'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' Cast: Where Are They Now?

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

Hey bud ... let's party! It's 1982, and <font color="#1c5bb0"><a href="http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/sean-penn/106027/main"target="_blank">Sean Penn</a></font> is a stoner, <font color="#1c5bb0"><a href="http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/judge-reinhold/107897/main"target="_blank">Judge Reinhold</a></font> is a dork in a pirate's outfit, and <font color="#1c5bb0"><a href="http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/phoebe-cates/11791/main"target="_blank">Phoebe Cates</a></font> launches a thousand teenage fantasies just by climbing out of a pool. (Well, not JUST that.) Celebrate the 25th anniversary of <font color="#1c5bb0"><a href="http://movies.aol.com/movie/fast-times-at-ridgemont-high/11007/main"target="_blank"><b>'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'</b></a></font> with a look at what those crazy kids have been up to since high school.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/sean-penn/106027/main'target='_blank'>Sean Penn</a>

<b>Then:</b> Penn totally nailed the surfer-dude patois to play Jeff Spicoli, stoner extraordinaire. Want pizza in American history class? Spicoli's your guy. Don't think the classroom's an appropriate venue for your munchies delivery? Dude, that's just bogus.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/sean-penn/106027/main'target='_blank'>Sean Penn</a>

<b>Now:</b> Who woulda thunk it? The actor who started out as Spicoli grew up to be Sean Penn, super-serious, Oscar-winning actor (<font color="#1c5bb0"><a href="http://movies.aol.com/movie/mystic-river/14940/main"target="_blank">'Mystic River'</a></font>), controversy-courting political activist (he recently visited Venezuelan prez Hugo Chavez) and family man (he and wife <font color="#1c5bb0"><a href="http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/robin-wright/77633/main"target="_blank">Robin Wright Penn</a></font> have two kids).

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/jennifer-jason-leigh/41672/main'target='_blank'>Jennifer Jason Leigh</a>

<b>Then:</b> She was Stacy Hamilton, the smart but shy wallflower with low self-esteem (you know, the kind of girl who becomes a successful lawyer and shows everyone up at the reunion). She went "all the way" with her boyfriend's best friend Mike (<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/robert-romanus/61296/main'target='_blank'>Robert Romanus</a></font>), with disastrous results.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/jennifer-jason-leigh/41672/main'target='_blank'>Jennifer Jason Leigh</a>

<b>Now: </b>Like we imagine her 'Fast Times' character, Leigh grew up to be cool, excelling in indie (<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/georgia/1819/main'target='_blank'>'Georgia'</a></font>) and mainstream film (<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/single-white-female/6857/main'target='_blank'>'Single White Female'</a></font>); but amazingly, Oscar has never looked her way. She's married to director <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/noah-baumbach/199728/main'target='_blank'>Noah Baumbach</a></font> (<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-squid-and-the-whale/21100/main'target='_blank'>'Squid and the Whale'</a></font>) and stars in his next movie, <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/margot-at-the-wedding/28652/main'target='_blank'>'Margot at the Wedding.'</a></font>

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/judge-reinhold/107897/main'target='_blank'>Judge Reinhold</a>

<b>Then:</b> In his first major film role, Reinhold played Stacy's brother Brad, a popular high school senior who took his job at the local burger joint just a little too seriously. In one of the film's most memorable scenes, he pleasured himself while fantasizing about a topless Phoebe Cates. Hey, we can't blame him.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/judge-reinhold/107897/main'target='_blank'>Judge Reinhold</a>

<b>Now: </b>Most recently, he appeared in the <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-santa-clause/1144/main'target='_blank'>'Santa Clause'</a></font> films, and he'll co-star in the 2008 <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/kevin-costner/15189/main'target='_blank'>Kevin Costner</a></font> vehicle <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/swing-vote/30067/main'target='_blank'>'Swing Vote.'</a></font> He also earned major cool points for his stint on <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/arrested-development/SH5984700000/main'target='_blank'>'Arrested Development,'</a></font> in which he played the star of a TV show called 'Mock Trial With J. Reinhold.' Verdict: He's guilty ... of being awesome.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/phoebe-cates/11791/main'target='_blank'>Phoebe Cates</a>

<b>Then: </b>She became an instant sex symbol after starring as sexpot Linda Barrett in 'Fast Times.' This was thanks in no small part to a legendary fantasy sequence in which she climbed out of a pool dripping wet and removed her red bikini top in slow motion -- all to the sounds of <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://music.aol.com/artist/the-cars/3850/main'target='_blank'>The Cars'</a></font> 'Moving in Stereo.'

