Any true ‘90s kid would remember this beloved movie. Based on the book by Roald Dahl, Matilda is about a girl who used her telekinetic powers to teach her ridiculously mean principal, and her often ridiculously dumb parents, a few lessons. Filled with moments that will leave you laughing, crying and rooting for the female protagonist, this was a must watch for everyone growing up. As it is the twentieth anniversary of the movie’s original release, I can’t help but feel really old – as well as really nostalgic about it.
Let’s take a look at where the actors, who played our favorite characters, are now.
Mara Wilson (Matilda Wormwood)
Mara starred in a couple of other feel good ‘90s movies, such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street and Thomas and the Magic Railroad. Then between 2000 and 2012, while attending NYU, Mara only starred in a one man show called, Weren’t You That Girl? Since then, she has guest starred in Broad City and BoJack Horseman. You can now find her on twitter @MaraWritesStuff, as well as pre-order her upcoming autobiography, Where Am I Now?
Embeth Davidtz (Miss Honey)
Embeth had continued to star in movies and even appeared in a few TV shows. Her most notable recent films are The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Amazing Spider-Man, where she played Mary Parker, Peter Parker’s mom, in both movies.
Danny DeVito (Harry Wormwood)
Danny’s acting career had continued to stay strong along with his directing and producing. In fact, he’d directed and appeared in the music video for One Direction’s “Steal My Girl” back in 2014. He’s currently starring in the sitcom, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and he directs, produces and appears in The Blood Factory, a series of short horror films. He is also still happily married to Matilda co-star and wife, Rhea Perlman, with whom he had three kids.
Rhea Perlman (Zinnia Wormwood)
Just like her husband, Danny, Rhea has also stayed in the entertainment business, appearing in a number of films and shows. She’s even the author of a success children’s series called Otto Undercover.
Brian Levinson (Michael Wormwood)
Matilda’s older, annoying brother went on to do a few TV movies and shows in the ‘90s before disappearing from Hollywood. No sign of him on social media, either.
Pam Farris (Miss. Trunchbull)
Pam has continued to do movies and television, most recently a role as Sister Evangelina in Call the Midwife, a british series on BBC. What most don’t know is that she was also Aunt Marge in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. You know — the one that blew up during the Dursley’s dinner and flew away.
Kiami Davael (Lavender)
Most notably known for playing Matilda’s best friend at school, Kiami also appeared in only a handful of movies and TV shows since then. She attended University of Kentucky and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Currently, she lives in Atlanta Georgia, and you can follow her on both Twitter and Instagram.
Jacqueline Steiger (Amanda Thripp)
Known for her pretty, blonde pigtails that Miss. Trunchbull used to use to swing her around the schoolyard, Jacqueline has since traded her long locks for a cute, pixie cut. She’s appeared in a few TV productions as well as produced and written for some. Not only that, but she’s also dabbled in theater and offers acting classes, which you can learn all about on her website.
Jimmy Karz (Bruce Bogtrotter)
Jimmy looks like he hasn’t had any chocolate cake since he finished filming Matilda, which is what his character is most remembered for. Remember that iconic scene where he had to sit and eat that chocolate cake in front of the whole school? YOU CAN DO IT, BRUCEY! Since then, he’s appeared in The Wedding Singer and had a small part in the show ER.
Kira Spencer Cook (Hortensia)
Since playing the all-knowing older friend, Hortensia, to both Matilda and Lavender, Kira has since appeared in several TV shows as well as shorts movies. She even dabbled in producing, directing and writing.
Paul Reubens (FBI Agent Bob)
Paul, most known for his role as Pee-wee Herman, has appeared in a number of movies and TV shows. He is not only an actor but also a writer, producer, game show host and comedian. Most recently, he’s been in The Smurfs movies as well as the TV show, Gotham.
Tracey Walter (FBI Agent Bill)
Having been acting since 1977, Tracey continued to act in movies and television shows until 2014. His most recent works include I Spit On Your Grave, Swelter and Southland.
Matilda has continued to be one of my favorite movies to this day. I have no shame in admitting that I still watch it every now and then.
