Penny Marshall’s “Big” is one of the most beloved movies of the 1980s. The fantasy comedy is about a 13-year-old boy whose wish on a fortune teller machine to be “big” transforms him physically into a 30-year-old man.
It stars Tom Hanks in the leading role as Josh Baskin — the boy in an adult’s body. Hanks’ performance in the role resulted in the first of his six Academy Award nominations (though he failed to win on this occasion).
“Big” was a huge commercial and critical success. Per The Numbers, it made $151.7 million worldwide, having been produced on a budget of around $18 million. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a hugely impressive 98% approval rating.
Having hit theaters in the United States on June 3, 1988, “Big” will turn 38 years old this year. So what do the cast of the popular film look like now, compared to when it was released? Let’s find out…
Tom Hanks (Adult Josh Baskin)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Tom Hanks in “Big.”
Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks played the adult (“big”) version of Josh Baskin in “Big.” Josh is a young boy who makes a wish to become “big” that comes true and, as an adult, after failing to convince his mother of his story, he moves to New York City and gets a job at a toy company.
Age when “Big” released: 31.
Selected movie credits before “Big”: Splash (1984), Bachelor Party (1984), Dragnet (1987).
GettyAge now: 69.
Selected movie credits after “Big”: Forrest Gump (1994), Toy Story (1995), Saving Private Ryan (1998).
Filmography info per IMDb.
David Moscow (Young Josh Baskin)
Above is a social media post with a picture of David Moscow in “Big.”
Actor, producer, and activist David Moscow played the child version of Josh Baskin in “Big.” Josh makes the wish to become “big” after attempting to impress a girl by going on a carnival ride, but embarrassingly discovering he’s too short to ride it.
Age when “Big” released: 13.
Selected movie credits before “Big”: N/A.
Above is a 2025 social media post by David Moscow with a recent picture of him (centre) with his family.
Age now: 51.
Selected movie credits after “Big”: Newsies (1992), Honey (2003), Just Married (2003).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jared Rushton (Billy Kopecki)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Jared Rushton (R) on the set of “Big” with Tom Hanks.
Former child actor Jared Rushton played Billy Kopecki in “Big.” Billy is Josh’s loyal childhood best friend who, after getting over the initial disbelief and shock of seeing his buddy in a grown man’s body, helps him navigate his new life.
Age when “Big” released: 14.
Selected movie credits before “Big”: Overboard (1987), Lady in White (1988).
Age now: 51.
Selected movie credits after “Big”: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), A Cry in the Wild (1990), Pet Sematary Two (1992).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Elizabeth Perkins (Susan Lawrence)
Above is a social media post showing Elizabeth Perkins in “Big.”
“Weeds” actress Elizabeth Perkins played Susan Lawrence in “Big.” Susan is a sophisticated marketing executive at the toy company Josh Works for who soon becomes his love interest.
Age when “Big” released: 27.
Selected movie credits before “Big”: About Last Night (1986), From the Hip (1987).
GettyAge now: 65.
Selected movie credits after “Big”: The Flintstones (1994), Miracle on 34th Street (1994), The Ring Two (2005).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Robert Loggia (Mr. MacMillan)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Robert Loggia (L) with Tom Hanks in “Big.”
Academy Award-nominated veteran actor Robert Loggia played Mr. MacMillan in “Big.” Mr. MacMillan is the kind-hearted owner and CEO of the toy company Josh works for who takes a liking to his newest employee.
Age when “Big” released: 58.
Selected movie credits before “Big”: An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Scarface (1983), Jagged Edge (1985).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2015 aged 85.
Selected movie credits after “Big”: Innocent Blood (1992), Independence Day (1996), Lost Highway (1997).
Filmography info per IMDb.
John Heard (Paul Davenport)
Above is a picture of John Heard in “Home Alone” (1990).
Character actor John Heard played Paul Davenport in “Big.” Paul is the ambitious but jealous vice president of marketing at the toy company who sees Josh as a threat to him.
Age when “Big” released: 42.
Selected movie credits before “Big”: Heart Beat (1980), Cutter’s Way (1981), Cat People (1982).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2017 aged 71.
Selected movie credits after “Big”: Home Alone (1990), The Pelican Brief (1993), White Chicks (2004).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Mercedes Ruehl (Mrs. Baskin)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Mercedes Ruehl in “Big.”
Stage and screen actress Mercedes Ruehl played Mrs. Baskin in “Big.” Mrs. Baskin is Josh’s mother, whose shock at seeing a grown man in her house (her son!) leads to him leaving and moving to New York City.
Age when “Big” released: 40.
Selected movie credits before “Big”: The Warriors (1979), Heartburn (1986), 84 Charing Cross Road (1987).
GettyAge now: 77.
Selected movie credits after “Big”: The Fisher King (1991), Last Action Hero (1993), Gia (1998).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jon Lovitz (Scotty Brennen)
GettyActor and comedian Jon Lovitz played Scotty Brennen in “Big.” Scotty is Josh’s sleazy co-worker and cubicle neighbor in the data processing department at the toy company.
Age when “Big” released: 30.
Selected movie credits before “Big”: Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986), Three Amigos (1986), The Brave Little Toaster (1987).
GettyAge now: 68.
Selected movie credits after “Big”: A League of Their Own (1992), Happiness (1998), Hotel Transylvania (2012).
Filmography info per IMDb.
“Big” is a charming and funny movie, the highlight of which is Tom Hanks’ brilliant, enthusiastic, wide-eyed, and giddy performance. It’s brought together further by its tremendous supporting cast. The movie is still undoubtedly well worth watching today.
It’s a huge shame that some of the stars have passed since “Big” was released, but equally great to see those who are still around doing so well.
May Robert Loggia and John Heard rest in eternal peace.
