John Landis’ iconic supernatural comedy horror movie “An American Werewolf in London” is one of the finest flicks of its kind ever made.
It follows follows a pair of American backpackers who get attacked by a werewolf while travelling in England. While one of them perishes in the attack, the other transforms into a werewolf under the next full moon.
The film holds a hugely impressive 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Per The Numbers, it grossed almost $62 million worldwide, which made it a very successful low-budget production.
“An American Werewolf in London” starred a small core cast comprising David Naughton, Griffin Dunne, Jenny Agutter, and John Woodvine.
Released on August 21, 1981, it will turn 45 this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be great to see how that core cast are looking today, compared to when the movie hit theaters? Let’s do that immediately…
David Naughton (David Kessler)
GettyActor and singer David Naughton played David Kessler in “An American Werewolf in London.” David is the movie’s protagonist and the eponymous “American werewolf.” He’s a young backpacker travelling in the United Kingdom who gets bitten by a werewolf and gradually turns into one, forming the film’s primary story arc.
Age when “An American Werewolf in London” released: 30.
Selected movie credits before “An American Werewolf in London”: Midnight Madness (1980).
Above is a 2025 social media post with a recent picture of David Naughton (L).
Age now: 75.
Selected movie credits after “An American Werewolf in London”: Private Affairs (1988), Urban Safari (1996), A Thousand Cuts (2012).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Griffin Dunne (Jack Goodman)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Griffin Dunne in “An American Werewolf in London.”
Academy Award-nominated director, producer, and actor Griffin Dunne played Jack Goodman in “An American Werewolf in London.” Jack is David’s best friend and fellow American backpacker travelling in the United Kingdom. He is killed in the same werewolf attack in which David gets bitten. He returns as an undead ghost of sorts, talking to David and providing some comic relief.
Age when “An American Werewolf in London” released: 26.
Selected movie credits before “An American Werewolf in London”: The Other Side of the Mountain (1975), Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979).
GettyAge now: 70.
Selected movie credits after “An American Werewolf in London”: After Hours (1985), My Girl (1991), Dallas Buyers Club (2013).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jenny Agutter (Alex Price)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Jenny Agutter in “An American Werewolf in London.”
English actress Jenny Agutter played Alex Price in “An American Werewolf in London.” Alex is a compassionate English nurse who cares for David when he gets taken to hospital following the werewolf attack. She quickly becomes his love interest and takes him into her home to help him recover.
Age when “An American Werewolf in London” released: 28.
Selected movie credits before “An American Werewolf in London”: The Railway Children (1970), Logan’s Run (1976), Equus (1977).
GettyAge now: 73.
Selected movie credits after “An American Werewolf in London”: Child’s Play 2 (1990), Burke and Hare (2010), The Avengers (2012).
Filmography info per IMDb.
John Woodvine (Dr. J.S. Hirsch)
Above is a social media post with a picture of John Woodvine in “An American Werewolf in London.”
English actor John Woodvine played Dr. J.S. Hirsch in “An American Werewolf in London.” Dr. Hirsch is the attending physician at the hospital David gets taken to following the werewolf attack. He is caring but skeptical, which prompts him to thoroughly investigate David’s bizarre claims and symptoms.
Age when “An American Werewolf in London” released: 52.
Selected movie credits before “An American Werewolf in London”: The Devils (1971), Young Winston (1972), Assault on Agathon (1975).
Above is a 2015 social media post with a more recent picture of John Woodvine.
Age now: Sadly passed away in 2025 aged 96.
Selected movie credits after “An American Werewolf in London”: Spaghetti House (1982), Vanity Fair (2004), Enys Men (2022).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s fantastic to see that three of the four main stars of “An American Werewolf in London” are still with us. However, it’s undoubtedly sad to see not all of them have made it to 2026.
May John Woodvine rest in eternal peace.
