Emile Ardolino’s “Sister Act” is one of the most beloved movies of the 1990s.
The musical crime comedy tells the story of a Nevada lounge singer forced to hide in a convent disguised as a nun after being placed in a witness protection program.
It stars Whoopi Goldberg as performer Deloris Van Cartier, aka Sister Mary Clarence, along with a fantastic supporting cast that includes Maggie Smith and Harvey Keitel.
“Sister Act” was a major financial success. Per E! Online, it grossed over $231 million worldwide, having cost just $31 million to make. It currently boasts an approval rating of 73% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Released on May 29, 1992, “Sister Act” will celebrate its 34th anniversary this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be fun to see how the core cast are looking today compared to back then? Let’s do that now…
Whoopi Goldberg (Deloris Van Cartier / Sister Mary Clarence)
Above is a social media post with five pictures of Whoopi Goldberg in “Sister Act.”
Academy Award-winning actress, comedian, and singer Whoopi Goldberg played Deloris Van Cartier, aka Sister Mary Clarence, in “Sister Act.” Deloris is a Nevada lounge singer who witnesses a murder, enters a witness protection program, and hides out disguised as a nun in a California convent. There, she transforms the resident choir with her soulful energy.
Age when “Sister Act” released: 36.
Selected movie credits before “Sister Act”: The Color Purple (1985), Ghost (1990), Soapdish (1991).
GettyAge now: 70.
Selected movie credits after “Sister Act”: The Lion King (1994), Girl, Interrupted (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Maggie Smith (Reverend Mother)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Maggie Smith in “Sister Act.”
Two-time Academy Award-winning English actress Dame Maggie Smith played Reverend Mother in “Sister Act.” Reverend Mother is the strict and traditional head of the convent Deloris hides in. While she initially clashes with Deloris, she grows fond of her as the movie’s story progresses.
Age when “Sister Act” released: 57.
Selected movie credits before “Sister Act”: Othello (1965), The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), California Suite (1978).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2024 aged 89.
Selected movie credits after “Sister Act”: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Gosford Park (2001), Downton Abbey (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Harvey Keitel (Vince LaRocca)
GettyAcademy Award-nominated actor Harvey Keitel played Vince LaRocca in “Sister Act.” Vince is a mobster and Deloris’ former lover. He wants her dead after she witnesses him murdering an informant, which is why she ends up in a witness protection program.
Age when “Sister Act” released: 53.
Selected movie credits before “Sister Act”: Mean Streets (1973), Taxi Driver (1976), Bugsy (1991).
GettyAge now: 86.
Selected movie credits after “Sister Act”: Pulp Fiction (1994), Cop Land (1997), The Irishman (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Kathy Najimy (Sister Mary Patrick)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Kathy Najimy in “Sister Act.”
Actress, voice actress, and activist Kathy Najimy played Sister Mary Patrick in “Sister Act.” Sister Patrick is a cheerful, enthusiastic, and bubbly nun who quickly embraces the changes Deloris makes — especially with regards to the choir.
Age when “Sister Act” released: 35.
Selected movie credits before “Sister Act”: The Hardy Way (1991), Soapdish (1991), The Fisher King (1991).
GettyAge now: 69.
Selected movie credits after “Sister Act”: Hocus Pocus (1993), WALL-E (2008), A Madea Christmas (2013).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Wendy Makkena (Sister Mary Robert)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Wendy Makkena in “Sister Act.”
Television and movie actress Wendy Makkena played Sister Mary Robert in “Sister Act.” Sister Robert is a shy, timid, and soft-spoken young nun who gains a newfound confidence and voice through Deloris’ influence.
Age when “Sister Act” released: 33.
Selected movie credits before “Sister Act”: Eight Men Out (1988).
GettyAge now: 67.
Selected movie credits after “Sister Act”: Air Bud (1997), State of Play (2009), A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Mary Wickes (Sister Mary Lazarus)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Mary Wickes in “Sister Act” (she’s the one holding the rosary beads on the right).
Veteran character actor Mary Wickes played Sister Mary Lazarus. Sister Lazarus is an elderly, no-nonsense, and sharp-tongued nun who is skeptical of Deloris but eventually joins in with her fun.
Age when “Sister Act” released: 81.
Selected movie credits before “Sister Act”: Private Buckaroo (1942), White Christmas (1954), The Spirit Is Willing (1967).
Age now: Sadly passed away in 1995, only three years after “Sister Act,” aged 85.
Selected movie credits after “Sister Act”: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), Little Women (1994), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Bill Nunn (Lieutenant Eddie Souther)
Above is a social media post with several pictures of Bill Nunn. The bottom right picture is Nunn in “Sister Act” alongside Whoopi Goldberg.
Television and movie actor Bill Nunn played Lieutenant Eddie Souther in “Sister Act.” Lieutenant Souther is the kind and thoughtful police officer in charge of Deloris’ witness protection program. He places her in the convent and checks in on her.
Age when “Sister Act” released: 39.
Selected movie credits before “Sister Act”: School Daze (1988), Mo’ Better Blues (1990), Regarding Henry (1991).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2016 aged 62.
Selected movie credits after “Sister Act”: Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995), Spider-Man (2002), Won’t Back Down (2012).
Filmography info per IMDb.
While it’s great to see some of the core cast of “Sister Act” are still with us, it’s sad that not all of them are still around in 2026.
The film spawned a 1993 sequel (“Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit,” which was critically panned) and a musical adaptation, which premiered in 2006. A third movie in the franchise is said to be in development for Disney+.
May Maggie Smith, Mary Wickes, and Bill Nunn rest in eternal peace.
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