John Hughes’ “Uncle Buck” is one of the foremost comedy movies of the 1980s.
The movie tells the story of a bachelor who, after his sister-in-law’s father has a heart attack, babysits his nephew and two nieces — his brother and sister-in-law’s rebellious teenage daughter and her younger brother and sister — while she and his brother leave to visit the sick man in hospital.
It stars John Candy, Amy Madigan, Jean Louisa Kelly, and Macaulay Culkin, along with a talented cast of supporting actors.
“Uncle Buck” was released on August 16, 1989, meaning it will turn 37 years old this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be cool to see the cast as they were back then, compared to how they are now? Let’s do exactly that…
John Candy (Buck Russell)
Above is a social media post with a picture of John Candy in “Uncle Buck.”
Canadian actor and comedian John Candy played the eponymous Buck Russell in “Uncle Buck.” Buck is a lovable and fun-loving but irresponsible uncle who steps in to take care of his nieces and nephew. His chaotic but heartfelt approach forms the basis of the movie.
Age when “Uncle Buck” released: 38.
Selected movie credits before “Uncle Buck”: Stripes (1981), Splash (1984), Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 1994 aged 43.
Selected movie credits after “Uncle Buck”: Home Alone (1990), JFK (1991), Cool Runnings (1993).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jean Louisa Kelly (Tia Russell)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Jean Louisa Kelly in “Uncle Buck.”
Debutant Jean Louisa Kelly played Tia Russell in “Uncle Buck.” Tia is a rebellious, angsty 15-year-old, and the child who clashes most with Buck. In the movie, she deals with typical teen issues like boyfriends and independence.
Age when “Uncle Buck” released: 17.
Selected movie credits before “Uncle Buck”: N/A.
GettyAge now: 53.
Selected movie credits after “Uncle Buck”: Ant-Man (2015), Malignant (2021), Top Gun: Maverick (2022).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Macaulay Culkin (Miles Russell)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Macaulay Culkin in “Uncle Buck.”
Actor and musician Macaulay Culkin played Miles Russell in “Uncle Buck.” Miles is a sweet and curious 8-year-old who bonds quickly with his uncle. Subsequently, he is involved in many of the movie’s funniest and most wholesome moments.
Age when “Uncle Buck” released: 8.
Selected movie credits before “Uncle Buck”: See You in the Morning (1989).
GettyAge now: 45.
Selected movie credits after “Uncle Buck”: Home Alone (1990), My Girl (1991), Richie Rich (1994).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Gaby Hoffmann (Maizy Russell)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Gaby Hoffman (front right) in “Uncle Buck.”
Actress Gaby Hoffman played Maizy Russell in “Uncle Buck.” Maizy is the precocious, outspoken, and adorable youngest of the siblings. The 6-year-old’s blunt honesty and interactions with Buck provide much of the movie’s comedy.
Age when “Uncle Buck” released: 7.
Selected movie credits before “Uncle Buck”: Field of Dreams (1989).
GettyAge now: 44.
Selected movie credits after “Uncle Buck”: Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Everyone Says I Love You (1996), Volcano (1997).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Amy Madigan (Chanice Kobolowski)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Amy Madigan in “Uncle Buck.”
Academy Award-nominated actress Amy Madigan played Chanice Kobolowski in “Uncle Buck.” Chanice is Buck’s long-suffering but loving tire-shop-owning girlfriend, who provides a grounding influence and plays a significant supporting role in Buck’s personal growth.
Age when “Uncle Buck” released: 38.
Selected movie credits before “Uncle Buck”: Twice in a Lifetime (1985), The Prince of Pennsylvania (1988), Field of Dreams (1989).
GettyAge now: 75.
Selected movie credits after “Uncle Buck”: Pollock (2000), Gone Baby Gone (2007), Weapons (2025).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jay Underwood (Bug)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Jay Underwood (L) in “Uncle Buck.”
Prolific actor Jay Underwood played Bug in “Uncle Buck.” Bug is Tia Russell’s sleazy boyfriend who gets taught a lesson by Buck.
Age when “Uncle Buck” released: 20.
Selected movie credits before “Uncle Buck”: Desert Bloom (1986), Promised Land (1987), The Invisible Kid (1988).
GettyAge now: 57.
Selected movie credits after “Uncle Buck”: Sleepstalker (1995), A Reason to Believe (1995), The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Laurie Metcalf (Marcy Dahlgren-Frost)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Laurie Metcalf in “Uncle Buck.”
Academy Award-nominated actress Laurie Metcalf played Marcy Dahlgren-Frost in “Uncle Buck.” Marcy is the Russell family’s nosy neighbor who develops a lustful interest in Buck.
Age when “Uncle Buck” released: 34.
Selected movie credits before “Uncle Buck”: Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), Candy Mountain (1987), Miles from Home (1988).
GettyAge now: 70.
Selected movie credits after “Uncle Buck”: JFK (1991), Scream 2 (1997), Lady Bird (2017).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Garrett M. Brown (Bob Russell)
Above is a social media post with the poster for “Uncle Buck,” which features Garrett M. Brown (he’s on the right wearing glasses).
Character actor Garrett M. Brown played Bob Russell in “Uncle Buck.” Bob is Tia, Miles, and Maizy’s dad who is absent for most of the movie, visiting his sick father-in-law.
Age when “Uncle Buck” released: 40.
Selected movie credits before “Uncle Buck”: Zelig (1983), Lucas (1986).
Above is a social media post with two pictures of Garrett M. Brown in 2025.
Age now: 77.
Selected movie credits after “Uncle Buck”: Gridiron Gang (2006), Kick-Ass (2010), Behind the Candelabra (2013).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Elaine Bromka (Cindy Russell)
Above is a social media post with the poster for “Uncle Buck,” which features Elaine Bromka. She’s the woman above Macaulay Culkin with her head against the door.
Stage and screen actress Elaine Bromka played Cindy Russell in “Uncle Buck.” Cindy is Tia, Miles, and Maizy’s mom who is absent for most of the movie, visiting her sick father.
Age when “Uncle Buck” released: 39.
Selected movie credits before “Uncle Buck”: Without a Trace (1983).
Above is a 2024 social media post with several recent pictures of Elaine Bromka.
Age now: 76.
Selected movie credits after “Uncle Buck”: Archaeology of a Woman (2012), Theresa Is a Mother (2012), Happy Yummy Chicken (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s great to see that most of the cast of “Uncle Buck” are still doing so well, but obviously sad that its main star is no longer with us.
May John Candy rest in eternal peace.