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/phoebe-cates/11791/main'target='_blank'>Phoebe Cates</a>

<b>Now:</b> Though she's only been in one film since the early '90s, 2001's <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-anniversary-party/9732/main'target='_blank'>'The Anniversary Party,'</a></font> she's kept busy raising two kids with husband <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/kevin-kline/38699/main'target='_blank'>Kevin Kline</a></font>. Their son <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/owen-kline/422370/main'target='_blank'>Owen Kline</a></font>'s an actor, too, having earned raves in 'Squid and the Whale' after director Noah Baumbach's wife -- Cates' co-star Leigh -- suggested him for the role.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/ray-walston/74480/main'target='_blank'>Ray Walston</a>

<b>Then: </b>Walston wasn't shy about admitting regrets for starring in <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/my-favorite-martian-tv-series/1224786/main'target='_blank'>'My Favorite Martian,'</a></font> which made him a household name but typecast him as an alien. Good thing some of us are too young to remember, and know Walston best as Mr. Hand, a history teacher whose dislikes included truancy, marijuana and Jeff Spicoli.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/ray-walston/74480/main'target='_blank'>Ray Walston</a>

<b>Now: </b>Though he'd never duplicate the commercial success of 'Martian,' Walston had a strong career through the '80s and '90s, mostly on television. He won two Emmys for his work on <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/picket-fences/SH0403090000/main'target='_blank'>'Picket Fences,'</a></font> and also appeared on <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/night-court/SH0031340000/main'target='_blank'>'Night Court'</a></font> and <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/la-law/SH0025040000/main'target='_blank'>'L.A. Law.'</a></font> He passed away on New Year's Day 2001 at age 86.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/robert-romanus/61296/main'target='_blank'>Robert Romanus</a>

<b>Then: </b>Ticket scalper Mike Damone knocked up his best friend's gal, then failed to give her money or even a ride. Jerk.<br><b>Now: </b>In the '80s he was a regular on <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/fame-1982/SH0015430000/main'target='_blank'>'Fame'</a></font> and <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/the-facts-of-life/SH0015290000/main'target='_blank'>'Facts of Life,'</a></font> but lately he's gotten mostly bit parts on sitcoms (e.g., pot dealer on <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/will-and-grace/SH2704300000/main'target='_blank'>'Will & Grace'</a></font>). In '07 he was in the indie <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/mojave-phone-booth/27848/main'target='_blank'>'Mojave Phone Booth.'</a>

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/brian-backer/3147/main'target='_blank'>Brian Backer</a>

<b>Then: </b>Painfully shy freshman Mark 'Rat' Ratner manned the ticket booth at the movie theater and mooned over Stacy. He got the girl, but only after his lame best friend Mike slept with her first. Before 'Fast Times,' Backer earned a 1981 Tony in <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/woody-allen/79388/main'target='_blank'>Woody Allen</a></font>'s 'The Floating Light Bulb' as the requisite Woody-type character.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/brian-backer/3147/main'target='_blank'>Brian Backer</a>

<b>Now: </b>Alas, 'Fast Times' would prove to be Backer's peak; after a string of guest roles on shows like <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/charles-in-charge/SH0008690000/main'target='_blank'>'Charles in Charge,'</a></font> he largely disappeared, his last gig being a small role in 'Fast Times' director <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/amy-heckerling/93875/main'target='_blank'>Amy Heckerling</a></font>'s 2000 film <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/loser/2939/main'target='_blank'>'Loser.'</a></font> (No comments from the peanut gallery, please.)

