Rick Moranis’ ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids’ Celebrates 35 Years Decades After Actor Left Hollywood
“Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” is celebrating its 35th anniversary, marking over three decades since the film’s release in 1989. The movie, which starred Rick Moranis as the bumbling inventor Wayne Szalinski, became an instant classic, captivating audiences with its imaginative storyline and groundbreaking special effects.
The plot revolves around Szalinski’s accidental shrinking of his children and their neighbors’ kids to the size of insects. The tiny children then embark on a perilous journey through their backyard, facing everyday objects and creatures as enormous obstacles. From stray Legos to sprinklers and bugs, the kids must navigate these dangers while trying to avoid being stepped on by their unsuspecting parents.
Rick Moranis, who played the lovable and eccentric Wayne Szalinski, was already a well-known actor before the film. He had won an Emmy for his work on “The SCTV Network” and had starred in popular movies like “Ghostbusters” and “Spaceballs.” Following the success of “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” Moranis continued to work in Hollywood, starring in films such as “Parenthood,” “My Blue Heaven,” “Little Giants,” and “The Flintstones.” He also reprised his role as Wayne Szalinski in two sequels: “Honey, I Blew Up the Kid” and “Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves.”
However, after the release of the second sequel in 1997, Moranis took a step back from Hollywood to focus on raising his children following the death of his wife, Anne, who passed away from breast cancer in 1991. In a 2015 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Moranis explained that he never officially retired but chose to take a break that turned into a longer hiatus. He mentioned that he still receives occasional offers for film and television roles and is open to projects that pique his interest.
During his break from on-screen acting, Moranis transitioned to voice acting. He voiced characters in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the Island of Misfit Toys” in 2001 and continued to lend his voice to various projects, including “Brother Bear,” “The Animated Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie,” and “The Goldbergs,” where he voiced Dark Helmet.
The rest of the cast of “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” also went on to have varied careers in the entertainment industry. Matt Frewer, who played Big Russ Thompson, continued to work in television and film, appearing in shows like “Doctor, Doctor,” “Shaky Ground,” “The Stand,” “Gargoyles,” and “Orphan Black.” He also voiced Panic in Disney’s “Hercules” and appeared in movies such as “Watchmen” and “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.”
Marcia Strassman, who played Diane Szalinski, was known for her roles in “Welcome Back, Kotter” and “M*A*S*H” before starring in “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.” She continued to work in television and film, appearing in shows like “Murder, She Wrote,” “Baywatch,” and “Third Watch.” Strassman passed away in 2007 from advanced breast cancer.
Kristine Sutherland, who played Mae Thompson, gained further recognition for her role as Joyce Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” She continued to act in television and film, with appearances in “New Amsterdam,” “One Life to Live,” and “Before/During/After.”
Thomas Wilson Brown, who played Little Russ Thompson, continued his acting career with roles in “Knots Landing,” “Boy Meets World,” “Days of Our Lives,” and “Pearl Harbor.” He most recently appeared in “The Last Three Days” and “The Last Champion.”
Jared Rushton, who played Ron Thompson, transitioned from acting to music. Before “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” he was known for his roles in “Overboard” and “Big.” He later appeared in “A Cry in the Wild” and “Pet Sematary II” before quitting acting in 2000 to pursue a music career. He currently plays guitar and organ for the rock bands Deal By Dusk and Goodbye Effect.
Amy O’Neill, who played Amy Szalinski, continued to work in television and film, with guest appearances in shows like “Highway to Heaven,” “Family Ties,” and “The Young and the Restless.” She also appeared in the sequel “Honey, I Blew Up the Kid” and most recently in the shorts “The Japanese Sandman” and “The Follower.”
Robert Oliveri, who played Nick Szalinski, retired from acting after starring in “Honey, I Blew Up the Kid” and “Edward Scissorhands.” He has since stayed out of the limelight, with rumors suggesting he lives in Florida with his family.
Mark L. Taylor, who played Don Forrester, continued his prolific acting career with roles in “Arachnophobia,” “A Pup Named Scooby-Doo,” “Problem Child,” and “The Mask.” He also appeared in “Ally McBeal,” “Chicago Hope,” “Melrose Place,” “High School Musical 2,” and “Boston Legal.” Most recently, he appeared in “Grey’s Anatomy,” “9-1-1 Lone Star,” and “NCIS.”
Kimmy Robertson, who played Gloria Forrester, is best known for her role as Lucy Moran in “Twin Peaks.” She continued to work in television and film, with roles in “Gravedale High,” “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead,” “The Tick,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” She also voiced characters in “Pepper Ann” and appeared in “Southland,” “Psych,” and “Marry Me.” Robertson reprised her role in the 2017 reboot of “Twin Peaks” and most recently appeared in “Adventures in Odyssey” and “Ollie and Scoops.”
As “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” celebrates its 35th anniversary, it remains a beloved classic that continues to entertain new generations of viewers. The film’s imaginative storyline, memorable characters, and groundbreaking special effects have solidified its place in cinematic history, and the legacy of Rick Moranis and his co-stars continues to endure.
Source: Fox News, The Hollywood Reporter
