Black-and-white comedy movie “Clerks” is one of the most quirky, funny, intelligent, unique, and quotable movies of the 1990s.
Written, directed, produced, and edited by Kevin Smith (who also appears in the film), it chronicles a day in the life of two clerks in adjoining stores and their acquaintances.
From a production budget of $27,000, “Clerks” grossed a worldwide total close to $4 million (per The Numbers), making it a huge financial success. Moreover, it maintains a massive and devoted cult following and boasts an impressive 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Starring Brian O’Halloran and Jeff Anderson in the eponymous roles, with a memorable supporting cast, “Clerks” was released in the United States on October 19, 1994, meaning it turns 32 this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be cool to see the cast now compared to how they looked back when the film hit theaters? Let’s do that right now…
Brian O’Halloran (Dante Hicks)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Brian O’Halloran (nearest the camera) alongside Marilyn Ghigliotti in “Clerks.”
Actor, producer, and podcaster Brian O’Halloran played Dante Hicks in “Clerks.” Dante is the movie’s main character and a laid-back but put-upon convenience store clerk. Forced to work on his day off, the movie shows him dealing with customers, his love life, and general existential slacker frustration.
Age when “Clerks” released: 24.
Selected movie credits before “Clerks”: N/A.
GettyAge now: 56.
Selected movie credits after “Clerks”: Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jeff Anderson (Randal Graves)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Jeff Anderson (nearest the camera) alongside Brian O’Halloran in “Clerks.”
Actor, director, and screenwriter Jeff Anderson played Randal Graves in “Clerks.” Randal is Dante’s best friend and co-slacker who works at the neighboring video store. A sarcastic rule-breaker, he is constantly hanging out at the convenience store instead of doing his job, and his banter with Dante forms the basis of the movie.
Age when “Clerks” released: 24.
Selected movie credits before “Clerks”: N/A.
GettyAge now: 55.
Selected movie credits after “Clerks”: Dogma (1999), Now You Know (2002), Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Marilyn Ghigliotti (Veronica Loughran)
GettyActress, producer, director, and make-up artist Marilyn Ghigliotti played Veronica Loughran in “Clerks.” Veronica is Dante’s girlfriend. She is intelligent and supportive, but her liberal sexual past triggers Dante’s jealousy and results in one of the movie’s key relationship subplots.
Age when “Clerks” released: 33.
Selected movie credits before “Clerks”: Invasion for Flesh and Blood (1991).
GettyAge now: 64.
Selected movie credits after “Clerks”: Get a Job (1998), Starship: Rising (2014), Lake Eerie (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Lisa Spoonauer (Caitlin Bree)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Lisa Spoonauer in “Clerks.”
Character actress Lisa Spoonauer played Caitlin Bree in “Clerks.” Lisa is Dante’s ex-girlfriend, whose involvement in the movie’s plot creates major chaotic drama for Dante during the chronicled day.
Age when “Clerks” released: 22.
Selected movie credits before “Clerks”: N/A.
Above is a social media post from “Clerks” director Kevin Smith following Lisa Spoonauer’s passing. She hadn’t acted in live-action since 1997 and her last credit was a voice role in “Clerks: The Animated Series” in 2002. She had been ill for some time before her passing and hadn’t been photographed in public for years.
Age now: Sadly passed away in 2017 aged 44.
Selected movie credits after “Clerks”: Bartender (1997).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jason Mewes (Jay)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Jason Mewes (L) alongside Kevin Smith in “Clerks.”
Actor, comedian, film producer, and podcaster Jason Mewes played Jay in “Clerks.” Jay is a loud, vulgar, and drug-dealing loiterer who hangs around outside the convenience store with his (mostly) mute partner.
Age when “Clerks” released: 20.
Selected movie credits before “Clerks”: N/A.
GettyAge now: 51.
Selected movie credits after “Clerks”: Mallrats (1995), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), The 4:30 Movie (2024).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Kevin Smith (Silent Bob)
Above is a social media post with two pictures of Kevin Smith in “Clerks.”
Writer, director, producer, editor, and actor Kevin Smith played Silent Bob in “Clerks.” Silent Bob is Jay’s (mostly) mute counterpart who has a key presence. He ultimately delivers one of the movie’s most memorable monologues.
Age when “Clerks” released: 24.
Selected movie credits before “Clerks”: N/A.
GettyAge now: 55.
Selected movie credits after “Clerks”: Mallrats (1995), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), Yoga Hosers (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
“Clerks” spawned two sequels — 2006’s “Clerks II” and 2022’s “Clerks III.”
It’s fantastic to know most of the “Clerks” cast are well and still working. That said, it’s sad to know not all of them are still with us.
May Lisa Spoonauer rest in eternal peace.
