The Curly Sue Cast: Where Are They Now In 2024? From Child Star To Blues Brother

The 1991 John Hughes classic, Curly Sue, remains a beloved piece of early 90s cinema, telling the heartwarming story of the lovable con artist duo, Bill Dancer and his young companion, Curly Sue. The film was a pivotal moment for its stars, launching one child actress and cementing the careers of two established comedic and dramatic actors. Over three decades later, fans are curious about the lives of the actors who brought these iconic characters to life. This article, updated for December 2025, dives into the latest projects and endeavors of the Curly Sue cast, revealing surprising career shifts, new artistic pursuits, and even a major music comeback.

From the titular star's successful pivot into music to the leading man's surprising venture into the cannabis industry, the cast of Curly Sue has certainly not faded away. We explore the full biographies and current activities of the main players—Alisan Porter, James Belushi, and Kelly Lynch—along with a look at the supporting cast, including a now-superstar comedian who had one of his very first film roles in the movie.

The Main Cast: Full Biography and Current Status (2024 Updates)

The core trio of Curly Sue delivered performances that defined the film's emotional heart. Here is a detailed look at where the main actors are today, complete with their essential biographical details.

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Alisan Porter (Curly Sue)

• Role in Curly Sue: Curly Sue, a sharp, street-smart 8-year-old orphan with a heart of gold.
• Date of Birth: June 20, 1981 (Age 44 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Spouse: Justin de Vera (m. 2023)
• Notable Works: Parenthood (1989), Curly Sue (1991), Broadway's Footloose (2002), Winner of The Voice Season 10 (2016).

Current Status: Alisan Porter has successfully transitioned from child star to a celebrated musician. After winning Season 10 of The Voice in 2016, she focused intensely on her music career, often sharing her journey of sobriety and motherhood with her fans. In June 2024, Porter released her six-song EP titled The Ride. The EP, which she also produced, showcases her powerful vocals and songwriting. She has continued to perform live, with a new single release scheduled for late 2024 and live shows booked at venues like the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood in December. Porter has been open about her past struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, using her platform to inspire others.

James Belushi (Bill Dancer)

• Role in Curly Sue: Bill Dancer, a charming but often clumsy con artist who acts as Curly Sue's devoted father figure.
• Date of Birth: June 15, 1954 (Age 71 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
• Spouse: Jennifer Sloan (m. 1998; separated 2018; reconciled)
• Notable Works: Saturday Night Live (1983–1985), K-9 (1989), According to Jim (2001–2009), Growing Belushi (2020–present).

Current Status: Jim Belushi remains highly active in both acting and his unique entrepreneurial ventures. In 2024, he continued his work with Dan Aykroyd, headlining the Blues Brothers Con at the Old Joliet Prison in August. Belushi’s most high-profile recent project, however, is his Discovery Channel reality series, Growing Belushi, which documents his life as a legal cannabis farmer in Oregon. The show has been renewed, highlighting his passion for the industry and his farm, Belushi's Farm. He continues to be a recognizable figure in comedy, television, and the burgeoning cannabis space.

Kelly Lynch (Grey Ellison)

• Role in Curly Sue: Grey Ellison, a sharp, successful, and initially cold corporate lawyer who takes Bill and Curly Sue in.
• Date of Birth: January 31, 1959 (Age 66 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: Golden Valley, Minnesota, U.S.
• Spouse: Mitch Glazer (m. 1992)
• Notable Works: Cocktail (1988), Road House (1989), Drugstore Cowboy (1989), The L Word (2004–2009).

Current Status: Kelly Lynch, known for her diverse roles across film and television, has maintained a lower profile in recent years compared to her co-stars. While she has a long and celebrated filmography, including the cult classic Road House, her focus has included non-acting pursuits. Recent activity in 2024 shows her involved in cultural heritage and conservation efforts, specifically as the Vice President of the Indiana Rail Experience and an author for the American Locomotive Project, demonstrating a passion for historical preservation outside of Hollywood. Fans of her earlier work continue to celebrate her roles on streaming platforms, where classics like Curly Sue and Road House are frequently highlighted.

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Surprising Cameos and Supporting Players: The Extended Curly Sue Family

Beyond the central trio, Curly Sue featured several talented actors, one of whom would go on to become one of the biggest comedy stars in the world. The film was a launching pad or a brief stop for many notable careers.

The Uncredited Star: Steve Carell (Tesio)

Perhaps the most fascinating piece of trivia about the Curly Sue cast is the uncredited appearance of a young Steve Carell. Before his breakout roles in The 40-Year-Old Virgin and The Office, Carell had one of his very first film roles as a waiter named Tesio in the 1991 movie. This minor role came early in his career while he was performing with the famed Chicago improv troupe The Second City. It serves as a fun, blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment that connects the gentle comedy of John Hughes with the future of American comedy.

John Getz (Walker McCormick)

• Role in Curly Sue: Walker McCormick, Grey Ellison's wealthy, arrogant, and controlling fiancé.

Current Status: John Getz, a prolific character actor known for his roles in films like The Fly and Blood Simple, remains very active in the industry. In a clear sign of his continued work, Getz was photographed attending the premiere of the Netflix film A Man on the Inside in November 2024. He consistently takes on new projects that challenge him, appearing in numerous television shows and films, cementing his status as a reliable and respected character actor.

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Fred Dalton Thompson (Bernard Oxbar)

• Role in Curly Sue: Bernard Oxbar, a minor character involved in a legal capacity.

Legacy: Fred Dalton Thompson had a unique career that spanned both acting and politics. He was a prominent U.S. Senator from Tennessee and a candidate for President in 2008. In his acting career, he was widely known for his role as District Attorney Arthur Branch on the long-running series Law & Order. Sadly, Thompson passed away on November 1, 2015, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 73, after a recurrence of lymphoma. His legacy is one of a multifaceted public servant and a respected performer.

The Lasting Impact of Curly Sue on Hollywood Careers

Curly Sue was the final film directed and written by the legendary John Hughes, the master of 80s and 90s teen and family dramedies. While the film wasn't his biggest box office success, it holds a special place in cinematic history and in the careers of its stars. The movie provided Alisan Porter with her most famous childhood role, which she later used as a platform to launch her adult music career. It also showcased the dramatic range of James Belushi, moving him beyond his sketch comedy roots into a more sentimental, leading man role. For actors like John Getz, it was another credit in a long, successful career as a versatile character actor.

The film’s enduring popularity, often found on streaming services and nostalgic movie lists, proves that the heart of its story—the unconventional family dynamic between Bill, Curly Sue, and Grey—continues to resonate with audiences today. The journeys of the actors, from a child star's triumphant musical return in 2024 to a comedian's surprising farming venture, are just as compelling as the movie itself.

The Curly Sue cast offers a perfect example of how early roles can shape and influence a decades-long career. Their paths—from Hollywood to the Broadway stage, the cannabis farm, and the political arena—show a diverse and fascinating group of professionals who continue to leave their mark on the entertainment world and beyond.