Where are they now? Updated 2024

driverThe neo-noir action thriller released in 1978 is a minimalist narrative masterpiece directed by Walter Hill. The film tells the story of a professional getaway driver who becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an obsessed detective. Known for its intense car chases and sparse dialogue, driver has become a cult classic, influencing many subsequent films in the crime and action genres. For a more in-depth look at the film’s impact and legacy, check out our review of Walter Hill’s The Driver.

Let’s see where the cast of this influential film are now, over forty years later.

Ryan O’Neal (driver)

Then (1978): Ryan O’Neal plays “The Driver”, a cool and mysterious getaway driver who doesn’t speak much but has extraordinary driving skills. O’Neill’s restrained performance perfectly embodies the character’s stoic professionalism.

Now (2024): O’Neal, now 82, has had a long and eventful career since then. driver. He continued to act in film and television, appearing in roles such as bone and desperate housewives. But in recent years, he has withdrawn from the entertainment industry due to health problems. O’Neal’s performance driver remains one of his most iconic roles, showcasing his ability to convey depth with minimal dialogue.

Then (1978): The detective played by Bruce Dern is a ruthless and persistent police officer determined to catch the driver. Dunn’s intense, almost manic performance is a perfect foil to O’Neal’s cool reserve.

Now (2024): At 87, Bruce Dern is still having an impressive career well into his later years. He experienced a career renaissance and received an Oscar nomination for his role in the film nebraska (2013) and once upon a time in hollywood (2019). Dunn continued to work regularly, demonstrating his enduring talent and versatility in a variety of roles.

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Isabelle Adjani (player)

Then (1978): French actress Isabelle Adjani plays “The Player,” a mysterious gambler who gets entangled with “The Driver.” Her ethereal beauty and mysterious presence add depth to the film’s noir atmosphere.

Now (2024): Adjani, 68, continues her successful career primarily in the French film industry. She has won numerous awards, including five César Awards for Best Actress, more than any other actress. Although Adjani now works less frequently, she remains a respected figure in the international film industry, known for her intense performances and striking screen presence.

Ronnie Blakely (“The Wire”)

Then (1978): Ronee Blakley plays The Connection, an important link in the Driver network. Although Blakely’s role is small, she brings a nervous energy to her role that adds to the tension of the film.

Now (2024): back driverNow 78, Blakely continues to perform occasionally but is more focused on her music career. She has released several albums and continues to perform as a singer-songwriter. Although Blakely is no longer as prominent in Hollywood as she once was, her contributions to film and music are still remembered and appreciated.

Matt Clark (red plainclothes)

Then (1978): Matt Clark plays the undercover police officer in “Detective,” bringing an air of down-to-earth realism to the role that contrasts nicely with Dunn’s manic energy.

Now (2024): Clark, 87, is a long-time film and television character actor. Although he is less active now, he continued to play roles well into his 70s, appearing in films such as NYPD Blue and dama and greg. His solid performance in the game driver is representative of the solid character work he’s become known for throughout his career.

Feliz Orlandi (golden plainclothes)

Then (1978): Phyllis Orlandi plays another undercover officer in “Detective,” adding to the film’s gritty, realistic portrayal of police work.

Now: Orlandi died in 2003 at the age of 78. driverHe then went on to work in television and film, appearing in roles such as Quincy, Maine and Team A. his role in it driver Still one of his most famous films.

Joseph Walsh (glasses)

Then (1978): Joseph Walsh plays Glass, one of Driver’s associates in crime. His character adds to the film’s portrayal of underworld crime.

Now (2024): Walsh, now in his 80s, has had a diverse career in the entertainment industry. Although he still performed occasionally after that driverhe is also known as a writer and producer. He wrote the screenplay for the 1985 film Split, California and has worked on various other projects in Hollywood.

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Rudy Ramos (teeth)

Then (1978): Rudy Ramos plays Tess, another member of the criminal gang. His character contributes to the tense, dark atmosphere driver.

Now (2024): Ramos, 73, has since maintained a steady acting career driver. He has appeared on many television shows over the years, including yellowstone park and Longmire. Ramos also performed a one-man show about Geronimo, demonstrating his range as an actor beyond his earlier film roles.

Driver’s legacy

driver Still an influential film in the crime and action genres. Its minimalist style, intense car chases, and nameless character archetypes inspired many subsequent films, including Nicolas Winding Refn’s drive (2011) and Edglet’s baby driver (2017).

The film showcases Walter Hill’s gift for intense, efficient storytelling as well as his skill at handling action sequences. It’s one of the highlights of Hill’s impressive filmography. For more on Hill’s outstanding work, check out our ranking of Walter Hill’s top ten films.

The actors’ performances, especially O’Neill’s laconic chauffeur and Dern’s obsessive detective, have become iconic of the neo-noir genre. Their cat-and-mouse game, played out against the backdrop of the Los Angeles night, continues to captivate audiences decades after the film’s release.

trivia

1. main characters in driver They are never named, only mentioned through their roles (driver, detective, etc.). This adds to the minimalist style and noir vibe of the film.
2. Walter Hill wrote the script for the show driver In just three weeks.
3. The car chases in the film were all live action and no CGI was used (it didn’t exist at the time). Many of the stunts were performed by the actors themselves, including Ryan O’Neal.
4. driver It was a commercial failure upon initial release but has since gained a strong cult following and is now considered a classic of the neo-noir genre.
5. Bruce Dern’s character only fires his gun once in the entire movie, even though he’s a police detective in an action thriller.
6. The style and tone of this film greatly influenced Nicolas Winding Refn’s drive (2011), Refn openly acknowledged this.

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FAQ

1. who directed it driver?
   driver Directed by Walter Hill, known for his action films and westerns.
2. Is anyone named in the movie?
   No, the main characters are not mentioned by name in the movie, only their roles or descriptions.
3. Did Ryan O’Neal do his own driving stunts?
   Yes, Ryan O’Neal performs many of his own driving stunts in the film, adding to the authenticity of the car chase scenes.
4. was driver Was it successful when it was first released?
   No, driver It was not a commercial success when initially released. However, it has gained a cult following and is now considered a classic.
5. how to do it driver Did it have any influence on subsequent films?
   driverThe minimalist style, intense car chases, and nameless character archetypes influenced many subsequent films, especially those in the crime and action genres. Notable examples include drive (2011) and baby driver (2017).

in conclusion

Cast driver The result is a tense, stylish thriller that stands the test of time. From Ryan O’Neal’s cool reserve to Bruce Dern’s mania, every performance creates a unique atmosphere for the film. While some actors have passed away and others have withdrawn from the spotlight, their work driver It continues to influence filmmakers and entertain audiences to this day.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just exploring driver The film’s legacy and the actors’ careers provide, for the first time, a fascinating look into the history of Hollywood and the evolution of the neo-noir and action genres.