Disney's musical 'Newsies,' released in 1992, was loosely based on the newsboys strike of 1899 and starred a young Christian Bale as an orphaned teenager who sells newspapers to earn a living. The film featured 12 original songs and an exciting young cast. Although it performed poorly at the box office, the film became a treasured classic, eventually spawning a stage adaptation. Twenty-one years later, we look back at the cast of the film and see what they're up to now. 

Christian Bale, Jack Kelly

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Then: Christian Bale played Jack Kelly, one of the film's main protagonists -- a 17-year-old orphan and newsboy who organizes a strike when the newspaper prices are raised. Bale had previously gained attention for his role in 'Empire of the Sun.'

Now: Bale is known for his collaboration with Christopher Nolan as Batman/Bruce Wayne in the 'Dark Knight' trilogy. The actor has been praised for his ability to disappear into gritty, dark roles, and can be seen in the new films 'American Hustle' and 'Out of the Furnace.' Bale is currently filming Ridley Scott's 'Exodus,' in which he portrays a bearded Moses.

David Moscow, David Jacobs

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Then: David Moscow played David Jacobs, who leaves school temporarily to join the newsboys and sell some papers to help support his family with his little brother. Moscow had previously appeared in 'Big' with Tom Hanks.

Now: Moscow starred on the short-lived 1999 sitcom 'Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane,' and has appeared in the films 'Riding in Cars with Boys' and 'Honey.' His most recent film credit is the 2009 horror flick 'Vacancy 2: The First Cut.'

Bill Pullman, Bryan Denton

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Then: Bill Pullman played Bryan Denton, a newspaper reporter who tries to convince David to keep him updated on the strike.

Now: Pullman is known best for roles in 'Independence Day' and 'Lost Highway,' and most recently appeared in 'Lola Versus.' He also starred in the short-lived NBC sitcom '1600 Penn,' and recently celebrated his performance in the off-Broadway play 'The Jacksonian.'

Robert Duvall, Joseph Pulitzer

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Then: Robert Duvall, star of such classic films as 'Apocalypse Now' and 'The Godfather,' played newspaper titan Joseph Pulitzer.

Now: In recent years Duvall has appeared in the films 'Get Low,' 'The Road,' 'Jayne Mansfield's Car' and 'Jack Reacher.' Scott Cooper, the actor-turned-director revving up for the release of his 'Out of the Furnace,' recently said that he owes his career to Duvall, who supported his aspirations."

Ann-Margret, Medda Larkson

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Then: Ann-Margret played Medda "Swedish Meadowlark" Larkson, a local vaudeville star. Margret was famous for roles in classic musicals like 'Bye Bye Birdie' and 'Viva Las Vegas.'

Now: Since 'Newsies,' Margret has appeared in the 'Grumpy Old Men' films, 'Any Given Sunday' and 'Old Dogs.' She also made guest appearances on 'Army Wives' and 'CSI.' Ann-Margret is married to actor Roger Smith, who's been struggled with neuromuscular disease Myasthenia Gravis. Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies awarded her this past November with the Spirit of Entertainment Award at the organizations 24th annual gala.

Luke Edwards, Les Jacobs

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Disney/Callard Harris Photography
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Then: Luke Edwards played Les Jacobs, David's younger brother, who he uses to manipulate people into buying newspapers. Edwards had also starred in 'The Wizard,' and appeared in episodes of 'Roseanne' and '21 Jump Street.'

Now: Edwards went on to star in 'Little Big League,' 'American Pie 2' and 'Jeepers Creepers 2.' He can be seen next in the sci-fi B-movie 'Stranglehold.'

Max Casella, Racetrack Higgins

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Then: Max Casella made his big-screen debut as Racetrack Higgins, a character based on a real-life newsboy from the era. You probably recognized him as Vinnie, Doogie's best friend on 'Doogie Howser, M.D.'

Now: Casella played Benny Fazio on 'The Sopranos,' and has had roles in recent films like 'Blue Jasmine,' 'Oldboy' and 'Inside Llewyn Davis.'

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