Mary Lambert’s movie adaptation of Stephen King’s 1983 novel “Pet Sematary” may not be the best cinematic offering based on King’s work, but it’s developed a devoted cult following over the years — and with good reason.
The supernatural horror follows a grieving father who, after tragedy strikes, discovers an ancient burial ground behind his home with the power to raise the dead. Despite being warned of the risks, he utilizes the site to bring his deceased son back, with dire consequences.
It was released on April 21, 1989, and stars the likes of Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne, Denise Crosby, and Brad Greenquist. As “Pet Sematary” approaches its 37th anniversary, wouldn’t it be cool to compare the cast of the film as they are now to how they were back when the movie hit theaters? Let’s do precisely that…
Dale Midkiff (Louis Creed)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Dale Midkiff in “Pet Sematary.”
Actor Dale Midkiff played Louis Creed in “Pet Sematary.” Dale is the physician father of Ellie and Gage Creed and the husband of Rachel Goldman-Creed. His grief leads to the horrific events of the movie.
Age when “Pet Sematary” released: 29.
Selected movie credits before “Pet Sematary”: Streetwalkin’ (1985), Nightmare Weekend (1986), Casual Sex? (1988).
Age now: 66.
Selected movie credits after “Pet Sematary”: Love Potion No. 9 (1992), The Crow: Salvation (2000), Hell’s Kitty (2018).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Fred Gwynne (Jud Crandall)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Fred Gwynne in “Pet Sematary.”
Actor, artist, and author Fred Gwynne played Jud Crandall in “Pet Sematary.” Jud is is the wise, folksy, and ultimately tragic neighbor to the Creed family in the movie.
Age when “Pet Sematary” released: 62.
Selected movie credits before “Pet Sematary”: Munster, Go Home! (1966), The Cotton Club (1984), Fatal Attraction (1987).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 1993 aged 66.
Selected movie credits after “Pet Sematary”: Shadows and Fog (1991), My Cousin Vinny (1992).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Denise Crosby (Rachel Goldman-Creed)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Denise Crosby in “Pet Sematary.”
Actress and former model Denise Crosby played Rachel Goldman-Creed in “Pet Sematary.” Rachel is Louis Creed’s wife and the mother of Ellie and Gage who becomes entangled in the movie’s unfolding horror.
Age when “Pet Sematary” released: 31.
Selected movie credits before “Pet Sematary”: 48 Hrs. (1982), Arizona Heat (1988), Skin Deep (1989).
Above is a 2025 social media post with a recent picture of Denise Crosby.
Age now: 68.
Selected movie credits after “Pet Sematary”: Dolly Dearest (1991), Deep Impact (1998), Itsy Bitsy (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Miko Hughes (Gage Creed)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Miko Hughes in “Pet Sematary.”
Child actor and movie debutant Miko Hughes played Gage Creed in “Pet Sematary.” Gage is the tragic, innocent toddler son of Louis and Rachel Creed — and the heartbreaking centerpiece of the movie’s horror, as he’s tragically killed, then resurrected with horrific results.
Age when “Pet Sematary” released: 3.
Selected movie credits before “Pet Sematary”: N/A.
Above is a 2025 social media post by Miko Hughes with a recent picture of him.
Age now: 39.
Selected movie credits after “Pet Sematary”: Kindergarten Cop (1990), Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994), Spawn (1997).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Blaze Berdahl (Ellen “Ellie” Creed)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Blaze Berdahl holding Miko Hughes on the set of “Pet Sematary.”
Young actress and movie debutant Blaze Berdahl played Ellen “Ellie” Creed in “Pet Sematary.” Ellie is the bright, inquisitive, and emotionally sensitive daughter of Louis and Rachel Creed, and Gage’s older sister.
Age when “Pet Sematary” released: 8.
Selected movie credits before “Pet Sematary”: N/A.
Above is a 2020 social media post with a picture of Blaze Berdahl from that year (more recent images are very hard to come by).
Age now: 45.
Selected movie credits after “Pet Sematary”: We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story (1993), Strong Island Boys (1997), JG and the BC Kids (2020).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Brad Greenquist (Victor Pascow)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Brad Greenquist on the set of “Pet Sematary.”
Actor Brad Greenquist played Victor Pascow in “Pet Sematary.” Victor is the tragic, supernatural warning figure in the movie who becomes the first victim viewers see, and whose gory ghost serves as a benevolent (yet undoubtedly creepy) harbinger of doom.
Age when “Pet Sematary” released: 29.
Selected movie credits before “Pet Sematary”: Mutants in Paradise (1984), The Bedroom Window (1987), The Chair (1989).
GettyAge now: 66.
Selected movie credits after “Pet Sematary”: Ali (2001), The Lone Ranger (2013), Annabelle: Creation (2017).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Live-action adaptations of Stephen King’s work are as popular as ever right now — see 2025’s movie “The Long Walk” and the recent television series “It: Welcome to Derry” for proof of that — so why not revisit an older one in “Pet Sematary”?
Despite its flaws, it has a scary premise, is well-acted, and has some very effective creepy moments. It’s grown into a bona fide horror classic — and it’s great to see the core cast doing so well so many years after its release.
