Michael Schoeffling may not be a name that at least most male movie fans remember. Female fans who grew up in the 80’s may not be able to forget him.
He played Jake Ryan, Molly Ringwald’s obsession in SIXTEEN CANDLES. Personally, I was more interested in the whole Anthony Michael Hall / Long Duk Dong storyline, but the whole romance is what made the film work.
The film was very popular, Schoeffling’s “Happy Birthday, Samantha” line was a memorable one. However, it may have been the highlight of his career in Hollywood.
Michael had been a male model before getting into acting. He had a brief, uncredited role in RACING WITH THE MOON (with Sean Penn) before SIXTEEN CANDLES.
He would then make SIXTEEN CANDLES, followed by many major studio films. For an actor who never really hit the A-list, most of his films are ones that I had seen, or at least heard of.
There was a supporting role in the wrestling film VISION QUEST and the male lead in the Melissa Gilbert and horse film SYLVESTER.
He starred in the disastrous LET’S GET HARRY. Originally scripted by Sam Fuller, this action film (starring Robert Duvall, Ben Johnson and Mark Harmon) had so many production problems that the director took his name off it. Schoeffling’s name remained.
In 1989 he was in SLAVES OF NEW YORK, directed by James Ivory from the Tama Janowitz novel. It was a rare misfire for Ivory. The next year he appeared in LONGTIME COMPANION and MERMAIDS. His final film credit was 1991’s WILD HEARTS CAN’T BE BROKEN, an underrated Disney film with Gabrielle Anwar.
So what ever happened to him?
Michael is married with two children. He and his family live in Northern Pennsylvania where he is a carpenter and woodworker.
He is probably one of the more popular of the “What Ever Happened To” stars as he has been profiled on just about every E! special or other series like it. That is one of the reasons why I am only now getting around to him.
Who knows if he had continued to work that he would have had a film that would have give him the breakthrough role that could have made him a big star. From all the stories about his life today, he seems to be very happy with what happened.
MICHAEL SCHOEFFLING ON DVD
Thursday, February 28, 2008
What Ever Happened To: Michael Schoeffling
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8 comments:
What a hunk, I am 48 years old and still he is the man of my dreams, Please Michael do all of the women in their 40's a favor and act again. WE LOVE YOU, I guarantee wahtever you do would be WELL recieved. We would all love to see you in a movie again, victoria_quinn@hotmail.com
I always liked Michael Schoeffling, and I thought his best role was in "Belizare the Cajun," filmed here in Louisiana. I had thought he would be a major star because he had so much talent, but I'm glad to know he seems to be happy with his life.
Damon Veach in Baton Rouge
I have watched sixteen candles & wild hearts can't be broken, from then on I fell inlove with him. He's very gentle & seems a quiet man with full of mysteries. I love him & how I'd wish he will make JUST ONE more movie again.
I think he quit acting because maybe he got tired of hearing "Oh my God!!! Jake Ryan is SO HOT!" Seriously can you blame him?
I recently took up the hobby of collecting movies I liked. 16 candles was one of them. When I saw Michael Schoeffling, my face just lit up. My daughter even said Mom why are you smiling? I just couldn't believe how incredible handsome he is. Its sad he just disappeared from the movie screen. but I guess he is happier that way. Its always nice to be able to go back and watch movies he was in.
I would like to thank Michael Schoeffling for movies like Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken and 16 candles...From a woman's perspective, he is someone we can relate to, feel comforted by, even see ourselves with. He's not a sex symbol but rather someone who gives women of all ages hope that real, honest, caring men do exist...A real ex for all male actors of today. I think its noble of him to lead a quiet life w-his family and I hope he found happiness.
I am 42 years old and just finished watching Sixteen Candles for the first time on T.V. (I know, I'm a little slow). But, years ago I watched Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken and "fell in love" with Michael Schoeffling (Al Carver). After that, I would compare every guy to him (ie. "He's such an Al!") One problem is that I keep getting him and Matt Dillon confused - but Michael really stands out as a real gentleman. Anyways, I am glad to see he has left the Hollywood spotlight and is focusing on his family. His wife is very lucky to have him! Sigh...
YEAH, WHAT THEY ALL SAID!
He's the genuine article.
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