Key Takeaways
- Now 56, Ringwald actively seeks more substantive roles that allow her to “push the story along.”
- In addition to acting, Ringwald has pursued other creative outlets, including jazz singing.
- While her teen roles made her famous, Ringwald seems content these days, embracing more mature parts and diverse creative interests as she moves her career story forward.
Hollywood: For a generation of moviegoers, Molly Ringwald defined teenage dread and alienation in iconic 1980s films like ‘Sixteen Candles,’ ‘Pretty in Pink,’ and ‘The Breakfast Club.’
As the red-headed star of those beloved John Hughes classics, Ringwald embodied the awkwardness and insecurities of adolescence.
But after reigning as the queen of teen comedies, she struggled to find quality adult roles.
“I went from playing teens in the ’80s to ‘mom purgatory’ – playing supportive mothers and entirely skipping what I call the ‘sexy aunt’ roles,”
Molly Ringwald
she complains.
These days, the 56-year-old actress is determined to push beyond one-dimensional mom parts.
In the new Ryan Murphy anthology series ‘Feud: Capote’s Women,’ Ringwald plays a juicy role as Joanne Carson, the ex-wife of legendary talk show host Johnny Carson.
Set in 1970s high society, the FX drama explores the real-life rivalry between novelist Truman Capote and his circle of wealthy female socialites.
The part represents a full-circle moment for Ringwald, who made her stage debut at age 3 in Capote’s play The Grass Harp.
“It’s kind of strange, but I’m really happy with where I’m at right now,” she says.
“I’m a working actress…but I can’t say that the opportunities have just been coming my way. So I’ve also been creating my own opportunities.“
Molly Ringwald
Those self-made opportunities include translating the French memoir My Cousin, Maria Schneider, from French to English and pursuing her passion for jazz singing.
Ringwald has released two albums of renditions of classic American songs.
The former Brat Pack member also has a new film in post-production called Montauk, where she stars alongside Liam Aiken and Kevin Corrigan.
The indie drama follows childhood friends searching for treasure on a mysterious private island.
While Ringwald is far removed from her star-making teen roles, she seems content, embracing more mature parts while juggling her creative interests behind the camera.
“I love being a mom, but I want to play somebody who pushes the story along,” she says of her current mindset.
With her multi-faceted endeavors, Ringwald is determinedly moving her story forward.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Molly Ringwald is also a writer, having authored two books: “Getting the Pretty Back” and “When It Happens to You.”
- She has been married twice. She was first married to Valery Lameignère and now to Panio Gianopoulos.
- Ringwald has three kids: Mathilda Ereni, Roman Stylianos, and Adele Georgiana.
