The Silverado Cast: Where Are The Western Legends Now As The Film Turns 40 In 2025

The 1985 Western film Silverado stands as a pivotal moment in Hollywood history, not just for its spirited revival of the genre, but for launching an ensemble cast of future superstars. As of late 2025, the movie is celebrating its 40th anniversary, a milestone marked by a special 4K Ultra HD Steelbook release on October 7, 2025, bringing the classic Western back into the spotlight. This renewed interest begs the question: What are the four unlikely heroes—Paden, Emmett, Jake, and Mal—and the rest of the star-studded cast doing today, four decades later?

The film, directed by Lawrence Kasdan, was a critical success that helped redefine the Western for a new generation, with its fast-paced action and charismatic characters. From a burgeoning movie star like Kevin Costner to established theatrical giants like Kevin Kline, the cast of Silverado has continued to dominate film, television, and the stage, with many members actively working on major new projects deep into 2025 and 2026.

The Main Cast of Silverado: 2025 Career Updates and Biographies

The core of Silverado is the unforgettable quartet of protagonists, whose interconnected journeys drive the plot. Here is a look at their careers and their most recent, up-to-date professional endeavors.

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Kevin Costner as Jake

Kevin Costner, who played the reckless and charismatic Jake, was arguably the biggest breakout star from Silverado. The role cemented his status as a leading man, paving the way for his future Oscar-winning Westerns like Dances with Wolves and Open Range.

• Full Name: Kevin Michael Costner
• Born: January 18, 1955 (Age 70 in 2025)
• Role in Silverado: Jake, the younger, spirited brother of Emmett.
• Current Status: Costner remains an epic Western figure, heavily invested in his passion project, the four-part film series Horizon: An American Saga. Chapters 1 and 2 were released in 2024, and the status of filming for Chapters 3 and 4 is a major point of discussion in 2025, as he urges sponsors to support the continuation of the saga. His commitment to the Western genre, which began with Silverado, has come full circle.

Kevin Kline as Paden

Kevin Kline, who portrayed the cynical but honorable former outlaw Paden, was already a respected actor with a Tony Award and an Oscar nomination when he took the role. His performance in Silverado showcased his versatility, blending dramatic depth with comedic timing.

• Full Name: Kevin Delaney Kline
• Born: October 24, 1947 (Age 78 in 2025)
• Role in Silverado: Paden, a thoughtful, world-weary gambler.
• Current Status: Kline continues his acclaimed career in both film and theatre. His most recent and notable project is the new MGM+ comedy series, American Classic, where he stars and executive produces as a washed-up, flamboyant Broadway star. This role highlights his return to a theatrical setting, a nod to his roots as a three-time Tony Award winner.

Scott Glenn as Emmett

Scott Glenn's portrayal of Emmett, the quiet, principled, and skilled gunslinger, added a layer of stoic authenticity to the film. Glenn was known for intense character roles in films like Urban Cowboy and The Right Stuff before Silverado.

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• Full Name: Scott Glenn
• Born: January 26, 1939 (Age 86 in 2025)
• Role in Silverado: Emmett, the leader of the group and a man seeking a fresh start.
• Current Status: Glenn remains active in Hollywood. In 2025, he is set to appear in the upcoming film *Eugene The Marine*, and was recently seen in the 2024 series *Bad Monkey*. His consistent work in both film and television showcases his enduring appeal as a respected veteran actor.

Danny Glover as Malachi "Mal" Johnson

Danny Glover, who played Mal, the determined African-American cowboy seeking his family, brought a powerful, grounded presence to the ensemble. His role in Silverado was a key step toward his global fame in the Lethal Weapon franchise.

• Full Name: Daniel Lebern Glover
• Born: July 22, 1946 (Age 79 in 2025)
• Role in Silverado: Malachi "Mal" Johnson, a principled man whose journey connects the four heroes.
• Current Status: Glover is as dedicated to his humanitarian and political activism as he is to his acting. He is a recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. While continuing his philanthropic efforts, he also has upcoming film projects, including *Dionne* and *Staying Afloat*. His career perfectly blends art and activism.

The Legendary Supporting Cast: From Wizards to Detectives

One of the true strengths of Silverado was its deep bench of unforgettable supporting actors, many of whom were already or would become Hollywood legends. Their 2025 updates are just as compelling.

John Cleese as Sheriff John Langston

The casting of British comedy icon John Cleese as the straight-laced, non-corrupt Sheriff John Langston was an inspired choice, providing a memorable, fish-out-of-water performance that added a unique flavor to the Western.

