The late, great Rob Reiner’s “Misery” is one of the finest movies of the 1990s.
Adapted from Stephen King’s 1987 novel of the same name, the psychological horror thriller chronicles the experience of a famed novelist who endures a horrendous ordeal when he is held captive by an obsessive fan.
It stars James Caan as the novelist, Paul Sheldon, and Kathy Bates as the obsessive fan, Annie Wilkes. An able cast of talented actors provide experienced support.
From a budget of around $20 million, “Misery” grossed over $61 million worldwide (per The Numbers). It boasts an impressive approval rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. For her performance as Wilkes, Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress (surprisingly, the movie’s only nomination at the prestigious Oscar ceremony).
Released on November 30, 1990, “Misery” will turn 36 this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be cool to see how the core cast are doing today, compared to back when the film was released? Let’s do that right now…
James Caan (Paul Sheldon)
GettyAcademy Award-nominated actor James Caan played Paul Sheldon in “Misery.” Sheldon is the movie’s protagonist and a famous romance novelist, known for his Victorian-era series featuring the character Misery Chastain. After getting injured in a car accident, he awakens in a bed in an unknown house, trapped and held captive while forced to write under duress by an obsessed fan.
Age when “Misery” released: 50.
Selected movie credits before “Misery”: The Godfather (1972), The Gambler (1974), Thief (1981).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2022 aged 82.
Selected movie credits after “Misery”: Mickey Blue Eyes (1999), Elf (2003), Get Smart (2008).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Kathy Bates (Annie Wilkes)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Kathy Bates in “Misery.”
Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates played Annie Wilkes in “Misery.” Wilkes is the movie’s antagonist and undoubtedly its most iconic character. She’s a deeply obsessive and mentally unstable former nurse who claims to be Sheldon’s “number one fan.” She rescues the novelist from his car accident, but turns violently controlling when she discovers he killed off her favorite character in his latest book.
Age when “Misery” released: 42.
Selected movie credits before “Misery”: Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982), Summer Heat (1987), Signs of Life (1989).
GettyAge now: 77.
Selected movie credits after “Misery”: Primary Colors (1998), About Schmidt (2002), Richard Jewell (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Richard Farnsworth (Sheriff Buster)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Richard Farnsworth in “Misery.”
Academy Award-nominated actor and stuntman Richard Farnsworth played Sheriff Buster in “Misery.” Buster is the local sheriff investigating the disappearance and searching for Sheldon. He is Wilkes’ first victim in the movie, as she murders him with a shotgun.
Age when “Misery” released: 70.
Selected movie credits before “Misery”: Comes a Horseman (1979), The Grey Fox (1982), Anne of Green Gables (1985).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2000 aged 80.
Selected movie credits after “Misery”: Highway to Hell (1992), Lassie (1994), The Straight Story (1999).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Frances Sternhagen (Deputy Virginia)
Above is a social media post with several pictures of Frances Sternhagen, the first of which shows her in “Misery.”
Stage and screen actress Frances Sternhagen played Deputy Virginia in “Misery.” Virginia is Buster’s wife and fellow law enforcement officer (the local deputy) who assists in the search efforts for Sheldon.
Age when “Misery” released: 60.
Selected movie credits before “Misery”: The Hospital (1971), Starting Over (1979), Bright Lights, Big City (1988).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2023 aged 93.
Selected movie credits after “Misery”: Doc Hollywood (1991), The Mist (2007), Julie & Julia (2009).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Lauren Bacall (Marcia Sindell)
GettyIconic Academy Honorary Award-winning actress Lauren Bacall played Marcia Sindell in “Misery.” Sindell is Sheldon’s literary agent, who becomes concerned about his disappearance.
Age when “Misery” released: 66.
Selected movie credits before “Misery”: The Big Sleep (1946), How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), Written on the Wind (1956).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2014 aged 89.
Selected movie credits after “Misery”: The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996), Dogville (2003), Birth (2004).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s so sad that so many “Misery” stars are no longer with us. That being said, it’s great to see Kathy Bates looking so well and still thriving in her career.
May James Caan, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen, Lauren Bacall, and indeed Rob Reiner rest in eternal peace.
