It’s fair to say Michael Gottlieb’s fantasy rom-com “Mannequin” didn’t receive the warmest critical reception when it was released. However, it was a box office success, grossing over $42 million worldwide (per Box Office Mojo) from a budget of less than $8 million.
“Mannequin” has also grown into a beloved film that is now a cult classic in the romantic comedy and 1980s nostalgia genres.
The movie’s main character is Jonathan Switcher, a passionate artist whose tendency to aim for perfection regularly sees him fired for taking too long with his work. He lands a job as a window dresser in a department store, where the mannequin he created becomes inhabited by the spirit of a woman from Ancient Egypt, but only comes to life for him.
It stars Andrew McCarthy as Jonathan and Kim Cattrall as Emmy, the mannequin, with a talented supporting cast alongside them.
Released on February 13, 1987, “Mannequin” will turn 39 this year. So how are the cast looking now compared to when it hit theaters? Let’s find out…
Andrew McCarthy (Jonathan Switcher)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Andrew McCarthy in “Mannequin.”
Actor, travel writer, television director, and author Andrew McCarthy played Jonathan Switcher in “Mannequin.” Jonathan is a talented but directionless artist and sculptor who creates the perfect mannequin and falls in love when it comes to life.
Age when “Mannequin” released: 24.
Selected movie credits before “Mannequin”: Class (1983), St. Elmo’s Fire (1985), Pretty in Pink (1986).
GettyAge now: 63.
Selected movie credits after “Mannequin”: Weekend at Bernie’s (1989), The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008), Camp Hell (2009).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Kim Cattrall (Ema “Emmy” Hesire)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Kim Cattrall in “Mannequin.”
British-Canadian actress Kim Cattrall played Ema “Emmy” Hesire in “Mannequin.” Emmy is a beautiful mannequin who, animated by the spirit of an ancient Egyptian princess, only comes to life in the presence of Jonathan and forges a romance with him.
Age when “Mannequin” released: 30.
Selected movie credits before “Mannequin”: Porky’s (1982), Police Academy (1983), Big Trouble in Little China (1986).
GettyAge now: 69.
Selected movie credits after “Mannequin”: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), Sex and the City (2008), Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Estelle Getty (Claire Timkin)
GettyActress, comedian, and Golden Girl Estelle Getty played Claire Timkin in “Mannequin.” Claire is the quirky and enthusiastic owner of the department store who believes in Jonathan’s creative vision and acts as his mentor of sorts.
Age when “Mannequin” released: 63.
Selected movie credits before “Mannequin”: Tootsie (1982), Deadly Force (1983), Mask (1985).
Above is a social media post with pictures of Estelle Getty, including one (bottom right) from her final movie role in “Stuart Little.”
Age now: Sadly passed away in 2008 aged 84.
Selected movie credits after “Mannequin”: Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992), A Match Made in Heaven (1997), Stuart Little (1999).
Filmography info per IMDb.
James Spader (Mr. Richards)
Above is a social media post with a picture of James Spader in the 1980s.
Film and television actor James Spader played Mr. Richards in “Mannequin.” Mr. Richards is the arrogant and scheming executive manager of the department store who tries to undermine Jonathan and take control of the establishment.
Age when “Mannequin” released: 27.
Selected movie credits before “Mannequin”: Tuff Turf (1985), The New Kids (1985), Pretty in Pink (1986).
GettyAge now: 65.
Selected movie credits after “Mannequin”: Secretary (2002), Lincoln (2012), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).
Filmography info per IMDb.
G.W. Bailey (Captain Felix Maxwell)
Above is a social media post with a picture of G.W. Bailey in the 1980s.
“M.A.S.H.” actor G.W. Bailey played Captain Felix Maxwell in “Mannequin.” Felix is the clumsy but kind-hearted department store security guard who becomes Jonathan’s friend and ally and provides plenty of physical comedy.
Age when “Mannequin” released: 42.
Selected movie credits before “Mannequin”: Runaway (1984), Police Academy (1984), Short Circuit (1986).
Above is a 2024 social media post with a recent picture of G.W. Bailey.
Age now: 81.
Selected movie credits after “Mannequin”: Doublecrossed (1991), Scorcher (2002), Cake: A Wedding Story (2007).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Meshach Taylor (Hollywood Montrose)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Meshach Taylor in “Mannequin.”
“Designing Women” actor Meshach Taylor played Hollywood Montrose in “Mannequin.” Hollywood is Jonathan’s flamboyant and witty co-worker in the display department who helps with his elaborate window setups and provides several sassy one-liners.
Age when “Mannequin” released: 39.
Selected movie credits before “Mannequin”: Damien – Omen II (1978), The Howling (1981), Explorers (1985).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2014 aged 67.
Selected movie credits after “Mannequin”: The Allnighter (1987), Friends & Family (2001), Hyenas (2011).
Filmography info per IMDb.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, “Mannequin” is an ideal movie to watch to set a playful, romantic mood. It’s charming, funny, and features a fabulous performance from Kim Cattrall in the eponymous role.
While it’s great to see the majority of the film’s core cast doing so well, it’s such a shame to have lost two of them.
May Estelle Getty and Meshach Taylor rest in eternal peace.
