Here’s a little blast from the past!
If you're feeling nostalgic, get ready because we’re about to take you on a wild ride down
memory lane to a not-so-innocent era of high school hijinks and teenage tomfoolery.
Welcome to the wild world of "Porky's."
Released back in 1982, this raucous comedy told the tales of a group of Florida high
school students hell-bent on losing their virginity.
Throughout their journey, they end up embroiled in a series of hilarious adventures, culminating
in a notorious encounter with a certain nefarious nightclub owner named Porky.
"Porky's" was a laugh-out-loud, hold-your-sides-funny movie that pulled no punches, setting the
tone for many teen comedies that followed.
It catapulted its young, fresh-faced cast into the spotlight and had audiences rolling
in the aisles from coast to coast.
Today, we're diving deep into the "where are they now" files.
We'll be revisiting the stars who brought those unforgettable characters to life and
exploring what's been happening in their lives since they wandered off the cinematic schoolyard.
From on-screen adventures to off-screen journeys, it's time to catch up with the cast of "Porky's."
And yes, we'll be paying respect to those we've lost over the years as well.
Facts Verse Presents: Porky's Cast Then and Now (1981 vs. 2023)
Dan Monahan - Edward “Pee Wee” Morris
Remember the antics of Edward "Pee Wee" Morris, the loveable prankster whose main goal was
to lose his virginity at Porky's?
The actor behind Pee Wee, Dan Monahan, stepped onto the acting stage in the late '70s with
a few episodes of Eight is Enough.
Juggling a role in the Oscar-nominated film Only When I Laugh with the hilarity of Porky's,
Monahan certainly made an impression.
Following the success of the first film, Dan's journey with the Porky's franchise extended
to the sequel and the third installment, Porky's Revenge.
With a career that played out like a delightful teen rom-com, Monahan retreated from the limelight
after the 1997 horror flick Night Flier.
Today, at 67, he's relishing the serenity of photography and golf, even taking on some
of the world's most renowned golf courses.
As far as his personal life is concerned, he's been married since 1982 to Sharon Killius,
a teacher.
Together they share a daughter.
Alex Karras - Sheriff Wallace
Before ever setting foot on a film set, Alex Karras was already making his name in a completely
different field - American football.
A first-round draft pick for the Detroit Lions, Karras proved his athletic prowess on the
field until his retirement in 1970.
His exceptional performance as a defensive tackle didn't go unnoticed, earning him a
well-deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Transitioning from the football field to the big screen, Karras turned heads with his portrayal
of the memorable character, Mongo, in the iconic comedy "Blazing Saddles."
His performance in that film caught the attention of "Porky's" casting directors, eventually
landing him the role of Sheriff Wallace.
After "Porky's," Karras took a turn for the small screen and secured his most memorable
role -- as the loving adoptive father, George Papadapolis on the hit sitcom, "Webster."
The show, which starred Emmanuel Lewis as the titular Webster, also featured Karras'
real-life wife, Susan Clark.
Tragically, in 2011, Karras began experiencing severe health problems, leading to his passing
in 2012.
Despite his loss, his contributions to both sports and entertainment remain unforgettable
- immortalizing him as a multifaceted talent who deserves our respect.
Mark Herrier – Billy
Mark Herrier gave life to Billy, another member of the gang looking to ditch his virginity.
Herrier's journey began on the stage, but it was Porky's that gave him his first taste
of the big screen.
He simultaneously starred in the number one movie in America and the Broadway hit, Sister
Mary Ignatius.
Post-Porky's, his career took him through guest appearances on shows like M*A*S*H and
Murder, She Wrote, and a stint on The Practice in 1998.
After taking a break, Herrier made a comeback in 2019 on the Amazon show Bosch.
He's currently 68, living in California, and shares two kids with his wife.
Dough McGrath – Coach Warren
Canadian actor Doug McGrath, widely recognized for his unforgettable chuckle, first made
his mark in the film industry with the 1970 film "Goin' Down the Road," which won him
a coveted Canadian Academy Award.
While his performance in "Porky's" might not have been as profound, it offered movie-goers
a taste of McGrath's delightful humor and left a lasting impression.
As Coach Warren, he became an integral part of the comedic fabric that defines the film.
Though the Coach character didn't return for the "Porky's" sequels, McGrath's career continued
to thrive.
He displayed his range across numerous popular films and television shows, such as "Falcon
Crest," "Little House on the Prairie," and "Twilight Zone: The Movie," among others.
Today, McGrath continues to contribute to the entertainment world, primarily working
out of his native Canada.
Wyatt Knight – Tommy
Wyatt Knight's portrayal of Tommy, the incorrigible peeping Tom, is unforgettable.
Starting his acting journey with an episode of The Waltons in 1979, he went on to play
diverse roles on shows like TJ Hooker and Family Ties.