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/vincent-schiavelli/110164/main'target='_blank'>Vincent Schiavelli</a>

<b>Then: </b>In between noteworthy roles in <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/milos-forman/90166/main'target='_blank'>Milos Forman</a></font> classics <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest/3169/main'target='_blank'>'One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'</a></font> and <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/amadeus/6571/main'target='_blank'>'Amadeus,'</a></font> the droopy-eyed character actor played Ridgemont High biology teacher Mr. Vargas, who showed Spicoli and friends just how gnarly ("remarkable") a human cadaver can be.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/vincent-schiavelli/110164/main'target='_blank'>Vincent Schiavelli</a>

<b>Now: </b>Schiavelli would reprise his role in the 'Fast Times' TV series and ultimately become one of the most well-liked "That Guys" of recent time. His most renowned role came as a subway spirit who taught <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/patrick-swayze/113376/main'target='_blank'>Patrick Swayze</a></font> a thing or two about being dead in <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/ghost/3312/main'target='_blank'>'Ghost.'</a></font> Schiavelli died from lung cancer 15 years later at 57.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/forest-whitaker/116578/main'target='_blank'>Forest Whitaker</a>

<b>Then:</b> He was Ridgemont High football hero Charles Jefferson; his Camaro was busted up by (shocker!) Spicoli, who took it out for a joy ride with Jefferson's little brother. Spicoli made it look like the car was smashed up by a rival football team, which goaded Charles to lead a stunning victory against said rivals.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/forest-whitaker/116578/main'target='_blank'>Forest Whitaker</a>

<b>Now: </b>Whitaker first got some attention for 1992's gender-bending <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-crying-game/7441/main'target='_blank'>'The Crying Game,'</a></font> but he was mostly an acclaimed actor flying under the radar ... until 2006, when he found a role that couldn't be ignored: Idi Amin, in <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-last-king-of-scotland/26292/main'Target='_blank'>'The Last King of Scotland,'</a></font> for which he picked up a well-earned Best Actor statuette.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/eric-stoltz/68432/main'target='_blank'>Eric Stoltz</a>

<b>Then: </b>He made his big-screen debut as one of Spicoli's stoner buddies in 'Fast Times,' then snagged a Golden Globe nod for his role as Cher's deformed son in 'Mask.' He was also originally cast as Marty McFly in <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/back-to-the-future/13014/main'target='_blank'>'Back to the Future'</a></font> but was replaced by <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/michael-j-fox/24577/main'target='_blank'>Michael J. Fox</a></font> after shooting began.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/eric-stoltz/68432/main'target='_blank'>Eric Stoltz</a>

<b>Now: </b>He continues to act, with guest spots on TV's <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/close-to-home/SH7537900000/main'target='_blank'>'Close to Home'</a></font> and <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/medium/SH7135160000/main'target='_blank'>'Medium'</a></font> and a role in the '08 werewolf flick 'Howl.' He's also a competent director, having helmed the most-watched episode of <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/law-and-order/SH0176170000/main'target='_blank'>'Law & Order'</a></font> ever, in which <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/jesse-l-martin/239466/main'target='_blank'>Jesse L. Martin</a></font> gets shot. Next up, he's slated to direct the comedy 'Paddyville.'

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/anthony-edwards/21217/main'target='_blank'>Anthony Edwards</a>

<b>Then: </b>Edwards was an unknown when pal Sean Penn got him and former college roommate Eric Stoltz tiny roles as Spicoli's trusted toking associates, aka 'Stoner Buds.' Finally, it paid to be a stoner -- career-making gigs in <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/revenge-of-the-nerds-1984/18100/main'target='_blank'>'Revenge of the Nerds'</a></font> and <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/top-gun/6941/main'target='_blank'>'Top Gun'</a></font> soon followed.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/anthony-edwards/21217/main'target='_blank'>Anthony Edwards</a>

