Alright, Alright, Alright: 15 'Dazed And Confused' Stars Then And Now—What They're Doing In 2025

It has been over three decades since Richard Linklater’s iconic coming-of-age film, Dazed and Confused, first captured the spirit of the last day of school in 1976, launching a cultural phenomenon and the careers of nearly a dozen future A-list actors. Released in 1993, the movie was not a box office smash then, but it quickly became a cult classic, celebrated for its authentic dialogue, killer soundtrack, and unforgettable ensemble cast. Now, in late 2024 and heading into 2025, the curiosity about where the Austin-based cast members are now is stronger than ever, especially following a major 30th-anniversary reunion event.

The film’s enduring legacy is a testament to its relatability, capturing the universal angst and excitement of high school life. From the hazing rituals of Fred O'Bannion to the philosophical musings of Ron Slater, the characters remain etched in cinematic history. This is the definitive, up-to-date look at what the stars of Dazed and Confused are doing today, including their major 2025 projects, career pivots, and who showed up to the recent reunion. We're L-I-V-I-N'!

The A-Listers and Cult Icons: From Wooderson to O'Bannion

The cast of Dazed and Confused is perhaps the most star-studded ensemble of the 1990s, featuring multiple Oscar winners and franchise leads. Here is a look at the biggest names and their current professional lives.

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Matthew McConaughey (David Wooderson)

Then: McConaughey's debut role as the philosophical, older, cruising-obsessed David Wooderson—famous for the line, "Alright, alright, alright"—is arguably the most recognizable breakout performance in the film. He was a relative unknown at the time, originally cast for a non-speaking role.

Now: An Academy Award winner and global star, McConaughey has enjoyed a major career renaissance (the "McConaissance"). In 2025, he is set to star in the highly anticipated thriller film The Lost Bus for Apple TV+. Additionally, he is reuniting with *True Detective* creator Nic Pizzolatto for a new series and is also partnering with his former co-star Cole Hauser for an exciting new Netflix show, underscoring his continued dominance in both film and television.

Ben Affleck (Fred O'Bannion)

Then: Affleck played the sadistic, paddle-wielding senior Fred O'Bannion, whose hazing of the freshmen was relentless. It was one of his earliest, most notable roles.

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Now: Affleck is an Oscar-winning director (*Argo*) and screenwriter (*Good Will Hunting*), having successfully navigated a career as a leading man and a respected filmmaker. His 2025 slate is packed: he is starring in the sequel The Accountant 2, slated for an April 2025 release, and is set to direct and star in the thriller film Animals.

Parker Posey (Darla Marks)

Then: Posey played Darla Marks, the aggressively enthusiastic cheerleader who led the hazing of the incoming freshman girls with her signature, chilling line, "Wipe that face off your head, b."

Now: Known as the "Queen of the Indies," Posey has maintained a celebrated career in independent film and television. She is experiencing a major resurgence in mainstream popularity thanks to her high-profile role in the highly anticipated third season of the HBO hit series, *The White Lotus*, which is scheduled for a 2025 release.

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Milla Jovovich (Michelle Burroughs)

Then: Jovovich played Michelle Burroughs, the cool, quiet girl with the bong who was Kevin Pickford's girlfriend. Her role was relatively small but memorable.

Now: Jovovich became a major action star, headlining the multi-billion dollar *Resident Evil* franchise. She continues her work in the action/fantasy genre, with her upcoming film *In the Lost Lands*, directed by her husband Paul W.S. Anderson and co-starring Dave Bautista, set for a 2025 release.

Cole Hauser (Benny O'Donnell)

Then: Hauser played Benny O'Donnell, the tough but loyal high school football player who participates in the senior hazing.

Now: Hauser has achieved massive television fame as Rip Wheeler, the beloved ranch foreman in the record-breaking series *Yellowstone*. Following the main series finale, he is confirmed to star in a major *Yellowstone* spinoff focused on his character and Beth Dutton. He is also set to co-star with Matthew McConaughey in a new Netflix show, solidifying his status as a major TV draw in 2025.

The Cult Favorites: Where Are the Stoners and Nerds Now?

Beyond the superstar breakouts, the core of Dazed and Confused rested on the shoulders of the supporting cast, who perfectly embodied the various high school cliques. Many of these actors have found success in other niche areas of entertainment or have pivoted entirely to new careers.

Rory Cochrane (Ron Slater)

Then: Cochrane was the quintessential stoner, Ron "Slater" Slater, whose conspiracy theories and philosophical ramblings about George Washington and aliens provided some of the film's most quotable moments.

