Jerry Zucker’s iconic supernatural romance movie “Ghost” is undoubtedly one of the most memorable films of the 1990s.
It follows a murdered banker whose ghost sets out to save his girlfriend from the person who arranged for him to be killed, with help from a charlatan psychic.
“Ghost” stars Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, and Tony Goldwyn, along with a talented supporting cast.
The movie was nominated for five Academy Awards and won two — Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Goldberg. It was also a huge financial success, having grossed over $500 million worldwide, from a production budget of around $22 million (per The Numbers). It remains popular today, boasting a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 74%.
Released on July 13, 1990, “Ghost” will turn 36 this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be cool to see the cast today, compared to back then? Let’s take a look…
Patrick Swayze (Sam Wheat)
Above is a social media post with several pictures of Patrick Swayze in “Ghost.”
Actor, singer-songwriter, and dancer Patrick Swayze played Sam Wheat in “Ghost.” Sam is a successful banker who gets murdered during a mugging. He becomes a ghost, but remains on Earth to protect his girlfriend and uncover the truth behind his death, with the help of a fraudster psychic.
Age when “Ghost” released: 37.
Selected movie credits before “Ghost”: The Outsiders (1983), Dirty Dancing (1987), Road House (1989).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2009 aged 57.
Selected movie credits after “Ghost”: Point Break (1991), Donnie Darko (2001), Powder Blue (2009).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Demi Moore (Molly Jensen)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Demi Moore in “Ghost.”
Academy Award-nominated actress Demi Moore played Molly Jensen in “Ghost.” Molly is Sam Wheat’s devoted girlfriend, and an artist and potter. She grieves Sam’s loss and becomes central to the movie’s story as he tries to speak to her from the afterlife.
Age when “Ghost” released: 27.
Selected movie credits before “Ghost”: St. Elmo’s Fire (1985), About Last Night… (1986), The Seventh Sign (1988).
GettyAge now: 63.
Selected movie credits after “Ghost”: Indecent Proposal (1993), Striptease (1996), The Substance (2024).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Whoopi Goldberg (Oda Mae Brown)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Whoopi Goldberg in “Ghost.”
Academy Award-winning actress comedian, author, and television personality Whoopi Goldberg played Oda Mae Brown in “Ghost.” Oda Mae is a fraudulent psychic medium who discovers she can actually hear and communicate with ghosts. She reluctantly helps Sam and becomes a key ally in saving Molly in the movie.
Age when “Ghost” released: 34.
Selected movie credits before “Ghost”: The Color Purple (1985), Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986), Clara’s Heart (1988).
GettyAge now: 70.
Selected movie credits after “Ghost”: Sister Act (1992), The Lion King (1994), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Tony Goldwyn (Carl Bruner)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Tony Goldwyn in “Ghost.”
Actor and director Tony Goldwyn played Carl Bruner in “Ghost.” Carl is Sam’s friend, business partner at the bank he works for, and ultimately his fatal betrayer, arranging his murder. He plays a major antagonistic role in the movie’s plot.
Age when “Ghost” released: 30.
Selected movie credits before “Ghost”: Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), Gaby: A True Story (1987).
GettyAge now: 65.
Selected movie credits after “Ghost”: Nixon (1995), Tarzan (1999), The Mechanic (2011).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Rick Aviles (Willie Lopez)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Rick Aviles in “Ghost.”
Actor and comedian Rick Aviles played Willie Lopez in “Ghost.” Willie is the criminal who murders Sam during a mugging, having been hired to do so by Carl.
Age when “Ghost” released: 37.
Selected movie credits before “Ghost”: The Cannonball Run (1981), Mystery Train (1989), Identity Crisis (1989).
Above is a social media post with a picture of Rick Aviles in “Carlito’s Way” (1993).
Age now: Sadly passed away in 1995 aged 42.
Selected movie credits after “Ghost”: The Godfather Part III (1990), Carlito’s Way (1993), Waterworld (1995).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Vincent Schiavelli (Subway Ghost)
Above is a social media post with two pictures of Vincent Schiavelli in “Ghost.”
Character actor Vincent Schiavelli played the Subway Ghost in “Ghost.” The Subway Ghost is ghostly figure who haunts the New York subway system. Initially hostile, he becomes a mentor figure to Sam and teaches him how to move objects as an intangible ghost.
Age when “Ghost” released: 41.
Selected movie credits before “Ghost”: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Amadeus (1984), Better Off Dead (1985).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2005 aged 57.
Selected movie credits after “Ghost”: Batman Returns (1992), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Hey Arnold!: The Movie (2002).
Filmography info per IMDb.
While it’s great to see some of “Ghost’s” core cast still doing well, it’s extremely sad that three of them are no longer with us.
May Patrick Swayze, Rick Aviles, and Vincent Schiavelli rest in eternal peace.
