Discover The Cast of Ferris Bueller's Day Off

One man's struggle to take it easy.

Released on June 11, 1986
Comedy Documentary America / United States 1980s

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is a beloved classic that brings to life the escapades of high school slacker Ferris Bueller, portrayed brilliantly by Matthew Broderick. Demonstrating a knack for deception unparalleled among his peers, Ferris concocts a plan to feign illness, giving him the perfect excuse to skip school. What unfolds is not just a day off, but rather an extraordinary adventure that showcases the vibrant city of Chicago. Joined by his girlfriend Sloane, played by Mia Sara, and his loyal but anxious best friend Cameron, portrayed by Alan Ruck, Ferris embarks on a journey filled with excitement, laughter, and memorable moments.

As Ferris and his friends traverse the city, they indulge in everything from a visit to the iconic Art Institute of Chicago to a thrilling detour at a local parade, where Ferris seizes the opportunity to take to the stage and lead the crowd in a rousing rendition of "Twist and Shout." The film wonderfully captures the essence of youthful rebellion and the joy of freedom, all while cleverly juxtaposing Ferris’s carefree spirit with the relentless pursuit of his school’s no-nonsense principal, Ed Rooney, who is determined to catch Ferris in his web of lies. The dynamic between Ferris’s charisma and Rooney’s obsession creates a delightful tension that drives the narrative forward.

Meanwhile, Cameron provides a counterbalance to Ferris's exuberant personality, as he grapples with his own internal struggles and family issues. Throughout the day, Cameron transforms from a passive bystander to an active participant in their mischief, ultimately finding the courage to take charge of his own life. The film eloquently explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of embracing life's fleeting moments. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" remains a timeless ode to the rebellion of youth, reminding audiences of the value of having fun and savoring the journey—one epic day at a time.

Listed on:

From Walkmans to War Games: Movies That Define the 80s Experience

Full Cast of Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Matthew Broderick

as Ferris Bueller

Matthew Broderick delivers an iconic performance as the irrepressible Ferris Bueller in the 1986 classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," directed by John Hughes. His portrayal of the charismatic and quick-witted high school senior who decides to take a day off from school to enjoy life to the fullest is both captivating and infectious. Broderick imbues Ferris with a magnetic charm and a mischievous spark that makes his character's escapades through the streets of Chicago not only believable but also deeply entertaining. His ability to break the fourth wall and directly address the audience, often with a sly smile or a knowing wink, invites viewers to become complicit in his delightful truancy. Broderick's performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and youthful exuberance, balancing Ferris's confident swagger with a underlying sweetness that prevents him from ever becoming unlikable. His portrayal of Ferris Bueller is not just a highlight of his career but has cemented the character as a cultural touchstone and an emblem of carefree adolescence.

Alan Ruck

as Cameron Frye

Alan Ruck's portrayal of Cameron Frye in the iconic 1986 film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is a masterclass in the art of supporting roles. As the neurotic and hypochondriac best friend of the titular character, Ruck delivers a performance that is both humorous and deeply relatable. Cameron is the anxious yin to Ferris's carefree yang, and Ruck's nuanced portrayal of the character's internal struggle between his fear of authority and his desire to break free from his overbearing father's control is pivotal to the film's narrative. His comedic timing is impeccable, particularly in his interactions with Ferris (Matthew Broderick) and Sloane (Mia Sara), yet it is his dramatic moments that resonate most, such as the poignant scene where he confronts his own insecurities and the damaged relationship with his distant father. Ruck's ability to evoke empathy and laughter in equal measure makes Cameron Frye an unforgettable character and a highlight of the film, contributing significantly to its enduring popularity.

Mia Sara

as Sloane Peterson

Mia Sara delivers a memorable performance as Sloane Peterson in the iconic 1986 film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," directed by John Hughes. As the girlfriend of the charming and rebellious Ferris Bueller, played by Matthew Broderick, Sara portrays Sloane as the epitome of '80s cool and sophistication. Her character, adorned in a chic wardrobe that would become emblematic of the era, exudes a quiet confidence and an understated charm that perfectly complements Ferris's exuberant personality. Sloane is both a willing accomplice to Ferris's skip-day antics and a grounding influence, providing a counterbalance to his more outrageous schemes. Sara's nuanced portrayal captures the complexity of a young woman who is both sure of herself and searching for meaning beyond the privileged confines of her upbringing. Her chemistry with Broderick is undeniable, and their on-screen relationship captures the essence of young love, infusing the film with a touching sincerity amidst its comedic escapades. Sara's performance, marked by her expressive eyes and dry wit, ensures that Sloane Peterson remains an integral and beloved part of this classic tale of youthful adventure and self-discovery.

Jeffrey Jones

as Ed Rooney

Jeffrey Jones delivers a memorable performance as the doggedly determined Principal Ed Rooney in the iconic 1986 comedy "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." As the film's antagonist, Jones crafts Rooney as a meticulous and humorlessly strict disciplinarian, whose relentless pursuit of the truant Ferris Bueller becomes a comedic odyssey of escalating misfortune. Jones's portrayal is both exaggerated and nuanced; he balances slapstick humiliation with subtle moments of realization, as Rooney's obsession with catching Ferris in the act of playing hooky leads him down a path of personal absurdity. His interactions with the other characters, particularly his nemesis Ferris, played by Matthew Broderick, are laden with a mix of frustration and grudging respect, highlighting the comedic tension between the two. Jones's physicality, from his stern countenance to his comically disheveled appearance by the film's end, underscores the transformation of Rooney from a figure of authority to one of ridicule. His performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and character development, making Principal Rooney an unforgettable element of this beloved film's enduring charm.

Jennifer Grey

as Jeanie Bueller

Jennifer Grey delivered a memorable performance as Jeanie Bueller in the iconic 1986 comedy film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," directed by John Hughes. As the sister of the charismatic and mischievous Ferris Bueller, Grey's Jeanie is a complex character, initially portrayed as the antithesis of her brother's carefree spirit—uptight, jealous, and determined to catch him in the act of playing hooky. Grey infused Jeanie with a palpable sense of frustration and resentment, which is ultimately underscored by a deep-seated love for her brother. Her performance is highlighted by a pivotal scene in which Jeanie confronts her own misguided attempts at rebellion, leading to a moment of self-realization and growth. Grey's ability to balance comedic timing with genuine emotional depth allowed Jeanie to evolve from a one-dimensional adversary to a sympathetic and relatable character, contributing significantly to the film's enduring charm and resonance with audiences.

Cindy Pickett

as Katie Bueller

Cindy Pickett delivers a warm and engaging performance as Katie Bueller in the classic 1986 comedy "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." As the mother of the film's charismatic protagonist, Pickett embodies the character with a gentle touch of maternal concern and a sharp sense of humor that complements the film's light-hearted tone. Katie Bueller is portrayed as a loving and attentive parent, who, despite her son Ferris's repeated truancies, maintains a steadfast faith in his character. Pickett's portrayal is nuanced; she effortlessly shifts from the comedic, as she rushes to the school to retrieve what she believes to be her ailing son, to the dramatic, when she confronts the reality of Ferris's manipulative streak and his sister's jealousy. Her performance is a testament to her ability to anchor the film's emotional core, providing a balance to the zany antics of the teenagers. Cindy Pickett's Katie Bueller is a character that resonates with audiences, offering a depiction of parenthood that is both empathetic and endearing, making her an essential part of the film's enduring charm.