You may not remember the name Ilan Mitchell-Smith, so maybe I should title this “What Ever Happened to the guy in WEIRD SCIENCE who wasn’t Anthony Michael Hall?”
Yes, Ilan Mitchell-Smith played Wyatt, the other half of the duo.
He didn’t start off as an actor. In fact, he started off in ballet, at the School of American Ballet. That is where he was discovered and played the young Timothy Hutton in the Sidney Lumet film DANIEL.
The next year, he appeared in Cameron Crowe’s little seen sequel of sorts to FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH, 1984’s THE WILD LIFE. It didn’t do as well as the original, and today is still not on DVD. But it frequently aired on cable and was a popular rental throughout the decade.
Next up was WEIRD SCIENCE. He and Anthony Michael Hall played geeks who created the perfect girl, Kelly LeBrock.
A favorite of many, The film had quite a following, still to this day.
While this should have led to bigger things, it didn’t. His last big role was in Keith Gordon’s 1988 film THE CHOCOLATE WAR. Based on the novel by Robert Cormier it told of a chocolate sale at a Catholic school. It may not sound like much, but Gordon’s direction is just about perfect. While it didn’t do well in theatres (and was barely released) it stands as one of the better films of the decade and the best film he appeared in.
There was some episodic TV work (THE EQUALIZER, a few episodes of SUPERBOY) and a couple little seen films (JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH with Kathy Ireland, Melvin Van Peebles’ IDENTITY CRISIS). His last appearance was in a 1991 episode of SILK STALKINGS.
So, What Ever Happened To Him?
In an interview Ilan gave to the Austin Chronicle, he stated that it was that episode of SILK STALKINGS that did him in.
“It was hideous. And so when I found myself guest-starring on that as the rapist (and the most likable guy on the show), it made me think, "This is where I'm probably going to be." I never had any real celebrity, but my career will be just getting by like this."Ilan went back to school.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Medieval Studies from UC Davis, a Master of Arts from Fordham, and a PhD from Texas A&M.
In 1995, he was married and now has two children.
Today, Dr. Ilan Mitchell-Smith is Assistant Professor of English at Angelo State University in Texas.
It looks like Ilan has made a successful transition into a whole other life.
Ilan Mitchell-Smith on Video and DVD
4 comments:
I must admit that there was always something strangely feminine about the guy. Seeing him in those little panties in WEIRD SCIENCE didn't help matters much.
there was something about him that i liked. when i was watching "weird science", the only reason i didnt switch the channel was because of Ilan. I liked the sound of his voice. its too bad he didnt appear in more movies.
Dr. Ilan, is so AMAZING!
I'd have to agree with Kassey. That voice wow so cute! as for them panties yeah that sold me lol.. Such a shame he did not have more movies..
I was 6 years old when i 1st saw that movie and completely feel for Wyatt!
He was SOOOOOO beautiful in those panties - almost as beautiful as Kelly!!
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