<b>Now: </b>Edwards won the role of a lifetime as Dr. Green on the hit TV series <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/er/SH1151310000/main'target='_blank'>'ER.'</a></font> Whereas castmate <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/george-clooney/13722/main'target='_blank'>George Clooney</a></font> left the show to explore movie stardom, Edwards, $35 million richer, decided to 'spend more time with [his] family' (hey, just like Karl Rove!). Edwards returned to the screen in 2007's <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/zodiac-2007/23059/main'target='_blank'>'Zodiac.'</a></font>

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/nicolas-cage/10155/main'target='_blank'>Nicolas Cage</a>

<b>Then: </b>In his very first big-screen appearance, Cage (still going by his birth name, Nicolas Coppola) is really just a glorified extra: His character's credited name is 'Brad's Bud.' Well, at least he's done better than Brad's other bud, played by <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/michael-wyle/77707/main'target='_blank'>Michael Wyle.</a></font> Who? Exactly.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/nicolas-cage/10155/main'target='_blank'>Nicolas Cage</a>

<b>Now: </b>Cage has had a long, strange trip of a career, with highs (Best Actor Oscar for <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/leaving-las-vegas/1626/main'target='_blank'>'Leaving Las Vegas'</a></font>), lows (<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-wicker-man-2006/26232/main'target='_blank'>'Wicker Man'</a></font>), blockbusters (<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/national-treasure/17492/main'target='_blank'>'National Treasure'</a></font>) and just plain busts (<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-weather-man/20279/main'target='_blank'>'The Weather Man'</a></font>). Even with his most questionable film choices, you can bet that Cage will never again be relegated to "bud."

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/cameron-crowe/86281/main'target='_blank'>Cameron Crowe</a>

<b>Then: </b>After giving up his gig as a journalist with Rolling Stone, the then-22-year-old Crowe moved in with his mother, posed as a high school student and proceeded to write 'Fast Times,' a 1981 novel about teen life which he then adapted into his debut screenplay.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/cameron-crowe/86281/main'target='_blank'>Cameron Crowe</a>

<b>Now: </b>Crowe earned Oscar nominations for writing and directing <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/jerry-maguire/3239/main'target='_blank'>'Jerry Maguire'</a></font> and won for the <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/almost-famous/7898/main'Target='_blank'>'Almost Famous'</a></font> screenplay, but his hand has gone a bit cold of late. <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/vanilla-sky/10061/main'target='_blank'>'Vanilla Sky'</a></font> was met with lukewarm reviews, while <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/elizabethtown/20280/main'target='_blank'>'Elizabethtown'</a></font> was unceremoniously panned. He's currently at work on his next (top secret) screenplay.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/amy-heckerling/93875/main'target='_blank'>Amy Heckerling</a>

<b>Then:</b> If you think female directors are rare now, imagine the landscape 25 years ago when Heckerling debuted with 'Fast Times.' She may have had a tough time breaking into the biz, but the comedy's success landed her on Hollywood's honor roll, and the film even inspired a (short-lived) TV show.

Party With Spicoli & Friends Like It's 1982

<a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/amy-heckerling/93875/main'target='_blank'>Amy Heckerling</a>

<b>Now:</b> She went on to date a big TV star (<font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/celebrity/bronson-pinchot/56865/main'target='_blank'>Bronson Pinchot</a></font>, aka Balki on <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://television.aol.com/show/perfect-strangers/SH0033400000/main'target='_blank'>'Perfect Strangers'</a></font>) in the '90s ... and also became one of the most successful female filmmakers ever, helming hits like <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/national-lampoons-european-vacation/27113/main'target='_blank'>'European Vacation,'</a></font> <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/look-whos-talking/28403/main'target='_blank'> 'Look Who's Talking'</a></font> and <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/clueless/1415/main'target='_blank'>'Clueless.'</a></font> Her first film in eight years, <font color='#1c5bb0'><a href='http://movies.aol.com/movie/i-could-never-be-your-woman/25580/main'target='_blank'>'I Could Never Be Your Woman,'</a></font> opens this fall.

Where Are They Now?