The Little Shop Of Horrors 1986 Cast: Where Are They Now? (2025 Updates On Moranis, Martin & The Lost Ending)

Few films capture the dark, quirky heart of a musical adaptation quite like Frank Oz's 1986 masterpiece, Little Shop of Horrors. This horror-comedy musical, based on the 1982 Off-Broadway show by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, brought a stellar ensemble cast to the big screen, from comedy legends to Broadway veterans. Decades later, the film remains a cult classic, celebrated for its catchy tunes, phenomenal puppetry, and a cast whose careers have continued to evolve in fascinating and often surprising ways.

As of December 2025, the stars of the film are back in the headlines, with major career revivals, new award nominations, and a renewed appreciation for their iconic roles. This deep dive explores the full cast of the 1986 classic, reveals the latest on their careers, and unearths the secrets of the film's infamous alternate ending.

The Main Cast: Biography & 2025 Career Updates

The core of Little Shop of Horrors was its trio of hapless humans and one very hungry plant. Here is a look at the principal cast and where their careers stand today.

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• Rick Moranis (Seymour Krelborn): Born April 18, 1953, in Toronto, Canada. A comedy icon known for Ghostbusters, Spaceballs, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. He took a hiatus from live-action film in 1997 to focus on raising his children after his wife's passing.
• Ellen Greene (Audrey): Born February 22, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York. She is the definitive Audrey, having originated the role in the 1982 Off-Broadway production. Known for her distinctive, childlike singing voice and theatrical career.
• Steve Martin (Orin Scrivello, D.D.S.): Born August 14, 1945, in Waco, Texas. A legendary comedian, actor, writer, and musician. His role as the sadistic, nitrous-oxide-addicted dentist is one of the film's most memorable cameos.
• Vincent Gardenia (Mr. Mushnik): Born January 7, 1920, in Naples, Italy. A highly respected character actor, nominated for two Academy Awards. He passed away on December 9, 1992, at the age of 72.
• Levi Stubbs (Voice of Audrey II): Born June 6, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan. The lead vocalist of the legendary Motown group The Four Tops. His powerful, menacing voice brought the carnivorous plant, Audrey II, to life. He passed away on October 17, 2008.

Rick Moranis: The Comeback King

For nearly 23 years, Rick Moranis stepped away from the spotlight, making his return to the screen a major event.

His quiet hiatus ended with a planned return to the role of Wayne Szalinski in a new sequel to *Honey, I Shrunk the Kids*, titled *Shrunk*. However, the most recent and exciting news is his confirmed return to one of his most beloved characters: Dark Helmet.

The beloved actor is set to reprise his role in the upcoming *Spaceballs* sequel, directed by Mel Brooks and Josh Gad, bringing a wave of excitement to fans who missed his unique comedic talent. This confirms that Moranis is officially back in Hollywood, making his *Little Shop of Horrors* legacy even more poignant today.

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Steve Martin: The Undiminished Legend

Steve Martin’s career has never slowed down, and 2024/2025 has proven to be one of his most active periods.

His Apple TV+ documentary, *STEVE! (MARTIN): A DOCUMENTARY IN 2 PIECES*, released in 2024, offered a profound look at his career, tracing his path from an anxious young comedian to a superstar. He continues to star alongside Martin Short and Selena Gomez in the critically acclaimed series *Only Murders in the Building*, which received nominations for the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. Martin's performance as the hilariously menacing dentist, Orin Scrivello, D.D.S., remains a highlight of the 1986 film, showcasing his versatility beyond his stand-up roots.

The Unforgettable Supporting Cast and Cameos

One of the film's greatest strengths is its incredible roster of supporting actors and comedic cameos, many of whom were stars of *Saturday Night Live* and *SCTV*.

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The Comedy Cameo Powerhouse

Director Frank Oz, a master puppeteer and director, leveraged his connections to fill out the cast with some of the biggest names in comedy, creating a true ensemble piece.

• Bill Murray (Arthur Denton): Murray's uncredited cameo as the masochistic dental patient, Arthur Denton, is one of the most famous parts of the film. His improvisational style was a perfect fit for the bizarre scene with Steve Martin.
• John Candy (Wink Wilkinson): The late, great John Candy appears as Wink Wilkinson, a radio host who interviews Seymour, adding his signature warmth and comedic timing.
• Jim Belushi (Patrick Martin): Belushi plays Patrick Martin, an advertising executive who tries to market Audrey II, further highlighting the plant's growing fame and the theme of capitalistic greed.
• Christopher Guest (The First Customer): Before his iconic mockumentaries, Guest appears as a customer who first notices the small, peculiar plant that Seymour names Audrey II.
• Miriam Margolyes (Dental Nurse): The celebrated British actress, known for her later role as Professor Sprout in the *Harry Potter* series, appears briefly as Orin Scrivello's dental nurse.

The Doo-Wop Greek Chorus: Crystal, Chiffon, and Ronette

The trio of street urchins—Crystal, Chiffon, and Ronette—serve as the film's narrators, driving the plot forward with their commentary and soulful harmonies. Their names are a nod to classic girl groups of the 1960s.

• Tichina Arnold (Crystal): Arnold is best known for her television roles, particularly as Pam James on *Martin* and Rochelle on *Everybody Hates Chris*.
• Tisha Campbell-Martin (Chiffon): Campbell-Martin also gained fame on *Martin* and later starred in *My Wife and Kids*. Her powerful vocal performance is central to the film's musicality.
• Michelle Weeks (Ronette): Weeks is a singer and actress who has continued her career in music and theatre.

The Untold Story of Audrey II and The Lost Ending

The true star of the film is the carnivorous plant, Audrey II, voiced by Levi Stubbs. The plant was a complex series of puppets requiring dozens of operators, making it one of the most elaborate special effects of its time.

The Dark Original Ending

One of the most compelling pieces of trivia surrounding the 1986 film is its alternate, much darker ending.

In the original stage musical, and initially filmed for the movie, both Seymour and Audrey are eaten by Audrey II, and the plant's carnivorous offspring take over the world. Director Frank Oz and writer Howard Ashman stayed true to this dark ending, featuring an audacious sequence of masterful puppet work and miniature effects by Richard Conway, showing the plants rampaging through New York.

However, test audiences reacted negatively to the tragic conclusion, expecting a Hollywood happy ending. The studio ordered the team to re-shoot a more optimistic ending where Seymour defeats Audrey II and saves Audrey. The original, darker version, known as the "Director's Cut" or "Original Ending," was eventually restored and released on home media, offering fans a glimpse into the cautionary tale that Oz and Ashman originally intended.

The Creative Team: Frank Oz, Alan Menken, and Howard Ashman

The film's success rests on the foundation laid by its creative team:

• Frank Oz (Director): A legendary puppeteer (Yoda, Miss Piggy) who transitioned seamlessly into directing, bringing his unique comedic sensibility to the project.
• Alan Menken (Composer) & Howard Ashman (Writer/Lyricist): This duo created the Off-Broadway musical, which later led to their legendary partnership on Disney classics like *The Little Mermaid* and *Beauty and the Beast*. Ashman's lyrics and Menken's score are the infectious heart of the film.

The enduring popularity of *Little Shop of Horrors* is a testament to the perfect storm of talent—from comedy veterans like Rick Moranis and Steve Martin, to the powerful voice of Levi Stubbs, and the visionary direction of Frank Oz. The 1986 film is a cinematic treasure that continues to be discovered and celebrated by new generations.