Now: Cochrane has maintained a steady career in film and television, often appearing in supporting roles in major projects like *Black Mass* and *Argo* (where he reunited with Ben Affleck). He is continuing his acting work with the upcoming film *King Ivory*, which is listed for a 2025 release.

Anthony Rapp (Tony Olson)

Then: Rapp played Tony Olson, one of the intellectual, slightly nerdy friends who spends the film contemplating the absurdity of high school life and trying to make sense of the world.

Now: Rapp is a renowned Broadway star, best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen in the musical *Rent*. He also starred as Lieutenant Commander Paul Stamets in the hit TV series *Star Trek: Discovery*. In January 2025, Rapp is scheduled to perform a new show with Adam Pascal as part of a Broadway Concert Series, celebrating 30 years of *Rent*.

Wiley Wiggins (Mitch Kramer)

Then: Wiggins played Mitch Kramer, the freshman pitcher and main target of the senior hazing, whose emotional journey anchors the film.

Now: Wiggins largely stepped away from acting to pursue a career in technology and the arts. He is known to work as a video game designer, writer, and blogger, focusing on digital culture and interactive media. His career pivot is one of the most significant among the cast.

Jason London (Randall "Pink" Floyd)

Then: London played Randall "Pink" Floyd, the high school quarterback torn between the expectations of his football career and his desire to stay true to himself. He was the film’s central protagonist.

Now: While London has continued to act in a variety of independent films and television projects, he has not achieved the same level of mainstream success as some of his co-stars. He remains an active working actor and often appears at fan conventions and film events, leveraging his iconic role as the moral center of the film.

More Key Cast Members and Their Current Status (2025)

The depth of the Dazed and Confused ensemble is staggering. Even actors with minimal screen time went on to have significant careers, demonstrating the genius of Linklater's casting.

• Adam Goldberg (Mike Newhouse): Played Mike, the philosophical nerd who decides to fight back against the hazers. Goldberg is a prolific character actor known for roles in *Saving Private Ryan* and TV's *Fargo*. He continues to work steadily in Hollywood.
• Marissa Ribisi (Cynthia Dunn): Played Cynthia, the red-haired intellectual girl in the trio with Mike and Tony. Ribisi has largely retired from acting, though she attended the 30th-anniversary reunion. She has focused on other creative pursuits, including fashion design.
• Joey Lauren Adams (Simone Kerr): Played Simone, one of the senior girls. Adams earned a Golden Globe nomination for *Chasing Amy* and has maintained a consistent career in film and TV, recently appearing in projects like *The L Word: Generation Q*.
• Sasha Jenson (Don Dawson): Played Don, the long-haired senior who buys the beer. Jenson has had a number of roles since the film but has largely stepped out of the Hollywood spotlight.
• Michelle Burke (Jodi Kramer): Played Mitch's older sister. Burke has continued to work in the industry, with roles in films like *Coneheads* and various TV guest spots.
• Christine Harnos (Kaye Faulkner): Played Kaye, one of the senior girls. Harnos had a recurring role on *ER* but has since pursued a career outside of acting.
• Nicky Katt (Clint Bruno): Played the menacing, quiet Clint. Katt is a respected character actor known for roles in *Sin City* and *Boston Public*.
• Renée Zellweger (Girl in Blue Overalls): Though uncredited, the two-time Oscar winner had a small role. She continues to be a major Hollywood force, recently starring as Judy Garland in *Judy*.

The 30th-Anniversary Reunion: The Cast is Still L-I-V-I-N'

One of the most significant and recent updates for fans was the massive cast reunion held in Austin, Texas, in September 2024, to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary. The event, hosted by the Austin Film Society, brought together director Richard Linklater and over 15 cast members, offering a rare opportunity for the stars to reminisce and for fans to see them together again.

The reunion was a powerful reminder of the deep, lasting impact the movie has had on popular culture. Attendees included Parker Posey, Jason London, Rory Cochrane, Marissa Ribisi, and Wiley Wiggins. The event highlighted the unique bond of the ensemble, many of whom were young, unproven actors who shared a pivotal, life-changing moment together in Austin. For a film that perfectly captured the spirit of a single, unforgettable night, the 30th-anniversary reunion proved that while the actors have grown up and moved on to Oscar wins, major franchises, and new careers, the memory of that last day of school remains fresh.

Ultimately, the Dazed and Confused cast represents one of Hollywood's greatest "before they were stars" stories. Decades later, whether they are headlining a 2025 blockbuster like Ben Affleck, anchoring a television phenomenon like Cole Hauser, or pivoting to a career in tech like Wiley Wiggins, their collective work on that 1976-set film is a cinematic time capsule that continues to resonate with new generations.