Forty years ago, The Outsiders captured the hearts of audiences with its raw portrayal of youth, friendship, and the struggles of growing up on the wrong side of the tracks. Featuring a cast of rising stars who went on to become Hollywood legends, this iconic film has left an indelible mark on pop culture. But how much do you remember about the movie that defined a generation? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and rediscover the magic of The Outsiders.
The Outsiders: Celebrating 40 Years – Then and Now
It’s been 40 years since audiences were introduced to the iconic gang of greasers in The Outsiders. Based on S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novel, the 1983 film adaptation directed by Francis Ford Coppola left a lasting impact, portraying the struggles of working-class teenagers in the 1950s. With its powerful performances, the movie launched the careers of many young actors who went on to become Hollywood stars. Let’s take a look at the cast of The Outsiders, both then and now.
Rob Lowe (Sodapop Curtis)
In The Outsiders, Rob Lowe portrayed Sodapop Curtis, the handsome and charming older brother of Ponyboy. This role was just the beginning for Lowe, who quickly became a heartthrob in Hollywood.
Post-Outsiders Career: Following the success of the film, Lowe starred in St. Elmo’s Fire, About Last Night, and Wayne’s World. His notable TV roles include The West Wing, Brothers & Sisters, and Parks and Recreation. Despite a scandal in the late 1980s, Lowe revived his career and has been a staple in both movies and television.
Today: Rob Lowe continues to act in both films and television. He is happily married to Sheryl Berkoff and has two sons. His career and personal growth reflect his ability to overcome challenges and remain a beloved Hollywood figure.
Patrick Swayze (Darrel Curtis)
Patrick Swayze brought both strength and vulnerability to the role of Darrel Curtis, the responsible older brother of Ponyboy and Sodapop. This role was a stepping stone for Swayze, who later became an international star.
Post-Outsiders Career: Swayze’s major breakthrough came in Dirty Dancing (1987) and Ghost (1990). He continued to star in films throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, including Point Break and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.
Today: Sadly, Patrick Swayze passed away in 2009 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His legacy lives on through his iconic roles and his dedication to his craft.
Ralph Macchio (Johnny Cade)
Ralph Macchio’s portrayal of Johnny Cade, the sensitive and troubled greaser, captured hearts. This role set the stage for his most iconic character.
Post-Outsiders Career: After The Outsiders, Macchio gained worldwide fame as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid series. He reprised his role in the Netflix series Cobra Kai, which has been a hit among fans of the original films.
Today: Ralph Macchio is still actively involved in acting, primarily through Cobra Kai. He married his wife, Phyllis Fierro, in 1987, and they have two children.
Tom Cruise (Steve Randle)
Tom Cruise’s early role in The Outsiders as Steve Randle hinted at his future as a Hollywood action star.
Post-Outsiders Career: Cruise quickly rose to fame with Risky Business (1983) and Top Gun (1986). He has since starred in numerous blockbuster films, including the Mission: Impossible franchise. Known for performing his own stunts, Cruise has cemented his place as an action legend.
Today: Cruise remains one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. He continues to push the boundaries of action cinema, with the Mission: Impossible movies being his flagship series.
Matt Dillon (Dallas Winston)
Matt Dillon’s intense portrayal of Dallas Winston showcased his ability to bring complex, conflicted characters to life.
Post-Outsiders Career: Dillon starred in numerous films, including Drugstore Cowboy, There’s Something About Mary, and Crash. His performance in Crash earned him both Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations.
Today: Matt Dillon remains an active figure in the film industry, continuing to take on diverse and challenging roles.
C. Thomas Howell (Ponyboy Curtis)
C. Thomas Howell delivered a memorable performance as Ponyboy Curtis, the introspective and poetic protagonist of The Outsiders.
Post-Outsiders Career: Howell starred in various films, including Red Dawn and The Hitcher. He also ventured into directing and writing.
Today: C. Thomas Howell continues to act in television and film, with recent appearances in The Walking Dead and SEAL Team.
Emilio Estevez (Keith “Two-Bit” Matthews)
Emilio Estevez’s portrayal of the wise-cracking Two-Bit Matthews was just the beginning of his journey as an actor and director.
Post-Outsiders Career: Estevez starred in films like The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire. He also took on the role of Gordon Bombay in The Mighty Ducks franchise and directed several films.
Today: Estevez has reprised his role as Coach Bombay in Disney+ series The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers and continues to work both in front of and behind the camera.
Diane Lane (Cherry Valance)
Diane Lane portrayed Cherry Valance, the Soc who befriends the greasers. She was already an established actress before The Outsiders.
Post-Outsiders Career: Lane appeared in various films, including Unfaithful, for which she received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. She has maintained a successful career in both film and television.
Today: Diane Lane continues to act, recently appearing in the series House of Cards and films like Let Him Go.
Conclusion: The Legacy of The Outsiders
Forty years on, The Outsiders continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the challenges of adolescence, identity, and the struggle between right and wrong. The cast members have experienced their own highs and lows in the spotlight, yet their contributions to this film have remained timeless.
From their iconic roles in The Outsiders to their current successes, these actors have truly lived a journey that mirrors the resilience and growth depicted in the film.
Stay Gold, The Outsiders!
