The romantic comedy Overboard, released in 1987, remains a beloved cult classic that cemented the on-screen and off-screen chemistry of its legendary stars, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Thirty-eight years later, fans still revisit the tale of the spoiled heiress Joanna Stayton and the humble carpenter Dean Proffitt, captivated by the film's humor and heart. As of late 2025, the lives of the cast members have taken dramatically different paths, with some continuing their Hollywood legacy and others, sadly, having passed away, but their work endures.
This deep dive into the Overboard cast provides the most recent updates on the stars, from their high-profile 2025 appearances to the quiet lives of the actors who played the iconic Proffitt children, offering a fresh look at the people who brought this unforgettable story to life.
The Main Cast: Biography and Latest Updates (2025)
The film's success is largely credited to the genuine relationship between its two leads, who met on the set of The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band in 1968 but began dating in 1983. Their undeniable connection on screen elevated the screwball premise into a timeless romantic comedy.
Goldie Hawn (Joanna Stayton / Annie Proffitt)
- Date of Birth: November 21, 1945 (Age 80 as of late 2025)
- Role in Overboard: Joanna Stayton, the wealthy, arrogant heiress who suffers from amnesia and is convinced she is 'Annie Proffitt'.
- Notable Works: Cactus Flower (Oscar win), Private Benjamin, The First Wives Club, Snatched, The Christmas Chronicles films.
- Recent News (2025): Hawn and her long-time partner, Kurt Russell, made a glamorous date night appearance at the 2025 Oscars, where Hawn was a presenter. She continues to be a prominent figure in philanthropy, primarily through her MindUP Foundation, which focuses on youth mental health and emotional literacy.
- Family Update: She frequently appears in public to support her children, actors Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson, and her son with Russell, Wyatt Russell.
Kurt Russell (Dean Proffitt)
- Date of Birth: March 17, 1951 (Age 74 as of late 2025)
- Role in Overboard: Dean Proffitt, a widowed, working-class carpenter and father of four boys who seeks revenge by claiming Joanna is his wife.
- Notable Works: Escape from New York, The Thing, Tombstone, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, The Hateful Eight, The Christmas Chronicles films.
- Recent News (2025): Alongside Hawn, Russell attended the 2025 Oscars. There have been discussions and fan speculation about a potential The Christmas Chronicles 3, where he would reprise his role as Santa Claus with Hawn as Mrs. Claus, though no official release date has been confirmed.
- Career Focus: Russell remains active in Hollywood, often taking on roles in major franchises, showcasing his enduring status as a versatile action and dramatic actor.
The Supporting Cast: Where Are They Now?
While the focus is often on the leading couple, the supporting ensemble cast provided the crucial, eccentric characters that rounded out the comedy, from the faithful butler to the ruthless husband and the four rambunctious boys.
Edward Herrmann (Grant Stayton III)
Edward Herrmann played Grant Stayton III, Joanna's cruel and philandering husband. After Joanna's accident, Grant famously claims her as "damaged goods" and sails away, setting the main plot in motion.
- Life and Career: Herrmann was a celebrated actor known for his roles as Franklin D. Roosevelt in various TV productions and as Richard Gilmore on Gilmore Girls.
- Final Update: Sadly, Edward Herrmann passed away on December 31, 2014, at the age of 71, from brain cancer. His final film role was in The Town That Dreaded Sundown (2014).
Katherine Helmond (Edith Mintz)
Katherine Helmond played Edith Mintz, Joanna's mother. Her character is a key comedic element, often seen over-indulging Joanna.
- Life and Career: Helmond was a Golden Globe-winning actress, beloved for her iconic roles as Jessica Tate on Soap and Mona Robinson on Who's the Boss?.
- Final Update: Katherine Helmond passed away on February 23, 2019, at the age of 89, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. Her final film role was voicing Lizzie in the Cars franchise, with her last work appearing in Cars 3 (2017).
Roddy McDowall (Andrew)
Roddy McDowall played Andrew, the highly efficient and long-suffering butler to Joanna and Grant. His character provides some of the film's most memorable dry humor.
- Life and Career: A prolific actor, McDowall had a career spanning over 270 roles, including Cornelius in the original Planet of the Apes films and numerous television appearances.
- Final Update: McDowall passed away on October 3, 1998, at the age of 70, from lung cancer. His death was a significant loss to Hollywood, leaving behind a legacy of iconic film and television work.
The Proffitt Boys: What Happened to the Child Actors?
The four Proffitt boys—Charlie, Travis, Greg, and Joey—were essential to the plot, acting as the chaotic, adorable, and often exasperating "family" that 'Annie' had to manage. Their actors have mostly stepped away from the spotlight.
Jared Rushton (Charlie Proffitt)
Jared Rushton played Charlie, the oldest and most skeptical of the Proffitt boys. He was arguably the most recognizable of the children, having starred in other 80s classics.
- Post-Overboard Career: Rushton is also known for his roles as Billy Kopecki in Big (1988) and Ron Thompson in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989).
- Where Is He Now: Rushton retired from acting around the year 2000. He transitioned his creative focus entirely to music, becoming a professional guitarist and musician.
Jeffrey Wiseman (Joey Proffitt)
Jeffrey Wiseman played Joey, one of the middle Proffitt boys.
- Post-Overboard Career: Wiseman's other notable film role was as Mitch Murphy in the Christmas classic Home Alone (1990).
- Where Is He Now: Like many child actors, Wiseman stepped away from the industry after a few roles, pursuing a private life outside of acting.
Brian Price (Travis Proffitt)
Brian Price played Travis, another of Dean’s sons.
- Post-Overboard Career: Price had roles in the TV movie Laurel Avenue (1993) and the film Shadow Warriors (1995), but his screen credits are limited after the mid-1990s.
- Where Is He Now: Price has largely maintained a private life since leaving the acting world.
Jamie Wild (Greg Proffitt)
Jamie Wild played Greg, the youngest of the four boys.
- Post-Overboard Career: Wild's acting career was brief, with Overboard being one of his few major credits.
- Where Is He Now: He has completely stepped out of the public eye, choosing a non-Hollywood career path.
Fun Facts and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of the 1987 Classic
The making of Overboard was as charming as the final product, thanks to the family atmosphere fostered by director Garry Marshall and the star couple.
- A True Family Affair: Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell's real-life children—Kate Hudson, Oliver Hudson, and Wyatt Russell—were frequently on the set during filming. This created a relaxed, family-friendly environment that contributed to the film’s warm, authentic feel.
- Loosely Based on a Darker True Story: The film's premise of a wealthy woman with amnesia is rumored to be loosely inspired by a darker real-life case from Florida in the 1970s. This darker, real-world inspiration contrasts sharply with the film's lighthearted, comedic tone.
- The Director's Touch: The film was directed by Garry Marshall, the master of romantic comedies, who also helmed classics like Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride. Marshall was known for his collaborative and improvisational style, allowing Hawn and Russell to inject their own chemistry into the script.
- The Yacht's Name: The yacht on which Joanna and Grant Stayton III live is named "The S.S. Immaculata," a satirical nod to Joanna's impossibly pristine and arrogant character.
The enduring popularity of Overboard speaks volumes about the talent of its cast and crew. While some of the key players are no longer with us, and the child stars have moved on to new careers, the film remains a celebrated piece of 80s cinema, with its stars, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, continuing to capture the public's attention even in 2025.
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