In the satirical space opera *Spaceballs*, directed by Mel Brooks, the story unfolds in a galaxy far, far away where a villainous character known as Dark Helmet devises a dastardly plot to capture Princess Vespa and abscond with the air of her home planet, Druidia. The princess, known for her beauty and strong-willed nature, becomes the target of Dark Helmet’s scheme as he seeks to leverage her predicament for his nefarious purposes. With the fate of the planet hanging in the balance, a space-bum-for-hire named Lone Starr, alongside his clueless but endearing sidekick Barf, embarks on a hilarious journey to rescue the princess and thwart Dark Helmet's evil plans.
As Lone Starr and Barf journey through the depths of space, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including the wise and whimsical Yogurt, played by Mel Brooks himself, who helps them grasp the mystical power of "The Schwartz." This magical ability is essential for Lone Starr as he faces various challenges and obstacles on their quest. Yogurt’s humorous, yet sage advice brings both comedic relief and a unique twist to the adventure, turning their rescue mission into an epic battle of wits and will that will have audiences in stitches.
As the plot thickens, viewers are treated to moments of pure comic genius, with parodies of classic sci-fi tropes, memorable one-liners, and an array of quirky side characters that contribute to the film's charm. Will Lone Starr rise to the occasion, mastering the power of The Schwartz to save Princess Vespa and restore peace to Druidia? With a mix of slapstick humor and clever satire, *Spaceballs* remains a cherished comedic classic that cleverly pokes fun at the beloved space opera genre and continues to resonate with audiences today.
Main Cast of Spaceballs
Mel Brooks
President Skroob / Yogurt
Mel Brooks, the comedic genius behind "Spaceballs," delivers a dual performance that showcases his impeccable timing and chameleon-like ability to inhabit multiple characters. As President Skroob, the egotistical and inept leader of Planet Spaceball, Brooks crafts a satirical portrayal of political absurdity, replete with a hairpiece that becomes a running gag. His performance is a masterclass in comedic arrogance, as Skroob bumbles through schemes to steal air from the planet Druidia. In stark contrast, Brooks also takes on the role of Yogurt, a wise-cracking, diminutive Yoda-like figure who dispenses witty one-liners and merchandising advice with equal aplomb. Yogurt, with his endearing accent and sagely demeanor, serves as both a spiritual guide and a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the commercialization of spirituality. Brooks's ability to switch between the blustery Skroob and the lovable Yogurt is a testament to his versatility as a comedian and actor, making both characters memorable contributions to the film's enduring legacy as a sci-fi parody classic.
John Candy
Barf
John Candy's portrayal of the half-man, half-dog character Barf in Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi parody "Spaceballs" is a masterclass in comedic timing and character acting. As Barf, Candy brings a warmth and likeability to the role, expertly navigating the absurdity of his character's existence with a blend of witty one-liners and slapstick humor. His performance is both a send-up and a heartfelt homage to the iconic sidekicks of classic science fiction, with Barf's loyalty to his companion Lone Starr (played by Bill Pullman) echoing the endearing relationships found in the "Star Wars" franchise, which "Spaceballs" parodies. Candy's ability to convey genuine emotion, even under layers of prosthetic makeup and a furry suit, allows audiences to connect with Barf on a deeper level, making his character not just a source of laughs but also a key emotional anchor within the film's zany universe. His comedic talent shines through in every scene, whether he's mimicking Chewbacca's growls or delivering Barf's catchphrase, "I'm a Mawg. Half man, half dog. I'm my own best friend." John Candy's performance as Barf stands as a testament to his ability to steal scenes and endear himself to audiences with his unique blend of humor and heart.
Rick Moranis
Dark Helmet
Rick Moranis's portrayal of Dark Helmet in Mel Brooks's 1987 parody film "Spaceballs" is a masterclass in comedic timing and satirical characterization. Moranis adeptly embodies the absurdity of the quintessential movie villain, drawing inspiration from Darth Vader, yet infuses the character with his own unique brand of humor. His delivery of lines like "I am your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate" becomes an iconic send-up of the convoluted lineage reveals common in space operas. With a perpetually lowered helmet that seemsto hinder his vision, and a propensity for playing with action figures, Moranis's Dark Helmet is both a lampoon of authoritarian villainy and a lovable caricature. His performance is a highlight of the film, showcasing Moranis's ability to balance over-the-top theatrics with subtle comedic nuances, ensuring that Dark Helmet is remembered as one of the most hilarious parody characters in cinema history.
