Summary
Actor Michael Schoeffling, famous for playing Jake Ryan inSixteen Candles, has had a unique and creative career in and out of the entertainment industry. InSixteen Candles, which is considered one of thebest John Hughes’ movies,Schoeffling plays the dreamy and understanding love interest of Sam(Molly Ringwald). BeforeSixteen Candles, Schoeffling was a model and had an uncredited role inRacing With The Moon. This era of Hollywood, specifically1984, is arguably the greatest year in film, with the reputation ofSixteen Candlesadding to the year’s appeal.
Many considerSixteen Candlesto be a so-called “Brat Pack Movie,” due to its cast, release year, and general appeal. Despite starring alongside some of Hollywood’s most prominent young actors of the time, Schoeffling is rarely considereda member of the infamous Brat Pack. Much of theSixteen Candlescaststayed in acting and entertainment, with Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall going on to star in one of John Hughes’ most famous projects,The Breakfast Club, the following year. Butafter his acting work in the 1980s, Schoeffling’s career took a surprising turn.
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Michael Schoeffling Acted For 7 Years After Sixteen Candles
Jake Ryan Remains His Most Iconic Role
After his work inSixteen Candles, Schoeffling acted in several other creative projects in the 1980s and early 1990s.Schoeffling starred in ten films and appeared in one television showduring his Hollywood career. After his major acting debut as akissable heartthrob inSixteen Candles, Schoeffling worked hard to resist being typecast as the hunky love interest. BesidesSixteen Candles, Schoeffling’s other famous roles include Kenny “Kuch” Kuchera in the high school wrestling movieVision Questand Michael in the 1989 AIDS-dramaLongtime Companion.
In his personal life, while still in the Hollywood spotlight, Schoeffling married fellow actor and model Valerie Robinson in 1987. Together they had two children. Despite his roles in popular movies like the 1990 filmMermaids, which featured many other famous actors,Schoeffling was unable to land a part as significant and iconic as Jake Ryan inSixteen Candles. He continued acting until 1991, when he was 31, and pivoted his career entirely from the entertainment industry. Despite his departure, Schoeffling’s legacy endures through his memorable performances and the impact he made during his time on screen.
Did Michael Schoeffling Retire From Acting?
A 1991 Film Was The Actor’s Last Onscreen Appearance
After starring in films in the 1980s, 1991’sWild Hearts Can’t Be Brokenmarked the last film in Schoeffling’s acting career. After this movie, he returned home to his native northeastern Pennsylvania, to the town of Newfoundland, effectively removing himself from the limelight. There, he opened a handmade furniture and wood crafting store. Woodworking was an interest Schoeffling had for years. Notably,he and his family made an intentional effort to be more private about their personal livesafter leaving Hollywood. According toAccess, even his former co-stars, like Molly Ringwald, have lost touch with Schoeffling since his move.
This perspective encapsulates Schoeffling’s preference for the freedom and creative direction he gained from being an entrepreneur and craftsman.
Schoeffling’s shift from being a Hollywood star to a craftsman was a unique career path. Reflecting on his decision, he once said, “Actors spend most of their time out of work, so I spend more time making furniture. The thing about furniture that’s much better than acting is that it’s just me. There’s no director, no script – the concept is me unless a client wants something.” This perspective encapsulates Schoeffling’s preference for the freedom and creative direction he gained from being an entrepreneur and craftsman.His furniture work allowed him to express himself in a more tangible way than acting.
Where Is Michael Schoeffling Now?
Michael Schoeffling Leads A Creative Life Years After Leaving Hollywood
After returning to Pennsylvania in the 1990s and opening his woodworking shop, Schoeffling’s media presence declined. While he has had limited public appearances since his retirement, Schoeffling remains active and celebrated his 60th birthday in 2020.Online information about his furniture shop is limited, likely intentionally.However, it appears to still be functioning by all accounts, serving as a testament to his dedication to craftsmanship and his desire for a quieter life away from the spotlight. His commitment to woodworking reflects his ongoing passion for creating, and his transition from Hollywood actor to skilled artisan.
In his personal life, Schoeffling and his wife raised two children in Pennsylvania. Despite this quiet upbringing,Schoeffling’s daughter, Scarlett, is trying her hand at acting and modeling, apparently following in her father’s footsteps. She guest starred in an episode ofBillionsin 2020. Though it is unclear how much of her success is rooted in her parents’ significant Hollywood history, Scarlett has amassed over 20,000 Instagram followers. Schoeffling has even made occasional appearances on Scarlett’s social media, typically in the form of a throwback childhood photo of the family.
Sixteen Candlesis available to stream on AMC+.
Even though Schoeffling has removed himself from the spotlight, his role as Jake Ryan lives on inSixteen Candles. Though the movie is now over 40 years old, it is still considered a classic 1980s romance movie, withSchoeffling’s performance remembered as the ultimate high school love interest.His portrayal continues to resonate with audiences, solidifying his place in cinematic history despite his departure from acting. Schoeffling’s softspoken dedication to his new art form proves him to be a lifelong creative, evolving gracefully beyond his early fame in Hollywood.
Sixteen Candles
Cast
In John Hughes’s directorial debut, Molly Ringwald stars as Samantha Baker, a high school student in suburban Chicago whose sixteenth birthday is marred when her whole family forgets to celebrate the occasion due to her older sister’s wedding. Navigating a school dance and a seemingly unrequited crush on an older boy, Sam’s sweet sixteen becomes a day to remember. Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling, and Gedde Watanabe also star.
