Whatever Happened to the Cast of ‘The Princess Bride’?

THE PRINCESS BRIDE, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, 1987.
Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection

What To Know

  • The Princess Bride, initially a modest success, has become a beloved cult classic with enduring quotes and a devoted fanbase as it approaches its 40th anniversary.
  • Key cast members like Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, and Wallace Shawn have enjoyed long, varied careers in film, television, and stage, often embracing their connection to the movie.
  • Director Rob Reiner, who recently passed away, is remembered fondly as the film’s legacy continues to be celebrated by both fans and its stars through events and tributes.

The Princess Bride wasn’t an instant hit when it premiered in theaters in 1987, but over the decades, director Rob Reiner‘s fairy-tale adventure has grown into a cult classic and a quotable favorite for many (“Mawwiage!”). In honor of Reiner’s tragic death on December 14, 2025, take a look at the film and see what the other stars are up to now.

Cary Elwes (63)

Westley / The Dread Pirate Roberts

Cary-Elwes

20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection; Manoli Figetakis/Getty Images

Even decades later, it remains his most famous role. After The Princess Bride, Elwes went on to star in movies like Robin Hood: Men in Tights and built a long career across film and television. In recent years, he has appeared in projects such as Stranger Things, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, as well as in Guy Ritchie films including Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. He has also warmly embraced the movie’s legacy, frequently sharing behind-the-scenes memories and participating in anniversary celebrations and fan events tied to the film.

Robin Wright (59)

Buttercup

Robin-Wright

20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection; Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

The role made Wright a star, a status that was cemented when she starred in Forrest Gump years later. In recent years, she has been working steadily, appearing in the 2024 Netflix fantasy film Damsel as the formidable queen opposite Millie Bobby Brown, and starring in the 2024 action thriller Land of Bad alongside Russell Crowe. She also appeared in Here, the Robert Zemeckis-directed film that reunited her onscreen with Forrest Gump co-star Tom Hanks. Alongside acting, Wright has continued directing and producing.

Mandy Patinkin (73)

Inigo Montoya

Mandy-Patinkin

20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection; Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

While the role remains one of his most famous, Patinkin has continued working steadily for decades. Already an accomplished stage actor, Patinkin went on to an acclaimed career that included major television roles on Criminal Minds and Homeland. Most recently, he starred in the 2024 mystery series Death and Other Details, marking a return to a significant television role after Homeland. In recent years, he has also remained active with stage performances, concert tours, and music projects, often collaborating with his wife, Kathryn Grody. Alongside screen work, Patinkin continues to engage directly with fans about The Princess Bride.

Chris Sarandon (83)

Prince Humperdinck

Chris-Sarandon

20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection; Matthew Eisman/Getty Images for The Lucille Lortel Awards

While the role remains one of his most recognizable, Sarandon has had a long and varied career across film, television, stage, and voice acting. He is also widely known as the speaking voice of Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas, a role he has reprised repeatedly over the years in video games, Disney theme park attractions, and special events, keeping him closely tied to that franchise decades later. In more recent years, Sarandon has appeared selectively on screen, including guest roles on series like Orange Is the New Black, and has remained active through conventions

Wallace Shawn (82)

Vizzini

Wallace-Shawn

20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection; Cindy Ord/Getty Images for FLC

His repeated cries of “Inconceivable!” became one of the film’s most enduring catchphrases and helped cement the film in pop culture history. While the role remains one of his most recognizable, Shawn has continued working steadily across film, television, and voice acting for decades. In recent years, he reprised Rex in Toy Story 4 and has continued voicing the character in Pixar shorts and related projects tied to the franchise. He also appeared in films like Marriage Story and had a recurring role on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, introducing him to a new generation of viewers.

In Memoriam

THE PRINCESS BRIDE, Director Rob Reiner, 1987

20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection

Rob Reiner (Director) died on December 14, 2025, at age 78 in an apparent homicide, alongside his wife.

André the Giant (Fezzik) died on January 27, 1993, at age 46, from heart failure while sleeping in Paris.

Peter Falk (The Grandfather) died on June 23, 2011, at age 83 from pneumonia.

Where to Watch The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride is currently available for streaming on Hulu or Disney+. You can also rent or purchase it easily on many digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.

 

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