985), *Platoon* (1986), *The Color of Money *(1986), and *Bird* (1988). He also appeared in episodes of *Cagney & Lacey*, *Hill Street Blues*, *North and South*.

He won an Oscar for playing real-life Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 2006's *The Last King of Scotland*, and received various nominations for *Lee Daniels' The Butler* (2013).

Whitaker has taken on supporting roles in several well-regarded films and franchises, including *Arrival* (2016), *Rogue One: A Star Wars Story* (2016), *Black Panther* (2018), and *Respect* (2021). In 2019, he starred as Bumpy Johnson on Epix's *Godfather of Harlem*. He reprised his *Rogue One* role of Saw Gerrera in both seasons of *Andor*.

Whitaker has four children, including two daughters shared with his late ex-wife Keisha Nash.

Scott Thomson (Arnold)

Scott Thompson as Arnold in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Scott Thomson at the 3rd annual Well Dressed for Spring fashion show on Feb. 24, 2014, in Toronto, Canada.

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Carlos Osorio/Toronto Star via Getty Images

Scott Thomson has a minor turn in *Fast Times at Ridgemont High* as Arnold, Brad's co-worker, who takes one infamous bathroom break.

The actor's post-Arnold roles include parts in *Johnny Dangerously *(1984), *The Couch Trip* (1988), *Mr. Jones *(1993), *Twister* (1996), *Blast From the Past* (1999), and the *Police Academy *movies, in which he played Chad Copeland.

Vincent Schiavelli (Mr. Vargas)

Vincent Schiavelli as Mr. Vargas in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Vincent Schiavelli at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, Calif.

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Steve Granitz/WireImage

*One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest* (1975) alum Vincent Schiavelli signed on to play biology teacher Mr. Vargas in *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*.

He returned to the role a few years later for the TV show *Fast Times*, and earned additional credits for *The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension* (1984), *Valmont* (1989), *Ghost* (1990), *Batman Returns* (1992), *Tomorrow Never Dies* (1997), and *Death to Smoochy* (2002).

Schiavelli died in 2005 at the age of 57.

Nicolas Cage (Brad’s Bud)

Nicolas Cage as Brad’s Bud in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’; Nicolas Cage at a screening of ‘The Runner’ at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on Aug. 5, 2015, in Hollywood, Calif.

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Nicolas Cage landed his first big-screen role with *Fast Times at Ridgemont High, *playing an unnamed friend of Brad's.

Cage went on to see box office success with *Moonstruck *(1987), *The Rock* (1996), *Face/Off* (1997), *Con Air* (1997), *Gone in 60 Seconds* (2000), *Ghost Rider* (2007), and the *National Treasure* franchise. The actor also achieved critical acclaim, landing Golden Globe and Oscar wins for 1995's *Leaving Las Vegas* and nominations for 2002's *Adaptation*.

He also carved out a place for himself within the indie and eccentric circles of cinema. Following a well-received turn in 2021's *Pig*, he starred as a heightened version of himself in 2022's *The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent*, and acted in the surrealist A24 comedy *Dream Scenario* (2023).

In 2024, he starred in two separate horror films (*Longlegs* and *Arcadian*). He leads Amazon Prime Video’s live-action series *Spider-Noir* as Ben Reilly/the Spider, a character he first voiced in* Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse *(2018).

Cage has been married five times and is the father of two sons and one daughter.

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