It’s wild to think that the comedy movie “Trading Places” turned 42 years old this year. Is it or isn’t it a Christmas movie? Even though the Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy comedy movie was released on June 8, 1983, the movie centers around the holiday season. Because of this, many consider this a Christmas movie.
Besides Aykroyd and Murphy, “Trading Places” also starred Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The movie tells the story of an upper-class commodities broker (Aykroyd) and a poor street hustler (Murphy), as their lives intersect over the Christmas and New Year holidays. The duo is unwittingly made the subjects of an elaborate bet to test how each man will perform when their lives are swapped. Ever wondered what they all look like now compared to how they did back when “Trading Places” was released? It’s time to find out!
Dan Aykroyd (Louis Winthorpe III)
GettyAykroyd played the stuffy commodities broker Louis Winthorpe III, who finds his world turned upside down as part of a Duke brother bet, according to IMDb.
GettyAykroyd was already a “Saturday Night Live” alum before “Trading Places.” After this movie, he continued his prolific career in comedy and film. He went on to co-write and star in the “Ghostbusters” franchise, appear in movies like “50 First Dates,” and reprise his role as Dr. Ray Stantz in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” He’s also returned to “The Simpsons” as a voice actor and remains active in entertainment.
Eddie Murphy (Billy Ray Valentine)
GettyThis movie was Eddie Murphy’s second movie role. It was also a breakout vehicle that cemented his status as a rising star. This character, Billy Ray Valentin, became an instant classic character.
GettyMurphy went on to become one of Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars throughout the 1980s and ‘90s. He had hits like “Beverly Hills Cop,” “The Nutty Professor,” and “Coming to America.” He also had voice work in the “Shrek” franchise. He continues to work today, starring in projects like “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” and continuing to attract audiences worldwide.
Ralph Bellamy (Randolph Duke)
GettyBellamy portrayed the ruthless Randolph Duke, one of the wealthy brothers wagering on human behavior. He was 79 years old when the movie hit theaters in 1983.
Bellamy was a veteran character actor decades into his career by the time “Trading Places” premiered. He continued acting into the early 1990s, including his final role in “Pretty Woman.” In 1987, he received a lifetime achievement Oscar for his long contributions to film and stage. In 1991, he passed away at the age of 87.
Don Ameche (Mortimer Duke)
GettyAmeche played Randolph’s brother Mortimer. He was one half of the scheming duo at the center of the movie’s central bet.
Getty“Trading Places” was a late-career comeback for Ameche. Before this movie, he hadn’t appeared in any major featured movies in over a decade.
Shortly after “Trading Places,” he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Cocoon (1985). He continued working until his final role in the early 1990s. He then passed away in 1993 at the age of 85.
Denholm Elliott (Coleman)
GettyElliott played Coleman, who was Louis Winthrope III’s loyal butler. He quietly endeared himself to audiences.
GettyHe was already an acclaimed actor before this role. He delivered memorable turns in movies like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” before and after “Trading Places.” He won multiple BAFTA awards during his career, but sadly passed away in 1992 at the age of 70.
Jamie Lee Curtis (Ophelia)
GettyCurtis brought warmth and wit to the role of Ophelia. She was a savvy ally to Winthrope when he hit rock bottom.
GettyCurtis is far from anything that just an ‘80s star. She has enjoyed a successful career that continues today. She has won critical acclaim and awards for recent TV work on “The Bear,” as well as starring in “Haunted Mansion” and “Freakier Friday” this year. Her range is amazing, as she can go from horror queen to beloved Hollywood veteran.
Trading Places remains a holiday favorite and a snapshot of its era, but as these stars’ careers show, the film’s legacy lives on far beyond its New Year’s Eve setting. May Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, and Denholm Elliott rest in eternal peace.
