Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) remains one of the most iconic teen movies ever made. Not only did it define a generation, but it also served as a launching pad for many future Hollywood stars. More than 40 years later, let’s take a look at where the cast members are today.

Sean Penn (Jeff Spicoli) – From Surfer Dude to Oscar Winner

Sean Penn stole the show as Jeff Spicoli, the laid-back, perpetually stoned surfer who clashed with his teacher, Mr. Hand. His hilarious performance made him a standout in the film.

After Fast Times, Penn moved away from comedic roles and built a career as a serious actor, winning two Academy Awards for Best Actor for:

• Mystic River (2003)
• Milk (2008)

Beyond acting, Penn is a passionate activist and humanitarian, heavily involved in disaster relief and global political issues. He continues to act and direct, with his latest work including Flag Day (2021). Despite his success, he remains one of Hollywood’s most outspoken and unpredictable figures.

Video: Fast Times At Ridgemont High – Phoebe Cates Pool Scene

Jennifer Jason Leigh (Stacy Hamilton) – A Bold Career in Film and TV

Jennifer Jason Leigh played Stacy Hamilton, the innocent yet curious high school girl navigating love and relationships.

After Fast Times, she became known for taking on challenging and complex roles in films such as:

• Single White Female (1992)
• The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
• The Hateful Eight (2015) – earning an Oscar nomination

She also found success in television, starring in Netflix’s Atypical (2017–2021). Today, she continues to be an active force in Hollywood, recognized for her fearless performances.

Judge Reinhold (Brad Hamilton) – From Comedy to Quiet Life

Judge Reinhold played Brad Hamilton, Stacy’s older brother, who struggles with work and relationships.

Following Fast Times, Reinhold became well-known for playing Detective Billy Rosewood in the Beverly Hills Cop series alongside Eddie Murphy. Other notable films include:

• Ruthless People (1986)
• The Santa Clause series (1994, 2002, 2006)

In recent years, he has stepped back from major roles, making occasional appearances in TV movies and smaller projects.

Phoebe Cates (Linda Barrett) – Hollywood to Family Life

Phoebe Cates became a teenage icon as Linda Barrett, largely thanks to one of the most unforgettable scenes in the film.

She later starred in:

• Gremlins (1984)
• Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)

However, in the mid-1990s, Cates retired from acting to focus on her family. She married Kevin Kline in 1989 and has since dedicated her time to raising their children. Today, she runs Blue Tree, a boutique in New York City, and has largely avoided the Hollywood spotlight.

Robert Romanus (Mike Damone) – From Ticket Scalper to Music Teacher

Robert Romanus played Mike Damone, the confident yet sleazy ticket scalper.

After Fast Times, he took on various film and television roles but never reached the same level of fame. Some of his projects include:

• The Runaways (2010)
• 21 Jump Street (TV series)

Today, Romanus has shifted his focus to music. He now works as a music teacher, helping young artists develop their skills.

Brian Backer (Mark Ratner) – A Quiet Exit from Hollywood

Brian Backer played Mark “Rat” Ratner, the shy and awkward teen trying to navigate high school romance.

Following Fast Times, he appeared in:

• Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)

Unlike some of his co-stars, Backer did not pursue an extensive Hollywood career. He has since faded from the public eye and now lives a private life away from the entertainment industry.

Forest Whitaker (Charles Jefferson) – An Oscar-Winning Career

Forest Whitaker played Charles Jefferson, the intimidating high school football star.

He has had one of the most successful careers of the entire cast, winning an Academy Award for Best Actor for:

• The Last King of Scotland (2006)

Other major films in his career include:

• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• Black Panther (2018)

Whitaker remains one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, balancing blockbuster films with critically acclaimed performances.

Nicolas Cage (Uncredited Role) – Hollywood’s Most Eccentric Star

Few people realize that Nicolas Cage had a small, uncredited role in Fast Times. At the time, he was still using his real name, Nicolas Coppola, before changing it to avoid nepotism claims (he is the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola).

Since then, Cage has built one of the most unique and unpredictable careers in Hollywood, starring in:

• Leaving Las Vegas (1995) – Won an Oscar for Best Actor
• The Rock (1996)
• Face/Off (1997)
• National Treasure (2004)

Even today, Cage remains highly active in Hollywood, working on a mix of big-budget films and indie projects like Pig (2021) and Dream Scenario (2023).

Other Notable Cast Members

• Ray Walston (Mr. Hand) – Played the strict teacher who frequently clashed with Spicoli. He continued acting until he passed away in 2001.
• Eric Stoltz & Anthony Edwards – Both had small roles in Fast Times but went on to have successful careers. Stoltz appeared in Pulp Fiction (1994), while Edwards became widely known for his role in ER.

Final Thoughts: A Cast That Defined a Generation

Fast Times at Ridgemont High was more than just a teen comedy—it was a cultural phenomenon that helped shape the genre. It also served as a career springboard for many of its stars.

Some, like Sean Penn, Forest Whitaker, and Nicolas Cage, went on to achieve incredible success in Hollywood, earning Oscars and critical acclaim. Others, like Phoebe Cates, chose to step away from acting to focus on their personal lives. Meanwhile, some cast members, such as Brian Backer and Robert Romanus, faded into relative obscurity.

Regardless of where they ended up, one thing is certain—Fast Times at Ridgemont High remains a beloved classic, and its cast will always be remembered for their roles in this iconic film