The Ultimate 2025 Update: Where Is The Cast Of Miss Congeniality Now? From FBI Agent To Oscar Winner

Two decades after its release, *Miss Congeniality* remains a cultural touchstone, a perfect blend of action-comedy and makeover magic that launched a thousand "I'm not like other girls" memes. The film, which hit theaters in 2000, not only cemented Sandra Bullock’s status as Hollywood royalty but also gave us some of the most memorable supporting characters in comedy history: the perpetually stressed pageant coach, the charming but clueless FBI partner, and the hilariously earnest Miss Rhode Island.

As of late December 2025, the film is experiencing a resurgence, trending again on major streaming platforms and sparking renewed interest in the lives of its all-star cast. From Oscar-winning drama to highly anticipated sequels, here is a deep dive into the careers and current projects of the beloved *Miss Congeniality* cast, proving that Agent Gracie Hart and her crew are still very much in the spotlight.

The Core Cast: Complete Biography and Notable Roles

The success of *Miss Congeniality* lies in the chemistry of its ensemble, featuring a mix of established legends and rising stars. Here are the essential biographical details for the main actors who brought the FBI’s undercover pageant mission to life:

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• Sandra Bullock (Agent Gracie Hart)
  • Born: July 26, 1964, Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
  • Notable Roles: Annie Porter in *Speed* (1994), Margaret Tate in *The Proposal* (2009), Ryan Stone in *Gravity* (2013), and Leigh Anne Touhy in *The Blind Side* (2009), for which she won an Academy Award.
• Michael Caine (Victor Melling)
  • Born: Maurice Joseph Micklewhite on March 14, 1933, in London, England.
  • Notable Roles: Alfred Pennyworth in *The Dark Knight Trilogy* (2005–2012), Alfie Elkins in *Alfie* (1966), and two-time Academy Award winner for *Hannah and Her Sisters* (1986) and *The Cider House Rules* (1999).
• Benjamin Bratt (Eric Matthews)
  • Born: December 16, 1963, San Francisco, California, U.S.
  • Notable Roles: Detective Reynaldo Curtis on the TV series *Law & Order* (1995–1999) and Paco Aguilar in *Blood in Blood Out* (1993).
• Candice Bergen (Kathy Morningside)
  • Born: May 9, 1946, Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
  • Notable Roles: Title character on the TV series *Murphy Brown* (1988–1998, 2018), for which she won five Emmy Awards, and Shirley Schmidt on *Boston Legal* (2005-2008).
• William Shatner (Stan Fields)
  • Born: March 22, 1931, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
  • Notable Roles: Captain James T. Kirk in the *Star Trek* franchise (1966–present) and Denny Crane on *Boston Legal* (2004–2008), for which he won two Emmy Awards.

The 2025 Career Resurgence: Latest Projects and Updates

While *Miss Congeniality* remains a fan-favorite, the cast has certainly not slowed down. From high-profile movie returns to acclaimed television roles, here is what the cast members are doing in the current year and beyond.

Sandra Bullock: From FBI Agent to Romantic Thriller Star

Sandra Bullock, the heart of the *Miss Congeniality* franchise, has been enjoying a period of both personal focus and professional success. Following her acclaimed roles in *Bird Box* and *The Lost City*, Bullock is set for a major return to the screen in 2025.

Fans are buzzing about a potential reunion with her *Speed* co-star, Keanu Reeves, in a new romantic thriller project. Furthermore, rumors and concept trailers for a sequel, *The Proposal 2: For Better or Worse*, are keeping her name constantly in the news cycle, showcasing her enduring popularity in the romantic comedy genre.

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Bullock’s production company continues to be active, ensuring that her influence extends behind the camera, driving quality projects across various platforms.

Michael Caine: The Legend’s Un-Retirement

The man who gave us the unforgettable pageant coach Victor Melling, Sir Michael Caine, announced his retirement in 2023, but the legendary actor seems unable to stay away from the camera.

