Michael Lehmann’s “The Truth About Cats & Dogs” is one of the most underrated 1990s movies. As a result, it is often unfairly overlooked.
The rom-com — a modern reinterpretation of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play “Cyrano de Bergerac” — was made in a decade that produced more celebrated movies in the genre like 1990’s “Pretty Woman,” 1993’s “Sleepless in Seattle,” 1994’s “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” and 1999’s “Notting Hill,” and that’s a real shame.
It boast an impressive 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it was only a modest financial success, grossing $34 million worldwide (per Box Office Mojo).
Per IMDb, the movie’s plot is as follows: “A successful veterinarian and radio show host with low self-esteem asks her model friend to impersonate her when a handsome man wants to see her.”
It stars Janeane Garofalo as Abby, the radio host, Uma Thurman as Noelle, her model friend, Ben Chaplin as Brian, the handsome man, and Jamie Foxx in a supporting role as Ed, Brian’s friend.
Released on April 26, 1996, the film will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be nice to see how the core cast are looking today, compared to back then? Let’s do that now…
Janeane Garofalo (Dr. Abby Barnes)
Above is a social media post with nine pictures of Janeane Garofalo in the trailer for “The Truth About Cats & Dogs.”
Actress and comedian Janeane Garofalo played Dr. Abby Barnes in “The Truth About Cats & Dogs.” Abby is a smart and witty veterinarian who hosts the eponymous popular radio call-in show. While seeming confident and knowledgeable on air, she struggles with low self-esteem and insecurity about her looks in person. After forming a genuine connection with a caller over the phone, she fears revealing herself to him.
Age when “The Truth About Cats & Dogs” released: 31.
Selected movie credits before “The Truth About Cats & Dogs”: Late for Dinner (1991), Reality Bites (1994), I Shot a Man in Vegas (1995).
Above is a 2026 social media post with a recent picture of Janeane Garofalo (L) meeting a fan.
Age now: 61.
Selected movie credits after “The Truth About Cats & Dogs”: Kiki’s Delivery Service (1998), Dogma (1999), Wet Hot American Summer (2001).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Uma Thurman (Noelle Slusarsky)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Uma Thurman in a 1996 promotional shot for “The Truth About Cats & Dogs.”
Academy Award-nominated actress Uma Thurman played Noelle Slusarsky in “The Truth About Cats & Dogs.” Noelle is Abby’s tall, beautiful, and kind-hearted model friend. While she’s outgoing and photogenic, she’s not particularly intellectual or articulate. Abby asks her to impersonate her on a date, which leads to complications when Noelle starts to develop real feelings.
Age when “The Truth About Cats & Dogs” released: 25.
Selected movie credits before “The Truth About Cats & Dogs”: Dangerous Liaisons (1988), Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1993), Pulp Fiction (1994).
Above is a 2026 social media post by Uma Thurman with two recent pictures of her.
Age now: 55.
Selected movie credits after “The Truth About Cats & Dogs”: Batman & Robin (1997), My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006), The House That Jack Built (2018).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Ben Chaplin (Brian)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Ben Chaplin in “The Truth About Cats & Dogs.”
British actor Ben Chaplin played Brian in “The Truth About Cats & Dogs.” Brian is a handsome and charming British photographer who falls for Abby when he calls into her radio show for advice about his quirky Great Dane dog. After pushing for an in-person meeting, he is baffled when the lady he meets is very different to what he expects.
Age when “The Truth About Cats & Dogs” released: 26.
Selected movie credits before “The Truth About Cats & Dogs”: The Remains of the Day (1993), Feast of July (1995).
GettyAge now: 56.
Selected movie credits after “The Truth About Cats & Dogs”: The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (2007), Me and Orson Welles (2008), The Legend of Tarzan (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jamie Foxx (Ed)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Jamie Foxx in a 1996 advert for outdoor fashion brand First Down USA.
Academy Award-winning actor, producer, comedian, and singer Jamie Foxx played Ed in “The Truth About Cats & Dogs.” Ed is Brian’s friend and colleague who provides comic relief and advice in the movie. He helps Brian to navigate the awkward situations arising from his meetings with Noelle.
Age when “The Truth About Cats & Dogs” released: 28.
Selected movie credits before “The Truth About Cats & Dogs”: Toys (1992).
Above is a 2026 social media post by Jamie Foxx with five recent pictures of him.
Age now: 58.
Selected movie credits after “The Truth About Cats & Dogs”: Collateral (2004), Ray (2004), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s great to see the core cast of this brilliant movie all doing so well in 2026. If you’re ever looking to watch a romantic comedy that’s less obvious than the more well-known examples, you could do a lot worse than watching this one.
We look forward to seeing Janeane Garofalo, Uma Thurman, Ben Chaplin, and Jamie Foxx in future projects as their careers continue to thrive.
