Bryan Singer’s “The Usual Suspects” is one of the finest movies of the 1990s. The brilliant crime thriller took the world of cinema by storm — thanks primarily to its incredible twist ending that remains one of the most shocking and wickedly intelligent in film history.
The movie’s plot revolves around the interrogation of a seemingly physically disabled small-time conman named Roger “Verbal” Kint by a U.S. Customs agent. Kint is one of only two survivors of a massacre and blaze that occurred on a ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles. Using storytelling tools like narration and flashback sequences, Kint explains to his interrogator about a series of convoluted events that led him and his accomplices to the ship, as well as details about an enigmatic crime lord who controlled them called Keyser Söze.
Its brilliant ensemble cast comprises Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin Pollak, Pete Postlethwaite, and Kevin Spacey.
Nominated for two Academy Awards, “The Usual Suspects” won them both; Best Supporting Actor (for Spacey) and Best Original Screenplay (for Christopher McQuarrie).
The movie released in the United States on August 16, 1995, meaning it will turn 31 this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be nice to see how the cast are looking today, compared to when the movie hit theaters? Let’s do that now…
Stephen Baldwin (Michael McManus)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Stephen Baldwin in “The Usual Suspects.”
The youngest of the four famous Baldwin brothers, Stephen Baldwin, played Michael McManus in “The Usual Suspects.” McManus is the hot-headed, aggressive, and talkative member of the criminal crew. His impulsiveness and anger frequently drives conflict within the group.
Age when “The Usual Suspects” released: 29.
Selected movie credits before “The Usual Suspects”: Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Posse (1993), 8 Seconds (1994).
GettyAge now: 59.
Selected movie credits after “The Usual Suspects”: The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000), Dino Time (2012), I’m in Love with a Church Girl (2013).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Gabriel Byrne (Dean Keaton)
GettyTalented Irish actor Gabriel Byrne played Dean Keaton in “The Usual Suspects.” Keaton is a sophisticated ex-cop-turned-con who, after, trying to go straight (with a lawyer girlfriend), got pulled back into the game. He is often presented as being the reluctant leader of the criminal group.
Age when “The Usual Suspects” released: 45.
Selected movie credits before “The Usual Suspects”: Excalibur (1981), Miller’s Crossing (1990), Little Women (1994).
GettyAge now: 75.
Selected movie credits after “The Usual Suspects”: The Man in the Iron Mask (1998), Assault on Precinct 13 (2005), Hereditary (2018).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Benicio del Toro (Fred Fenster)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Benicio del Toro (red shirt) in “The Usual Suspects.”
Academy Award-winning Puerto Rican actor Benicio del Toro played Fred Fenster in “The Usual Suspects.” Fenster is the eccentric, nearly incomprehensible (due to his thick, mumbled accent) member of the criminal crew. His quirky speech combined with his striking style make him a very memorable character.
Age when “The Usual Suspects” released: 28.
Selected movie credits before “The Usual Suspects”: Licence to Kill (1989), Fearless (1993), Swimming with Sharks (1994).
GettyAge now: 58.
Selected movie credits after “The Usual Suspects”: Traffic (2000), 21 Grams (2003), One Battle After Another (2026).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Chazz Palminteri (Agent Dave Kujan)
GettyAcademy Award-nominated actor, producer, screenwriter, and playwright Chazz Palminteri played Agent Dave Kujan in “The Usual Suspects.” Kujan is the aggressive U.S. Customs agent interrogating Verbal Kint and trying to prove Dean Keaton is the group’s criminal mastermind. He plays an integral part in the framing movie’s story.
Age when “The Usual Suspects” released: 43.
Selected movie credits before “The Usual Suspects”: There Goes the Neighborhood (1992), A Bronx Tale (1993), Bullets Over Broadway (1994).
GettyAge now: 73.
Selected movie credits after “The Usual Suspects”: Diabolique (1996), Analyze This (1999), Legend (2015).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Kevin Pollak (Todd Hockney)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Kevin Pollak in “The Usual Suspects.”
Actor, comedian, impressionist and podcaster Kevin Pollak played Todd Hockney in “The Usual Suspects.” Hockney is the criminal group’s explosives expert and the most pragmatic, sarcastic member. He’s a very technically-focused criminal.
Age when “The Usual Suspects” released: 37.
Selected movie credits before “The Usual Suspects”: Willow (1988), A Few Good Men (1992), Grumpy Old Men (1993).
GettyAge now: 68.
Selected movie credits after “The Usual Suspects”: Casino (1995), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), Red State (2011).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Pete Postlethwaite (Kobayashi)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Pete Postlethwaite (nearest the camera) with Stephen Baldwin in “The Usual Suspects.”
Academy Award-nominated English character actor Pete Postlethwaite played Kobayashin in “The Usual Suspects.” Kobayashi is the calm, impeccably dressed lawyer and the middleman who represents the mysterious figure behind the criminal croup’s exploits. His chilling performance is arguably the movie’s most memorable supporting role.
Age when “The Usual Suspects” released: 49.
Selected movie credits before “The Usual Suspects”: Hamlet (1990), Alien 3 (1992), The Last of the Mohicans (1992).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2011 aged 64.
Selected movie credits after “The Usual Suspects”: Romeo + Juliet (1996), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), Inception (2010).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Kevin Spacey (Roger “Verbal” Kint / Keyzer Söze)
Above is a social media post with two pictures of Kevin Spacey in “The Usual Suspects.”
Two-time Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey played Verbal Kint, aka Keyzer Söze, in “The Usual Suspects.” Kint is the physically disabled, soft-spoken conman who serves as the main narrator of the movie, recounting the story to the authorities. He’s central to the entire movie and, as it turns out, the secret mastermind behind the criminal group.
Age when “The Usual Suspects” released: 36.
Selected movie credits before “The Usual Suspects”: Henry & June (1990), Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), The Ref (1994).
GettyAge now: 66.
Selected movie credits after “The Usual Suspects”: L.A. Confidential (1997), American Beauty (1999), Superman Returns (2006).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s fantastic to see the majority of “The Usual Suspects” cast doing so well, but sad to see not all of them are still with us.
May Pete Postlethwaite rest in eternal peace.