In a major 2025 update, Caine's final film, *The Great Escaper*, is set to premiere on PBS’s Masterpiece, where he stars alongside the late Glenda Jackson. Adding to the surprise, there are reports that the 92-year-old actor is considering coming out of retirement for a sequel to the Vin Diesel film *The Last Witch Hunter 2*, proving that his iconic Cockney charm is still in high demand.

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Benjamin Bratt, Candice Bergen, and William Shatner’s Latest Roles

The supporting cast of *Miss Congeniality* remains incredibly busy, with several high-profile projects in 2025:

• Benjamin Bratt (Eric Matthews): Bratt, who played Gracie Hart’s FBI partner and love interest, is starring in multiple films, including the romantic comedy *Mother of the Bride* and the drama *Millers in Marriage*. His versatile career continues to span film and television, maintaining his status as a highly sought-after character actor.
• Candice Bergen (Kathy Morningside): The former Miss United States director is set to appear in the upcoming film *Harvest Moon*, continuing her prolific career following her return to television in the *Murphy Brown* reboot. Bergen continues to be active in the entertainment world, frequently attending high-profile industry events.
• William Shatner (Stan Fields): The iconic Captain Kirk, who hosted the Miss United States pageant with his signature gravitas, remains a cultural phenomenon. In 2025, the 94-year-old actor is scheduled to make multiple public appearances, including FAN EXPO New Orleans, and continues to promote his personal projects, such as "William Shatner… And You."

The Enduring Legacy of the Miss United States Pageant

Beyond the main cast, the film's legacy and its supporting pageant contestants are also seeing a renewed spotlight, especially with the constant discussion around a third film.

The Status of Miss Congeniality 3: Will Gracie Hart Return?

The possibility of *Miss Congeniality 3* is one of the most persistent rumors in Hollywood, largely fueled by the cast's own enthusiasm. While the 2005 sequel, *Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous*, was less successful, the original film's cultural impact is undeniable.

The most compelling news comes from Heather Burns, who played the fan-favorite Miss Rhode Island, Cheryl Frasier. Burns has publicly expressed her eagerness to return for a third movie, stating she would "jump at it" if Sandra Bullock agreed to reprise her role. This open enthusiasm from the supporting cast keeps the dream of a *Miss Congeniality 3* alive for fans worldwide.

Where Are the Other Pageant Queens Now?

The ensemble of pageant contestants provided much of the film's humor and heart. Their careers have diversified significantly:

• Heather Burns (Cheryl Frasier / Miss Rhode Island): In addition to advocating for a third film, Burns has maintained a steady career in film and television, recently discussing her work on her latest project, *The Best You Can*.
• Melissa De Sousa (Karen Krantz / Miss New York): The actress who played the sassy Miss New York has continued to work across genres, with notable roles in television and film, including the popular series *On Becoming a God in Central Florida*.
• Ernie Hudson (FBI Agent Harry McDonald): Hudson, who played Gracie’s superior, is a beloved figure in pop culture thanks to the *Ghostbusters* franchise. He recently reprised his iconic role as Winston Zeddemore in the 2024 film *Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire*, proving his status as an enduring action star.

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia and Filming Locations

The film’s production itself is a source of fascinating trivia that adds to its topical authority.

Despite the story being set primarily in San Antonio, Texas, and New York, the majority of the principal photography for *Miss Congeniality* actually took place in Austin, Texas. Iconic locations, such as the exterior of the luxurious St. Regis Hotel in Manhattan, were used for key scenes, including Gracie Hart and Victor Melling's unforgettable dinner. The film was a major financial success, grossing over $212 million worldwide against a $45 million budget, a testament to Sandra Bullock's star power and the strength of the script by Marc Lawrence and Donald Petrie.

The enduring appeal of *Miss Congeniality* is a powerful reminder of the cast's talent and the film's timeless message about inner beauty and self-acceptance. As the actors continue to take on new and exciting roles in 2025, the legacy of Gracie Hart's undercover mission lives on.