Barry Levinson’s “Rain Man” is undoubtedly one of the finest movies of the 1980s.
The road comedy-drama film received eight Academy Award nominations, winning four. The four it won were significant ones; Best Picture, Best Director (Levinson), Best Actor (for Dustin Hoffman), and Best Original Screenplay (for Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow). It currently boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes rating of 88%.
It was also a huge financial success. From a production budget of just $25 million, it grossed over $354 million worldwide (per Box Office Mojo).
“Rain Man” is about a selfish and materialistic wheeler-dealer, who discovers his estranged father has died and left his fortune to his other genius autistic son, who he didn’t even know existed.
As well as Hoffman (who plays the autistic genius), the movie stars Tom Cruise (as his materialistic brother), as well as a talented supporting cast.
Released on December 16, 1988, “Rain Man” will turn 38 years old in 2026. On that note, wouldn’t it be cool to see the small core cast of actors today, compared to back when the film hit theaters? Let’s do that now…
Dustin Hoffman (Raymond “Ray” Babbitt)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Dustin Hoffman in “Rain Man.”
Academy Award-winning actor Dustin Hoffman played Raymond “Ray” Babbitt in “Rain Man.” Ray is the autistic, genius, and institutionalized brother of Charlie Babbitt. Their father left his entire fortune to Ray, much to Charlie’s dismay.
Age when “Rain Man” released: 51.
Selected movie credits before “Rain Man”: The Graduate (1967), Straw Dogs (1971), Tootsie (1982).
GettyAge now: 88.
Selected movie credits after “Rain Man”: Hook (1991), Wag the Dog (1998), Meet the Fockers (2004).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Tom Cruise (Charlie Babbitt)
Above is a social media post with two pictures of Tom Cruise in “Rain Man.”
Actor and producer Tom Cruise played Charlie Babbitt in “Rain Man.” Charlie is Ray’s younger brother who didn’t even know he existed, but who seeks him out when his estranged father leaves his fortune to him. Initially self-centered, Charlie’s meeting with Ray sees him become gradually more family-oriented.
Age when “Rain Man” released: 26.
Selected movie credits before “Rain Man”: Risky Business (1983), Legend (1985), Top Gun (1986)
GettyAge now: 63.
Selected movie credits after “Rain Man”: Interview with the Vampire (1994), Jerry Maguire (1996), Jack Reacher (2012).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Valeria Golino (Susanna)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Valeria Golino (L) with Dustin Hoffman in “Rain Man.”
Actress and director Valeria Golino played Susanna in “Rain Man.” Susanna is Charlie’s Italian flight attendant love interest. After meeting Raymond, she helps Charlie to care for him.
Age when “Rain Man” released: 23.
Selected movie credits before “Rain Man”: The Gold Rimmed Glasses (1987), Love and Fear (1988), Big Top Pee-wee (1988).
GettyAge now: 60.
Selected movie credits after “Rain Man”: Hot Shots! (1991), Immortal Beloved (1994), Excape from L.A. (1996).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Gerald R. ‘Jerry’ Molen (Dr. Gerald Bruner)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Gerald R. “Jerry” Molen (top right) in “Rain Man.”
Film producer and occasional actor Gerald R. “Jerry” Molen played Dr. Gerald Bruner in “Rain Man.” Dr. Bruner is the director of the institute where Ray lives and the trustee of his inheritance from his father. He acts as a guardian figure to Ray and helps explain his condition to Charlie.
Age when “Rain Man” released: 53.
Selected movie credits before “Rain Man”: N/A.
GettyAge now: 91.
Selected movie credits after “Rain Man”: Days of Thunder (1990), Jurassic Park (1993), Catch Me If You Can (2002).
Filmography info per IMDb.
How nice it is to see that all of the small core cast members of “Rain Man” are still with us.
It really is a superb movie with great performances — particularly from Hoffman and Cruise. It’s emotional, occasionally funny, and thoroughly intriguing.
It’s always worth giving it a rewatch.
Where can we watch Rainman for the second time?