His acting career took a downturn in the 2000s, around the same time he underwent a bone marrow
transplant for stage-4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The emotional and physical toll from his treatments tragically culminated in his death in 2011,
at the age of 56.
He left this world in a remote area of Maui, where he lived at the time.
After enduring so much, we hope that he finally found the peace he sought.
Roger Wilson – Mickey
Remember Mickey's dramatic hospitalization after his run-in with Porky?
That's Roger Wilson, who made his mark on the show Seven Brides for Seven Brothers after
his stint in Porky's.
While his acting career wasn't lengthy, his musical prowess shone through as he fronted
the band Num in the '90s and played with the Born Again Baldwins in the 2000s.
At 66, Wilson has explored various careers, from bartending and bar ownership to wellness
coaching.
Currently, he's at the helm of the supper club 7908 in Aspen, which he founded in 2018.
Cyril O’Reilly – Tim
Cyril O'Reilly added a dash of depth to Porky's as Tim, a character struggling with anger
issues inherited from his father.
O'Reilly started acting in 1980 and while Porky's might be his most popular role, he
also played a vampire in the film Dance of the Damned in the late '80s.
Now at 64, O’Reilly is set to make an acting comeback in the 2023 film Pig Killer.
Tony Ganios – Meat
Known for his large physique and his role as Meat in Porky's, Tony Ganios has had an
interesting journey.
Forced into acting at 18 by his uncle, he starred in The Wanderers before joining the
Porky's gang.
From there, he moved onto other roles, including a part in the second Die Hard film.
Ganios later pivoted from acting to insurance, becoming an agent in New York City.
Now 63, he frequents conventions and is known for giving insightful interviews.
Kaki Hunter - Wendy Williams
Who could forget Wendy Williams, the girl who finally wins Pee Wee's heart?
Kaki Hunter, who began her Hollywood career in 1977, immortalized the character.
With roles in Roadie and Just The Way You Are, she left her mark on the industry before
retiring from acting.
At 67, Hunter teaches white water rafting in Utah, has written a how-to book on Earthbag
Building, and is involved in community theater.
You can also find her showcasing her singing talents on her YouTube channel.
Kim Cattrall - Miss Lynn “Lassie” Honeywell
Kim Cattrall, who played the memorable Miss Honeywell or "Lassie," began her acting career
in 1975.
Her filmography includes Ticket to Heaven, Masquerade, and of course, Porky's.
However, she's most renowned for her role in Sex and the City from 1998 to 2004, which
she reprised in two spin-off movies.
Now 66, Cattrall has been active in a number of shows, including Sensitive Skin and How
I Met Your Father.
She's also set to appear in the film About My Father alongside Robert De Niro and has
a cameo in the sequel series to Sex and the City, And Just Like That.
Boyd Gaines - Coach Brackett
Boyd Gaines, noted for his role in "Fame," gained further recognition when he portrayed
Coach Brackett in "Porky's."
As the love-smitten coach with a soft spot for the enchanting Ms. Honeywell, Gaines captured
the hearts of audiences.
Interestingly, this was only his second role in film or television, and it essentially
set the stage for his thriving acting career.
Beyond his appearances on the big screen, Gaines has also demonstrated his talents on
Broadway, featuring in noteworthy productions such as "She Loves Me," "Cabaret," and "Anything
Goes."
His performances have not gone unnoticed; he has been showered with accolades in recognition
of his work on stage.
In recent years, Gaines has continued to flex his acting muscles, most notably in a supporting
role in the 2019 Ansel Elgort-starring film "The Goldfinch."
Chuck Mitchell - Porky Wallace
The "Porky's" cast roster wouldn't be complete without the character that gave the film its
name - Porky Wallace, played masterfully by Chuck Mitchell.
A formidable figure, Mitchell brought a resonant authority to his portrayal of the brothel
owner, creating a character that remains permanently etched in the audience's memory.
A man of many talents, Mitchell was not just an accomplished actor but also an impressive
singer and stand-up comedian.
His deep, commanding voice was an asset that served him well in all these roles, making
him a very adaptable performer.
After "Porky's," Mitchell continued to entertain audiences, notably in the 1985 comedy "Better
Off Dead," where he played a hilariously disheveled restaurant owner.
Tragically, Mitchell passed away in 1992 at the age of 64.
We hope you've enjoyed this nostalgic walk down memory lane with the stars of "Porky's."
It's fascinating to see where the roads have taken these talented actors since their iconic
performances in this cult classic.
But now, it's your turn to join in!
We would love to hear your thoughts.
Who was your favorite character?
Do you have any fond memories associated with this movie?
Or perhaps you have some insider knowledge or trivia about the cast that we've missed?
Let us know in the comments section down below.
And as always, thanks for watching!