What Ever Happened To: Jill Schoelen

Jill Schoelen never really became an A-list movie star. Yet, for a while, she was big in video stores. She starred in countless films that, while they may have gotten some theatrical exposure, were much bigger on video. But, she was gone from the scene by the time DVD was released.

Jill, the daughter of fashion designer Deborah Schoelen, began in TV, acting in episodes of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE and T.J. HOOKER. She also appeared in commercials, like this one for Coty Wild Musk. (It is the first on the clip)




There were several feature films in the early 80’s, including the classic Mr. T film D.C. CAB, HOT MOVES, 1985’s THUNDER ALLEY (with Leif Garret) and the Emilio Estevez film THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW which was quite good. For TV she made Wes Craven’s CHILLER, the Martin Sheen alcoholism drama SHATTERED SPIRITS, and BABES IN TOYLAND (with Keanu Reeves who she is said to have been involved with and Drew Barrymore).

1987 was her breakthrough year. She had a small role in the excellent Judd Nelson TV miniseries BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB (which needs a DVD release). But then she found the genre that would suit her the best, horror.


In THE STEPFATHER, she played the daughter of a woman who marries the title character, Terry O’Quinn (now on LOST). Jill begins to believe that he isn’t who he appears to be, and she is right. The film still isn’t on DVD, and is constantly requested on various DVD boards. Very memorable film with O’Quinn giving an excellent performance (“Who am I here?”).


Jill went on to star in many more horror films. There was CURSE 2: THE BITE, CUTTING CLASS (with Brad Pitt, who she was engaged to after filming), THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (with Robert Englund as the Phantom), POPCORN, and WHEN A STRANGER CALLS BACK.

She moved away from horror for roles in MURDER SHE WROTE (yet another actress in this series to disappear soon after appearing on it) and THE HEIGHTS. And, she played the lead in 1991’s RICH GIRL.


Her last major film was 1994’s THERE GOES MY BABY. Set in 1965, while the film isn’t bad, it is best known today for its cast of once and future stars, including Ricky Schroeder, Noah Wylie, Dermot Mulroney, Lucy Deakins, and even Mark Ruffalo had a very small early role in it.

In 1995, after making an independent film called NOT AGAIN (that doesn’t appear to have had much distribution) she disappeared.

So, what ever happened to her?

In 1993, Jill married film composer Anthony Marinelli. Marinelli has composed the scores for many films over the years, including YOUNG GUNS, GRAVEYARD SHIFT, 2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY, TIME CODE, 15 MINUTES and many more.

They have two children.


In 2004, Jill appeared in a short film called SHE KEPT SILENT. But, nothing seems to have happened with it.

It goes to show how fame can be fleeting. In many of her films, she was top billed ahead of her co-stars. Now, years later, she is essentially retired, only to see that her co-stars, like Brad Pitt and Keanu Reeves, are big stars.

Jill went from starring in films, to not making them entirely. There wasn't even a gradual decline to co-starring roles. She just wasn't making any. So, it must have been her choice.

I was always a fan of hers. Heck, I even had RICH GIRL on laserdisc. Maybe they can finally get around to releasing some of her films on DVD and have her do a commentary track.

JILL ON DVD



JILL ON VHS