Acclaimed director Ron Howard’s romantic fantasy comedy movie “Splash” was a great success both critically and commercially upon its release. It grossed almost $70 million worldwide (per Box Office Mojo), boasts an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
“Splash” tells the story of a young New York City business owner who falls in love with a mysterious woman who, as it turns out, is secretly a mermaid.
It stars Tom Hanks as Allen Bauer, the business owner, and Daryl Hannah as Madison, the mermaid. The movie also has a tremendous supporting cast.
Released on March 9, 1984, “Splash” is approaching its 42nd anniversary. So how are the core cast doing now? What do they look like compared to how they looked back when the film hit theaters? Let’s find out…
Tom Hanks (Allen Bauer)
GettyBeloved Hollywood icon and two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks played Allen Bauer in “Splash.” Allen is a charming but unlucky-in-love co-owner of a wholesale fruit and vegetable business in New York City. He falls for a mysterious woman who turns out to be a mermaid.
Age when “Splash” released: 25.
Selected movie credits before “Splash”: He Knows You’re Alone (1980).
GettyAge now: 69.
Selected movie credits after “Splash”: The ‘Burbs (1989), Forrest Gump (1994), The Da Vinci Code (2006).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Daryl Hannah (Madison)
GettyActress, director, and environmental activist Daryl Hannah played Madison in “Splash.” Madison is the beautiful and innocent mermaid who comes ashore and wins Allen Bauer’s heart. While on land with Allen, she learns human customs and how to speak.
Age when “Splash” released: 23.
Selected movie credits before “Splash”: The Fury (1978), Blade Runner (1982), Summer Lovers (1982).
GettyAge now: 65.
Selected movie credits after “Splash”: Roxanne (1987), Steel Magnolias (1989), Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003).
Filmography info per IMDb.
John Candy (Freddie Bauer)
Above is a social media post with a picture of John Candy (R) in “Splash.”
Beloved Canadian actor and comedian John Candy played Freddie Bauer in “Splash.” Freddie is Allen’s boisterous, womanizing older brother and business partner, and the primary source of the movie’s comic relief.
Age when “Splash” released: 33.
Selected movie credits before “Splash”: Stripes (1981), Heavy Metal (1981), National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 1994 aged 43.
Selected movie credits after “Splash”: Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), Who’s Harry Crumb? (1989), Uncle Buck (1989).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Eugene Levy (Dr. Walter Kornbluth)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Eugene Levy (L) in “Splash.”
Canadian actor and comedian Eugene Levy played Dr. Walter Kornbluth in “Splash.” Walter is an eccentric and obsessive scientist who wishes to capture Madison to study and prove to the world that mermaids exist.
Age when “Splash” released: 37.
Selected movie credits before “Splash”: Cannibal Girls (1973), Heavy Metal (1981), National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983).
GettyAge now: 79.
Selected movie credits after “Splash”: Waiting for Guffman (1996), American Pie (1999), Dumb & Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Dody Goodman (Mrs. Stimler)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Dody Goodman in “Splash.”
Character actress and former model Dody Goodman played Mrs. Stimler in “Splash.” Mrs. Stimler is a quirky department store worker who assists Madison when she goes shopping in New York City.
Age when “Splash” released: 69.
Selected movie credits before “Splash”: Bedtime Story (1964), Grease (1978), Max Dugan Returns (1983).
Above is a social media post with a picture of Dody Goodman (R) in 1988.
Age now: Sadly passed away in 2008 aged 93.
Selected movie credits after “Splash”: Private Resort (1985), Splash, Too (1988), Frozen Assets (1992).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s approaching that time of year (Valentine’s Day!) when it’s great to watch romantic movies like “Splash.” Why not revisit it? It’s a light and easy watch, funny, and heartwarming — and, as we’ve undoubtedly just reminded you, it boasts a fantastic cast.
May John Candy and Dody Goodman rest in eternal peace.
