Released on Sept. 25, 1987, Rob Reiner's The Princess Bride isa unique fairytale equipped with action, romance, comedy and more.The Princess Bride seems to have it all — a star-studded cast, loveable characters and iconic moments — and is revered as a cult classic among film lovers.
The film is based on the 1973 novel of the same name by William Goldman. It grossed nearly $31 million domestically ($70 million adjusted for inflation).
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the film, THR takes a look at the cast of The Princess Bride — including the likes of Robin Wright, Cary Elwes and Billy Crystal — and where life has led them after their adventures in the Land of Florin.
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Cary Elwes
Since appearing as Westley, the charming farmboy who steals Princess Buttercup's heart, Elwes has built up a long resumé in Hollywood, starring in a number of films, including Academy Award-winning Glory, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Ella Enchanted, The Jungle Book, Saw and more. Elwes first captured the hearts of Princess Bride fans with his character's iconic quote, "As you wish" — his simple response to Buttercup's every demand. Throughout the film, Westley is determined to save his one true love from marrying the insufferable Prince Humperdinck, unbeknownst to Buttercup herself, who believes her beloved farmboy to be dead. In 2014, the actor wrote a memoir about the film, As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride, a behind-the-scenes take on his experience on-set.Elwes is set to appear next in the film Billionaire Boys Club as Andy Warhol later this year.
Robin Wright
Although Robin Wright is more recently known for her roles as Claire Underwood in Netflix hit political drama House of Cards and General Antiope in Patty Jenkins'Wonder Woman, Wright started out as Buttercup in The Princess Bride when she was only21 years old. Wright received a Golden Globe award for her performance in House of Cards in 2013. This October, she is set to appear in Blade Runner 2049, alongside stars such as Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford and Jared Leto.
Chris Sarandon
Before taking on the role of Prince Humperdinck, Sarandon made his film debut as Leon Shermer in Dog Day Afternoon, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. In The Princess Bride, Sarandon portrays the main antagonist Humperdinck, the Prince of Florin, who is betrothed to Buttercup. Sarandon is also known for his roles in Fright Night and Child's Play and as the voice of Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Mandy Patinkin
Inigo Montoya, a Spanish fencer, harbors a long-standing vendetta against the man who killed his father, Count Rugen, the six-fingered man. Montoya's journey to avenging his father's death ultimately produces one of the most iconic quotes of the film: "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." Portrayed by Emmy award winner Mandy Patinkin, Montoya is one of the criminal outlaws employed to capture and kill Buttercup, along with Vizzini (Wallace Shawn) and Fezzik (André the Giant). Patinkin got his start in musical theater, winning a Tony Award in 1980 for his Broadway performance as Che in Evita. After his transition into the world of film and television, Patinkin starred in shows such as Chicago Hope and Criminal Minds. He currently stars as Saul Berenson in Homeland.
Christopher Guest
Known for his work on a variety of mockumentaries, including This is Spinal Tap, Best in Showand Mascots, Christopher Guest is an accomplished actor, director, screenwriter, musician and composer. Prior to his appearance in The Princess Bride, Guest was a one-year-only castmember on NBC's Saturday Night Live on the 1984-85 season. In the cult classic, Guest plays the sad*stic Count Rugen, the six-fingered man who killed Inigo Montoya's father. Rugen is the second-in-command to Prince Humperdinck's rule.
André the Giant
Standing at 7 foot 4 inches, André the Giant was a French actor and professional wrestler. Known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," André was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame. In addition to his wrestling accomplishments, André starred in other films and TV shows including The Six Million Dollar Man, B.J. and the Bear, The Greatest American Hero and more. In The Princess Bride, André portrays Fezzik, one of Vizzini's henchmen. At age 46, André the Giant died in 1993 as a result of congestive heart failure.
Wallace Shawn
With his famous catchphrase, "Inconceivable!", animated film all-star Wallace Shawn stars inThe Princess Brideas Vizzini, the criminal mastermind employed by Prince Humperdinck to kill Buttercup and frame Guilder for the murder. Shawn leads Inigo (Mandy Patinkin) and Fezzik (André the GIant) on their murderous mission until he is ultimately hoodwinked by Westley into poisoning himself. Shawn has starred in films such as The Haunted Mansion, the Toy Story franchise and The Incredibles. He is set to voice the character of Mr. Woodley in upcoming animated film Animal Crackers later this year.
Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal portrays Miracle Max, a medicine man with a grudge against the crown. In hopes that Westley will humiliate Prince Humperdinck, Miracle Max agrees to help Inigo and Fezzik revive the "Man in Black." Prior to appearing in The Princess Bride, Crystal rose to stardom as Jodie Dallas in the 1970s sitcom Soap. Since then, Crystal has starred in films such asWhen Harry Met Sally, Analyze This andMonsters Inc.
Carol Kane
In the film, Carol Kane plays Miracle Max's wife, Valerie.The actress is well known for her appearances in films such as Addams Family Values, Dog Day Afternoon and Annie Hall and for her portrayal of Madame Morrible in the Broadway musical Wicked. Additionally, Kane has won two Emmy awards for her work in the television sitcomTaxi and currently stars in Netflix series The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Peter Cook
English actor, comedian, satirist and writer Peter Cook plays The Impressive Clergyman, the church official presiding over Prince Humperdinck and Buttercup's wedding. The Impressive Clergyman is most memorable for being unable to pronounce his R's correctly, making them sound more like W's instead. Cook is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern satire for his time. He died at age 57 in 1995.
Peter Falk
In the film, the story of The Princess Bride is framed by a scene of a grandfather reading the story to his sick grandson. The grandfather — played by Peter Falk — narrates the story as he reads it aloud. Emmy-winning actor Falk is known for his work in the TV series Columbo as well as in films such asIt's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Murder by Death and The Cheap Detective. Falk died in 2011 at age 83.
Fred Savage
At just age 11, Fred Savage starred in The Princess Bride as the Grandson to whom the story is being told. Savage is an actor and director, best known for his role as Kevin Arnold in the TV series The Wonder Years. As a director, Savage has worked on many shows including Boy Meets World, That's So Raven, Drake and Josh, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Modern Family and 2 Broke Girls. He currently stars in Netflix original series Friends From College.
