Simply put, David Cronenberg’s “The Fly” is one of the finest movies of the 1980s.
Loosely based on George Langelaan’s 1957 short story of the same name, it’s also a remake of Kurt Neumann’s 1958 film of the same name (and, frankly, one of the best remakes ever produced).
The sci-fi body horror movie follows an eccentric scientist who, after one of his teleportation experiments goes horrible wrong, gradually transforms into a terrifying fly-hybrid creature.
After being made on a budget of somewhere between $9 million and $15 million, it grossed over $60 million worldwide (per The Numbers). It also boasts a hugely impressive 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
It stars Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, with a small supporting cast of notable characters.
Released on August 15, 1986, “The Fly” will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be cool to see how its intimate core cast are looking today, compared to back when the movie hit theaters? Let’s take a look…
Jeff Goldblum (Seth Brundle)
GettyActor and musician Jeff Goldblum played Seth Brundle in “The Fly.” Brundle is the brilliant but eccentric scientist who invents teleportation pods (“telepods”). During a teleportation experiment, he accidentally fuses his DNA with that of a housefly, leading to his gradual, horrific transformation into “Brundlefly.”
Age when “The Fly” released: 33.
Selected movie credits before “The Fly”: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984), Transylvania 6-5000 (1985).
GettyAge now: 73.
Selected movie credits after “The Fly”: Jurassic Park (1993), Independence Day (1996), Wicked (2024).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Geena Davis (Veronica “Ronnie” Quaife)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Geena Davis in “The Fly.”
Academy Award-winning actress Geena Davis played Veronica “Ronnie” Quaife in “The Fly.” Ronnie is a science journalist who becomes Seth Brundle’s love interest in the movie. She documents his work, falls in love with him, and serves as the emotional center of the movie.
Age when “The Fly” released: 29.
Selected movie credits before “The Fly”: Tootsie (1982), Fletch (1985), Transylvania 6-5000 (1985).
GettyAge now: 70.
Selected movie credits after “The Fly”: Beetlejuice (1988), The Accidental Tourist (1988), Thelma & Louise (1991).
Filmography info per IMDb.
John Getz (Stathis Borans)
Above is a social media post with several pictures of John Getz in “The Fly.”
Character actor John Getz played Stathis Borans in “The Fly.” Stathis is Ronnie’s editor and ex-lover. Jealous and protective, he attempts to intervene in her involvement with Brundle, which indirectly contributes to the scientist’s gruesome transformation.
Age when “The Fly” released: 39.
Selected movie credits before “The Fly”: Tattoo (1981), Blood Simple (1984), Thief of Hearts (1984).
Above is a social media post with several more recent pictures of John Getz, including one from his most recent and ongoing role on “A Man on the Inside,” which he commenced in 2024.
Age now: 79.
Selected movie credits after “The Fly”: Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (1991), Zodiac (2007), The Social Network (2010).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Joy Boushel (Tawny)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Joy Boushel in “The Fly.”
Actress Joy Boushel played Tawny in “The Fly.” Tawny is a brief romantic interest of Seth Brundle’s who he picks up in a bar in an effort to make Ronnie jealous. When he attempts to coerce Tawny into testing his teleportation pods, Ronnie stops him.
Age when “The Fly” released: 26.
Selected movie credits before “The Fly”: Terror Train (1980), Quest for Fire (1981), Humongous (1982).
Unfortunately, Joy Boushel retired from acting in 1990 and more recent pictures of her are nigh-impossible to find.
Age now: 66.
Selected movie credits after “The Fly”: Keeping Track (1986), Look Who’s Talking (1989), Cursed (1990).
Filmography info per IMDb.
How nice it is to know the four core cast members of “The Fly” are all still with us, with three of them still acting today.
We hope Joy Boushel is enjoying life. According to her LinkedIn profile (which, to reiterate the above point, has no pictures of her), she’s a brand evangelist and visual storyteller based in Montreal, Canada.
