25 years ago today, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids became an unexpected hit for Disney, as families flooded the theaters to see what happened after a group of neighborhood kids were blasted by a shrinking ray and left to fend for themselves in their suddenly-dangerous backyard.
Starring Rick Moranis and young actors like Thomas Brown, Amy O'Neill, Jared Rushton and Robert Oliveri, the flick was a massive success when it was first released, spawning two sequels, a TV series and an attraction at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios.
To help celebrate the milestone anniversary, toofab's Brian Particelli sat down with Thomas Brown, who played the slightly short, but totally dreamy, boy next door Russ Thompson Jr.
Now 41, the actor opened up about working on the film in his teens - describing the crazy conditions shooting in Mexico City, his favorite moment to film on the giant set and revealing one secret we've ALWAYS been curious about: What was the giant cookie made out of?!
These days, Thomas is living happily with his wife of 23 years and their children in California. He continues to act and will star in director Glenn Withrow's The Firemen later this year. He tells us he's also preparing to direct his first film too -- and is "looking forward to the next 20, 30 years of my life."
Find out what happened to the rest of the cast, with tales varying from success to tragedy.
Rick Moranis (Wayne Szalinski) He is also known for roles in “Ghostbusters” and “The Flintstones.” He stepped away from acting a couple years after his wife passed away from cancer to focus on his family, but has since released 2 comedy albums.
Marcia Strassman (Diane Szalinski): Most known for her role on "Welcome Back Kotter," Strassman returned for "Honey, I Blew Up the Kid" and starred on the "Tremors" TV show. In 2007, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but considers herself a "cancer warrior."
my O'Neill (Amy Szalinski): After the film, she appeared in many televisions shows such as “Murder She Wrote” and "Star Trek: The Next Generation." According to costar Thomas Wilson, she's currently a traveling circus performer.
Robert Oliveri (Nick Szalinski): He later appeared in "Edward Scissorhands” and reprised his role in "Honey, I Blew Up the Kid." He retired from acting shortly after and lives in Florida with his wife and children. He hasn't been seen in public for years.
Thomas Wilson Brown (Russ Thompson, Jr.): A former child star for his role in "Silverado," Thomas later starred on "Knott's Landing" and is prepping to direct his first film. He currently lives in California with his wife and three kids.
Jared Rushton (Ron Thompson): Jared later starred in "Pet Sematary Two" and "A Cry In the Wild." He went on to play guitar and sing for bands Withdrawal, Goobye Effect and Deal by Dusk. His most recent photo is from 2006.
Kristine Sutherland (Mae Thompson): Sutherland is most well-known for her role as Joyce Summers on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” She recently took an interest in photography and opened her own studio. She also appeared on "The Following."
Matt Frewer (Russ Thompson, Sr.): Matt later played Moloch in the film adaptation of “Watchmen.” he also appeared on "Eureka,""Falling Skies" and played Dr. Aldous Leekie on "Orphan Black."
Carl Steven (Tommy): Carl later played Young Spock in "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" and voiced Fred on "A Pup Named Scooby Doo." He died of a heroin overdose in 2011, while serving a 13 year prison sentence for robbery. He left behind a son.
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