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• Full Name: John Marwood Cleese
• Born: October 27, 1939 (Age 86 in 2025)
• Role in Silverado: Sheriff John Langston of the town of Turley.
• Current Status: Cleese is embracing his classic comedic roots. In 2025 and 2026, he is heavily involved with the stage adaptation of his legendary sitcom, Fawlty Towers - The Play, which is touring the UK. He has also been working on a new stage sequel, proving his enduring creative energy.

Jeff Goldblum as Slick

Jeff Goldblum, who played the charmingly nefarious gambler Slick, brought his signature quirky energy to the Western genre. His role as the foil to Paden was a highlight of the film.

• Full Name: Jeffrey Lynn Goldblum
• Born: October 22, 1952 (Age 73 in 2025)
• Role in Silverado: Slick, a dapper gambler and criminal associate of Paden.
• Current Status: Goldblum remains one of Hollywood's most recognizable and active stars. His major 2025 project is the highly anticipated musical film *Wicked: For Good*, where he plays the iconic role of the Wizard. He also continues his musical career with The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.

Rosanna Arquette as Hannah

Rosanna Arquette's role as Hannah, the strong-willed woman traveling West, was a crucial part of the emotional fabric of the film, providing a romantic interest for Paden and a symbol of the new frontier.

• Full Name: Rosanna Lisa Arquette
• Born: August 10, 1959 (Age 66 in 2025)
• Role in Silverado: Hannah, a pioneer woman.
• Current Status: Arquette continues to take on diverse roles in independent cinema. Her recent and upcoming filmography includes the 2025 film *Ex-Husbands* and the 2026 project *The Moment*, demonstrating her commitment to acting across different genres.

Linda Hunt as Stella

Linda Hunt, the Oscar-winning actress, played the tough and pragmatic saloon owner Stella, a character who embodied the grit and independence of the Old West.

• Full Name: Lydia Susanna Hunt
• Born: April 2, 1945 (Age 80 in 2025)
• Role in Silverado: Stella, the owner of the Midnight Star Saloon.
• Current Status: Hunt became a household name for her long-running role as Henrietta "Hetty" Lange on the CBS series *NCIS: Los Angeles*, which concluded in 2023. After the show's finale, she has not announced any major new projects, though her legacy as a groundbreaking character actor is secure.

Remembering Brian Dennehy and The Film's Lasting Legacy

The film's impact cannot be discussed without honoring the memory of one of its most powerful actors, Brian Dennehy, who played the corrupt Sheriff Cobb.

Brian Dennehy as Sheriff Cobb

Dennehy’s imposing presence as the film’s main antagonist, Sheriff Cobb, was the perfect counterpoint to the four heroes. His performance as the villain gave the film its necessary dramatic weight.

• Full Name: Brian Manion Dennehy
• Born: July 9, 1938
• Died: April 15, 2020 (Age 81)
• Role in Silverado: Sheriff Cobb, the ruthless lawman of the town of Silverado.
• Legacy: Dennehy was a celebrated stage and screen actor, winning two Tony Awards. His powerful performance in Silverado is a testament to his incredible range, which spanned from Western villains to critically acclaimed roles like Willy Loman in *Death of a Salesman*.

The Enduring Topical Authority of Silverado in 2025

More than just a classic Western, Silverado's 40th-anniversary celebration is a reminder of its unique place in cinema history. Directed and co-written by Lawrence Kasdan and his brother Mark Kasdan, the movie was an intentional attempt to revive the Western genre, which had been in decline.

The film's legacy is twofold. First, it launched the careers of its four leading men, particularly Kevin Costner, who would go on to become the definitive Western star of his generation. Second, the massive, custom-built set created for the fictional town of Silverado in New Mexico has become a piece of Hollywood history itself. This 40-building set has been reused for numerous other films and television productions, including *Wyatt Earp* and *Wild Wild West*, making the physical location of the film's production a permanent fixture in the landscape of cinematic Westerns. The film's generally positive critical reception and its vibrant, optimistic tone helped pave the way for a renewed interest in the Western, a genre that Costner continues to champion today with his *Horizon* saga.

As fans celebrate the 40th anniversary and the new 4K release, the enduring appeal of Silverado lies not only in its thrilling action sequences and beautiful cinematography but in the undeniable chemistry and talent of its iconic ensemble cast, whose careers continue to shape the entertainment landscape in 2025.