If you can believe it, on January 31, 2026, comedy movie “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” will turn 40 years old.
The plot of Paul Mazursky’s enjoyable offering — based on the 1919 French play “Boudu sauvé des eaux,” which was later adapted into Jean Renoir’s 1932 film “Boudu sauvé des eaux” — concerns a rich but dysfunctional couple who save a down-and-out homeless man intent on taking his own life.
Nick Nolte played Jerry Baskin, the homeless man, while Bette Midler and Richard Dreyfuss played Barbara and Dave Whiteman, the couple who save him. But they aren’t the only famous stars in the cast.
Let’s take a look at the cast of “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” as they were then compared to how they are now…
Nick Nolte (Jerry Baskin)
GettyAcademy Award-nominated Nick Nolte played Jerry Baskin in “Down and Out in Beverly Hills.” Baskin is a down-and-out homeless man who, distraught at the loss of his beloved dog, attempts to drown himself in a rich couple’s pool.
Age when “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” released: 44.
Selected credits before “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”: Who’ll Stop the Rain (1978), 48 Hrs. (1982), Under Fire (1983).
GettyAge now: 84.
Selected credits after “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”: Cape Fear (1991), Hulk (2003), The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Bette Midler (Barbara Whiteman)
GettyThe iconic Bette Midler played Barbara White man in “Down and Out in Beverly Hills.” Barbara is the shopaholic wife of rich manufacturing mogul Dave Whiteman.
Age when “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” released: 40.
Selected credits before “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”: The Thorn (1971), The Rose (1979), Jinxed! (1982).
GettyAge now: 80.
Selected credits after “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”: Beaches (1988), Hocus Pocus (1993), The Stepford Wives (2004).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Richard Dreyfuss (Dave Whiteman)
GettyThe hugely underrated Richard Dreyfuss played Dave Whiteman in “Down and Out in Beverly Hills.” Dave is Barbara’s husband and the rich owner of Dav-Bar, a manufacturing business that makes wire garment hangers.
Age when “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” released: 38.
Selected credits before “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”: American Graffiti (1973), Jaws (1975), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977).
GettyAge now: 78.
Selected credits after “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”: Stand by Me (1986), What About Bob? (1991), W. (2008).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Little Richard (Orvis Goodnight)
GettySinger-songwriter and pianist Little Richard, aka Richard Penniman, played Orvis Goodnight in “Down and Out in Beverly Hills.” Goodnight is a flamboyant and wealthy neighbor of the Whitemans.
Age when “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” released: 53.
Selected credits before “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”: The Girl Can’t Help It (1956), Mister Rock and Roll (1957), Catalina Caper (1967).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2020 aged 87.
Selected credits after “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”: Purple People Eater (1988), Last Action Hero (1993), Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Elizabeth Peña (Carmen)
GettyCuban-American actress Elizabeth Peña played Carmen in “Down and Out in Beverly Hills.” Carmen is the Whiteman family’s live-in maid, hired by Barbara to satisfy Dave’s lust.
Age when “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” released: 26.
Selected credits before “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”: Times Square (1980), They All Laughed (1981), Crossover Dreams (1985).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2014 aged 55.
Selected credits after “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”: Jacob’s Ladder (1990), Rush Hour (1998), The Incredibles (2004).
Filmography info per IMDb.
If you’re looking for a great movie to watch and a reason to watch it, why not watch “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” to celebrate its 40th anniversary?
May Little Richard and Elizabeth Peña rest in eternal peace.
