See the Cast of ‘Matilda’ Then and Now
In 1996, the beloved Roald Dahl children’s novel ‘Matilda’ was adapted into a movie directed by Danny DeVito. The film starred Mara Wilson, one of biggest child stars of the ‘90s, and quickly became a cult classic. (The underdog tale is now also a Broadway musical.) Check out what the cast of ‘Matilda’ are up to these days below.
Mara Wilson, Matilda
Then: Mara Wilson played the bright, supernaturally gifted and often mistreated title character in ‘Matilda.’ Wilson was already an established actress at the time of the film’s release, having starred in ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ and ‘Mrs. Doubtfire.’
Now: Wilson last mainstream role was 2000's ‘Thomas and the Magic Railroad.’ She graduated from New York University in 2009 and has stated she stopped acting because she no longer enjoys it, although she is still open to doing smaller films or theater. These days Wilson is a writer, and her home is the blog ‘Mara Wilson Writes Stuff.’ She’s also active on Twitter and has appeared in episodes of the Web series ‘Nostalgia Critic‘ and ‘Nostalgia Chick.’
Danny DeVito, Mr. Wormwood
Then: In addition to directing the movie, Devito played Matilda’s dad and crooked car salesman Harry Wormwood. The ‘90s were a good time for the diminutive actor/director/producer as he starred in movies like ‘Get Shorty’ and ‘Twins’ and was behind the camera for ‘Hoffa.’
Now: Devito plays oddball Frank Reynolds on ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.’ In 2012, he voiced the Lorax in the feature film based on the Dr. Seuss character. He will reportedly star alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Eddie Murphy in the upcoming ‘Twins’ sequel, ‘Triplets.’
Rhea Perlman, Mrs. Wormwood
Then: The character of Zinnia Wormwood was played by Rhea Perlman, who is also married to DeVito in real life. Perlman is best known for her four time Emmy Award-winning run as Carla Tortelli on ‘Cheers.’
Now: Perlman recently popped up on the sitcom ‘Hot in Cleveland’ and in the movie ‘The Sessions.’ There were disturbing reports in late 2012 that Perlman and Devito had separated after 30 years of marriage. However it appears they have since reconciled and we are all still free to believe love exists.
Embeth Davidtz, Miss Honey
Then: The role of Matilda’s good-hearted teacher and protector went to Embeth Davidtz. The South African actress’ first American role had been alongside Bruce Campbell in Sam Raimi’s ‘Army of Darkness.’
Now: Davidtz played Mary Parker in 2012's ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and is recurring character Rebecca Pryce on ‘Mad Men.’ She was also in the Harrison Ford thriller ‘Paranoia.’
Pam Ferris, Miss Trunchbull
Then: Pam Ferris was at her most wicked as sadistic headmistress Agatha Trunchbull. It was the English actress’ first big American role after a run of British TV shows.
Now: Ferris also got nasty for her other famous movie role – she was Aunt Marge in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.’ She will be providing the voice of Mrs. Claus, a much nicer character, for the upcoming animated Christmas movie ‘Saving Santa.’
Paul Reubens, FBI Agent Bob
Then: It’s always a bit odd to see Reubens not playing his Pee-wee Herman character but that’s what you get in ‘Matilda,’ in which he was an FBI agent. During that era, Reubens also lost the bowtie for films like ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Blow.’
Now: You can hear Reubens’ voice on ‘TRON: Uprising’ and he brought Pee-wee to Broadway and pops up as the character on shows like ‘Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.’ Rumor has it he’s working on bringing his bratty altar ego back to the big screen for producer Judd Apatow.
Tracey Walter, FBI Agent Bill
Then: The other FBI agent investigating Daniel Wormwood’s shady business practices was played by Tracey Walter. Walter had been known for portraying henchmen, goons and general creeps in movies such as ‘Silence of the Lambs,’ ‘City Slickers’ and ‘Batman.’
Now: True to type, Walter played a character named Scary Gary in the 2012 film ‘Camp Fred.’ He was also seen on a recent episode of ‘Southland.’
Kiami Davael, Lavender
Then: Lavender, Matilda’s best friend at school, was played by Kiami Davael in her screen debut. Davael went on to appear on the sitcoms ‘Moesha,’ ‘The Steve Harvey Show’ and ‘In The House.’
Now: Kiami Davael graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2008. She lives in Atlanta and recently completed her first screenplay, the short ‘Reckless.’
Jimmy Karz, Bruce Bogtrotter
Then: You probably remember cake thief Bruce Bogtrotter, who is forced by Miss Trunchbull to gorge himself on his plunder. The character was portrayed by Jimmy Karz, who later appeared in ‘The Wedding Singer’ as the “Studliest Kid at Bar Mitzvah” and an episode of ‘ER.’
Now: Karz doesn’t appear to be acting anymore. What we do know is he graduated from St. John’s University in New York City and (presumably) no longer has chocolate cake all over his face.