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With his decades of work in the movie industry, Richard Linklater brought several coming-of-age movies and shows. Out of the lot,Dazed and Confusedwould definitely stand the tallest given the huge ensemble it boasted. Thefilm was released in 1993 and featured the likes of Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, and Renée Zellweger, to name a few.
While these A-listers were very new to the acting scene at the time, all of them have gone on to have some of the most illustrious Hollywood careers. In this article, we will take a closer look at what the original cast ofDazed and Confusedare up to today.
11Ben Affleck as Fred O’Bannion
InDazed and Confused, Fred O’Bannion played byBen Affleckis the closest character to a villain, acting like the typical school bully. He is almost always seen with his paddle, using it to scare younger students and even chasing them to their homes. However, he gets his comeuppance when some of his targets dump paint on him, embarrassing him in front of everyone.
Since then, he has had a successful career, playing superheroes inDaredevilandBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,among others. Affleck is neck and neck with Matthew McConaughey in terms of popularity among theDazed and Confusedcast.
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With a net worth of$150 million, he comes in just behind McConaughey, who boasts an estimated$160 millionempire. In addition to his successful career, Affleck is a two-time Academy Award winner, recognized for Best Original Screenplay forGood Will Hunting(1997) and Best Picture forArgo(2012).
He has three children with ex-wifeJennifer Garnerand marriedJennifer Lopezin 2022, rekindling their romance two decades after their initial engagement. Currently, he is navigating a very public divorce from Lopez.
10Matthew McConaughey as David Wooderson
Dazed and Confusedwould be incomplete without highlightingMatthew McConaughey’s unforgettable performance as David Wooderson. Although his screen time is limited, Wooderson has become one of the film’s standout characters. He is a former high school student who opts for a laid-back drifter lifestyle, and despite his unconventional choices, he remains a favorite among the current students.
While parents might question his influence on their children, they probably haven’t heard his iconic catchphrase. Matthew McConaughey has often shared his nostalgia for his first film role inDazed and Confused. His love for the character was evident when he won the Oscar forDallas Buyers Club.He also playfully repeated his memorable line,“alright, alright, alright,”during his acceptance speech, proving just how much the film has shaped his career.
9Joey Lauren Adams as Simone Kerr
Joey Lauren Adams portrayed Simone Kerr, the love interest of Randall, inDazed and Confused. Following that role, she reunited with Ben Affleck in the 1997 filmChasing Amy. She later starred in the 1999 comedyBig Daddywith Adam Sandler. And also appeared as Jennifer Aniston’s best friend inThe Break-Up(2006) and took on the challenge of writing and directing with her filmCome Early Morningin the same year.
Adams also returned to herChasing Amycharacter for bothJay and Silent Bob Strike Back(2001) andJay and Silent Bob Reboot(2019). Her television career included a recurring role onUnited States of Taraand a leading part opposite Billy Ray Cyrus inStill the King. In her personal life, Adams married cinematographer Brian Vilim in 2014.
8Milla Jovovich as Michelle Burroughs
Michelle Burroughs, played by Milla Jovovich, is a minor character inDazed and Confused, with very few dialogues. Despite this, she makes a lasting impression, often seen casually smoking pot or strumming her guitar.
Jovovich went on to achieve major success in action movies, becoming the face of theResident Evilseries directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. She also starred in notable blockbusters likeThe Fifth Elementand the 2019 reboot ofHellboy, solidifying her status as an action star.
7Renée Zellweger as ‘Girl in Blue Truck’
Renée Zellweger made a small, uncredited appearance inDazed and Confused, playing the ‘girl in the blue truck’ who was seen funneling beer through a bong at a party. Further, after this Zellweger went on to have a highly successful acting career. Earning two Academy Awards for her roles in films such asJerry Maguire(1996),Nurse Betty(2000),Chicago(2002),Cold Mountain(2003),Miss Potter(2006), andJudy(2019).
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Despite this, her most commercially successful role was as the titular character in theBridget Jonesseries. She also ventured into television, appearing in Netflix’sWhat/Ifand NBC’sThe Thing About Pam. Since 2021, Zellweger has been romantically involved with television host Ant Anstead.
6Jason London as Randall ‘Pink’ Floyd
WhileDazed and Confuseddoesn’t have a clear central figure, Randall “Pink” Floyd, portrayed by Jason London, often feels closest to being the main character. Pink, whose nickname was likely inspired by the iconic band Pink Floyd, serves as a level-headed presence among his more rebellious and chaotic friends.