Bill Pullman
Lone Starr
Bill Pullman delivered a delightfully offbeat and satirical performance as the space pirate captain Lone Starr in Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi parody "Spaceballs." As the film's reluctant hero, Pullman's Lone Starr is a charming blend of Han Solo's roguish charisma and a dash of clueless naivety, which perfectly complements the film's farcical take on the science fiction genre. His comedic timing and deadpan delivery are spot-on, especially when interacting with the iconic Barf, played by John Candy, and the villainous Dark Helmet, portrayed by Rick Moranis. Pullman's performance is a masterclass in parody, as he manages to both pay homage to and lampoon the archetypal space rogue, all while maintaining a unique and memorable presence on screen. His ability to keep a straight face amidst the absurdity of the plot and the exaggerated characters around him only heightens the comedic effect, making Lone Starr one of the most endearing characters in the galaxy of comedic science fiction.
Daphne Zuniga
Princess Vespa
Daphne Zuniga delivered a delightfully quirky and memorable performance as the spoiled yet endearing Princess Vespa in Mel Brooks' 1987 cult classic, "Spaceballs." As the damsel in distress with a comically over-the-top sense of entitlement, Zuniga's portrayal struck a perfect balance between the archetypal fairy-tale princess and a self-absorbed Spaceballian socialite. Her comedic timing and exaggerated expressions amplified the parodic tone of the film, while her chemistry with co-star Bill Pullman (Captain Lone Starr) added a layer of charm to the absurdity of the space opera. Zuniga's Princess Vespa, equipped with her signature pink space attire and an iconic hairdo that rivals the extravagance of her character's home planet, Druidia, became an instant fan favorite. Her ability to seamlessly transition from a whiny, demanding royal to a character with depth and heart, particularly in the scenes where she shows vulnerability, underscored her versatility as an actress and solidified her role as an integral part of the film's enduring appeal.
Dick Van Patten
King Roland
Dick Van Patten delivered a delightfully quirky performance as King Roland in Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi parody film "Spaceballs." As the bumbling yet endearing ruler of the planet Druidia, Van Patten's portrayal was a comedic standout, providing a humorous contrast to the more villainous characters of the story. His character, adorned in a crown and royal attire that seemed absurdly out of place in the film's space-age setting, fumbled through the absurdity of the situations with a charming cluelessness that perfectly suited the film's tongue-in-cheek tone. Van Patten's King Roland was the epitome of a benign monarch, more concerned with his daughter's happiness than the machinations of the evil Dark Helmet. His comedic timing and affable demeanor added a layer of warmth and levity to the film, making his performance as one of the "good guys" a memorable aspect of this beloved cult classic.
George Wyner
Colonel Sandurz
A native of Boston and graduate of Syracuse University, George has worked extensively in TV and film since 1972....
Secondary Cast of Spaceballs
Henry Kaiser
Magnetic Beam Operator
Wayne Wilson
Trucker in Cap
Ira Miller
Short Order Cook
Earl Finn
Guard with Captain
Mitchell Bock
Video Operator
Robert Buckingham
Wedding Guest (uncredited)
Dan Cotter
Wedding Guest (uncredited)
Brent Dunsford
Wedding Guest (uncredited)
Conrad Hurtt
Guard (uncredited)
Rick Lazzarini
Pizza the Hutt / Ape #2 (uncredited)
Steve McLean
Movie Crew Member (uncredited)
Sam L. Nickens
Wedding Guest (uncredited)
Julie Pitkanen
Self-Destruct Voice (voice) (uncredited)
Ben Pollock
Wedding Guest (uncredited)
Crew of Spaceballs
Full backstage crew list →