Following the release of the original “Road House” movie in 1989, the cast members embarked on diverse career paths, with some continuing to act while others pursued different endeavors. Let’s delve into what became of the charismatic cast of the cult classic action film over the years.
Patrick Swayze as James Dalton
Patrick Swayze, who portrayed the tough bouncer James Dalton, continued to make a significant impact in Hollywood after “Road House.” He starred in several successful movies, including “Ghost” (1990), “Point Break” (1991), and “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” (1995). Tragically, Swayze passed away in 2009 at the age of 57 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Kelly Lynch as Dr. Elizabeth “Doc” Clay
Kelly Lynch, who played the role of Dr. Elizabeth Clay, maintained a steady acting career after “Road House.” She appeared in various films and TV shows throughout the ’90s and 2000s, including “Drugstore Cowboy” (1989), “Charlie’s Angels” (2000), and “Magic City” (2012-2013). Although Lynch took a hiatus from acting for a few years, she returned to the screen in 2023 with a role in the Apple TV+ series “Physical.”
Sam Elliott as Wade Garrett
Sam Elliott, known for his portrayal of Wade Garrett, continued to showcase his acting prowess in numerous films and TV series. He starred in notable projects such as “The Big Lebowski” (1998), “Justified” (2015), and “A Star is Born” (2018), for which he received an Oscar nomination. Elliott’s career experienced a resurgence in the 2010s, cementing his status as a revered character actor.
Ben Gazzara as Brad Wesley
Ben Gazzara, who portrayed the villainous Brad Wesley, continued to grace both American and Italian screens with his compelling performances. He appeared in a variety of films, including “The Spanish Prisoner” (1997) and “Dogville” (2003), before his passing in 2012 at the age of 81 due to pancreatic cancer.
Marshall Teague as Jimmy Reno
Marshall Teague, known for his role as Jimmy Reno, maintained a presence in the entertainment industry, primarily through guest appearances in TV shows and supporting roles in films. He continued to act in projects such as “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1993-2001) and “The Good Dinosaur” (2015), showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Kevin Tighe as Frank Tilghman
Kevin Tighe, who portrayed Frank Tilghman, remained active in the acting scene for several decades following “Road House.” He appeared in a wide range of TV shows and films, including “Murder One” (1995), “Lost” (2004-2010), and “Law & Order: SVU” (2016). Tighe’s career spanned diverse genres, showcasing his adaptability as an actor.
Red West as Red Webster
Red West, best known for his role as Red Webster, continued to grace both the big and small screens with his presence. He appeared in various films and TV shows throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, including “Natural Born Killers” (1994) and “Safe Haven” (2013). West passed away in 2017 at the age of 81 due to an aortic aneurysm.
Jeff Healey as Cody
Jeff Healey, known for his portrayal of Cody and his musical contributions to the film, continued to pursue his passion for music after “Road House.” He released multiple albums with The Jeff Healey Band and ventured into jazz music in the 2000s. Tragically, Healey passed away in 2008 at the age of 41 due to sarcoma.
Kathleen Wilhoite as Carrie Ann
Kathleen Wilhoite, who played the quirky bartender Carrie Ann, remained active in the entertainment industry, appearing in numerous TV shows and films over the years. She showcased her talent in projects such as “ER” (1994-1996), “Gilmore Girls” (2003-2007), and “The OA” (2019). Wilhoite also pursued music, releasing two studio albums during her career.
Sunshine Parker as Emmet
Sunshine Parker, known for his role as Emmet, had a brief but memorable acting career following “Road House.” He appeared in several films and TV shows before his passing in 1999 at the age of 71 due to pneumonia.
Despite their varying paths, the cast of “Road House” left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, with their performances continuing to captivate audiences to this day.
FAQ
What happened to Patrick Swayze after “Road House”?
After starring as James Dalton in “Road House,” Patrick Swayze continued his successful acting career with roles in movies like “Ghost” (1990), “Point Break” (1991), and “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” (1995). Tragically, Swayze passed away in 2009 due to pancreatic cancer.
Did Kelly Lynch continue acting after “Road House”?
Yes, Kelly Lynch, who played Dr. Elizabeth “Doc” Clay, continued to act in various films and TV shows after “Road House.” She appeared in projects such as “Drugstore Cowboy” (1989), “Magic City” (2012-2013), and “Physical” (2023).
What other roles did Sam Elliott have after “Road House”?
Sam Elliott, known for his portrayal of Wade Garrett, had a prolific career after “Road House.” He starred in films like “The Big Lebowski” (1998) and “A Star is Born” (2018), as well as TV series like “Justified” (2015).
Is Ben Gazzara still acting after “Road House”?
Ben Gazzara, who played the villain Brad Wesley, continued to act in films until his passing in 2012 due to pancreatic cancer. Some of his notable roles post-“Road House” include “The Spanish Prisoner” (1997) and “Dogville” (2003).
What about Marshall Teague’s career after “Road House”?
Marshall Teague, known for his role as Jimmy Reno, remained active in the entertainment industry with appearances in TV shows like “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1993-2001) and films like “The Good Dinosaur” (2015).
Did Kathleen Wilhoite pursue other projects after “Road House”?
Yes, Kathleen Wilhoite, who portrayed Carrie Ann, continued to act in various TV shows and films after “Road House.” She appeared in projects such as “ER” (1994-1996), “Gilmore Girls” (2003-2007), and “The OA” (2019).
What happened to Jeff Healey after “Road House”?
Jeff Healey, known for his role as Cody and his musical contributions to the film, continued his music career after “Road House.” He released multiple albums with The Jeff Healey Band before his passing in 2008 due to sarcoma.
Did any of the cast members retire from acting after “Road House”?
Some cast members, such as Red West and Sunshine Parker, continued acting until their passing, while others, like Kevin Tighe, pursued acting alongside other endeavors. Each cast member had a unique career trajectory post-“Road House.”
Are there any reunions or tributes honoring the cast of “Road House”?
While there may have been occasional reunions or tributes honoring the film and its cast, no large-scale events have been widely publicized. However, fans often celebrate the movie and its actors through social media and fan conventions.
Where can I watch “Road House” (1989)?
“Road House” (1989) is available to stream on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Max, allowing both longtime fans and new audiences to enjoy the cult classic action film.