Jon Cryer recently opened up about his brief romance with Demi Moore during the filming of their 1984 movie, “No Small Affair.” The actor, now 59, revealed that he was completely unaware of Moore’s struggles with drug addiction at the time. Cryer shared these insights in a new interview, coinciding with his appearance in the documentary “BRATS,” directed by Andrew McCarthy, which is now streaming on Hulu.
Cryer and Moore’s relationship blossomed while they were working on “No Small Affair,” a film that marked a significant point in both of their early careers. Reflecting on their time together, Cryer mentioned, “We dated for a short time while we were working on No Small Affair, but I guess our particular affair was, in fact, pretty small.” He added that he was “blissfully unaware” of Moore’s drug problem until just a few weeks before the movie wrapped up.
In the 1980s, Moore, now 61, sought treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Despite maintaining sobriety for over two decades, she relapsed in 2012 and returned to rehab for addiction and an eating disorder. Cryer, even back then, recognized Moore’s undeniable talent and charisma. “What would always be great about her was already evident; that incredible combination of vulnerability, toughness, and beauty,” he said.
While Moore became a prominent member of the Brat Pack, Cryer felt more like an outsider to the group. “I didn’t perceive myself as part of the ‘Brat Pack’ because I didn’t think I was one of the cool kids. And they were definitely the cool kids,” he explained. Cryer noted that he wasn’t part of the defining Brat Pack films, “The Breakfast Club” and “St. Elmo’s Fire,” which further distanced him from the group.
Moore, on the other hand, solidified her place in the Brat Pack with her role in “St. Elmo’s Fire” in 1985, just a year after “No Small Affair.” Cryer recalled how Moore had a better grasp of the entertainment industry than he did. “She knew everyone in town, but we were both really nervous about being leads in a movie for the first time,” he admitted.
Moore’s addiction struggles during the filming of “St. Elmo’s Fire” were well-documented. According to her 2019 memoir, “Inside Out,” she entered rehab at the request of the film’s director, Joel Schumacher. Despite her challenges, Moore’s talent shone through, and she continued to build a successful career with notable films like “Ghost” (1990), “A Few Good Men” (1992), and “Indecent Proposal” (1993).
Cryer, meanwhile, gained recognition for his role as Duckie in “Pretty in Pink” (1986) alongside Molly Ringwald. Despite their different paths, Cryer has always held Moore in high regard. “She was incredibly charismatic and had a much better grasp of the business than I did,” he said.
The documentary “BRATS” sheds light on the experiences of the Brat Pack actors, including Moore’s battles with addiction. In the film, Moore recalls the challenges she faced and the support she received from Schumacher, who ensured she had a sober companion during the entire shoot of “St. Elmo’s Fire.” Moore expressed gratitude for Schumacher’s support, acknowledging that he took a risk by standing by her.
Cryer also shared his thoughts on the Brat Pack documentary, reiterating that he never felt like he was part of the group. “I didn’t perceive myself as part of the ‘Brat Pack’ because I didn’t think I was one of the cool kids. And they were definitely the cool kids,” he said.
Despite their brief romance and the challenges Moore faced, Cryer has nothing but affection for her. He reflected on their time together with fondness, saying, “I was over the moon for her during a very troubled time in her life. I have nothing but affection for her and not a regret in the world.”
Moore’s journey through addiction and recovery is a testament to her resilience and strength. Her story, along with those of her fellow Brat Pack members, continues to captivate audiences, shedding light on the complexities of fame and personal struggles.
As “BRATS” streams on Hulu, it offers a deeper look into the lives of these iconic actors, including the challenges they faced and the bonds they formed. Cryer’s reflections on his relationship with Moore provide a poignant glimpse into a tumultuous yet significant period in their lives.