Throughout the movie, he steps in as a voice of reason, often standing up for younger students when seniors like Fred O’Bannion (played by Ben Affleck) overstep their bounds. However, Pink’s journey isn’t without its challenges. One of his main dilemmas involves whether to return to play football the following year or prioritize spending time with his friends, embracing the freedom of youth.
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Jason London, who brought Pink to life, has remained active in the film industry since hisDazed and Confuseddays, with notable roles in films such asTo Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, a beloved drag queen cult classic.
5Cole Hauser as Benny O’Donnell
Benny O’Donnell, played by Cole Hauser, one of Pink’s football teammates, was determined to convince the quarterback to return for another season instead of opting for a laid-back lifestyle as a stoner. Unfortunately, Benny’s aggressive tactics did little to change Pink’s mind.
Cole Hauser later reunited with hisDazed and Confusedco-star Ben Affleck inGood Will Hunting, where he portrayed the character, Billy. He also became widely recognized for his role as Rip Wheeler in Taylor Sheridan’s hit seriesYellowstone, which further established his presence in the entertainment industry.
4Parker Posey as Darla Marks
Darla Marks, played by Parker Posey, embodies the typical mean girl role, spending much of the film belittling younger students. While some may view her actions as light-hearted fun, it’s evident that Darla derives pleasure from making others feel inferior. She is last seen tormenting Sabrina and Tony, declaring her intent to make Sabrina’s school experience unbearable the following year.
Parker Posey established herself as a skilled improvisational actor in Christopher Guest’s films, includingBest in ShowandWaiting for Guffman. In 2023, she took on a more serious role in Ari Aster’s filmBeau is Afraid, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
3Anthony Rapp as Tony Olson
Mike’s best friend Tony, portrayed by Anthony Rapp, is arguably the kindest character inDazed and Confused. He clearly distances himself from the silly and arbitrary social rules that his peers enforce, preferring to simply hang out and relax with his friends. Tony is more focused on his interest in Sabrina Davis (Christin Hinojosa). Further, showcasing that genuine conversations are often more rewarding than behaving like a typical pre-college frat boy.
After his role inDazed and Confused, Rapp embarked on a successful musical theater career, performing in both the stage and film adaptations ofRent. Fans of science fiction television may also recognize him as Lieutenant Commander Paul Stamets fromStar Trek: Discovery.
2Rory Cochrane as Ron Slater
One of the most iconic characters fromDazed and Confusedis Ron Slater, played by Rory Cochrane. His character, with his distinctive long hair and hat, is featured prominently in much of the film’s promotional material, embodying the classic laid-back stoner in a movie full of similar personalities.
Slater spends most of his time onscreen smoking with friends and diving into wild conspiracy theories, like how aliens secretly control everything. Rory Cochrane’s portrayal of Slater opened doors for him in the world of acting. Further, some of his notable roles include appearances inBlack Mass, Antlers, andWinning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.
1Adam Goldberg as Mike Newhouse
While the other characters inDazed and Confusedare busy enjoying the party scene, Mike Newhouse, played by Adam Goldberg, tries to maintain a more mature and responsible outlook. However, even Mike eventually loses his cool, leading to a confrontation with Clint Bruno (Nicky Katt) toward the film’s end.
Shortly afterDazed and Confused, Goldberg landed a major role in the war dramaSaving Private Ryan. He later appeared in films such asA Beautiful Mindand starred in television series likeThe Equalizer. Additionally, he had a memorable three-episode arc in the second season ofFRIENDS(1996), portraying Chandler’s crazy roommate, Eddie.
you may watchDazed and Confusedon Apple TV.
Sakshi Singh
Articles Published :1434
Sakshi Singh has written over 1,300 entertainment articles, mostly about Netflix shows and reality TV. She’s spent the last two years covering everything from surprise engagements to shocking eliminations and previously wrote for Essentially Sports in their Netflix Junkie division. A self-proclaimed reality TV addict, Sakshi has watched all 48 seasons of Survivor and never misses a new dating or competition series. She loves watching how strangers meet, fall in love, team up, or betray each other - it’s the mix of strategy and drama that keeps her hooked. When she’s not glued to a reality show, she’s usually watching a crime thriller or tracking the next big streaming hit.
