Who Is Still Alive from ’70s Cult Film ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll High School’?
When Rock ‘n’ Roll High School came out in 1979, it gave punk fans one of the best teen comedies of the era. Directed by Allan Arkush, the movie starred P.J. Soles as Riff Randell, a Ramones-obsessed student at Vince Lombardi High School who was constantly going against the authorities. The film also featured Vince Van Patten, Clint Howard, Dey Young, Mary Woronov, and the Ramones, making it part teen comedy and part punk rock cult classic.
It was not a giant mainstream hit at the time, but it has become one of those movies that still feels like a time capsule of late ’70s rebellion, especially for anyone who ever wished their favorite band would help take over their school.
So, who from Rock ‘n’ Roll High School is still alive today?
P.J. Soles as Riff Randell
New World Pictures/Everett Collection; Epic Pictures/Everett Collection
P.J. Soles, 75, played Riff Randell, the fearless Ramones fan at the center of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School. Soles had already made a name for herself before this movie, especially as Norma Watson in Carrie and Lynda van der Klok in Halloween. After Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, Soles continued acting in films such as Private Benjamin, Stripes, Sweet Dreams, Jawbreaker, and The Devil’s Rejects. She also made a cameo in the 2018 Halloween sequel, which gave fans of the original film a fun surprise.
Vince Van Patten as Tom Roberts
New World Pictures/Everett Collection; Travel Channel/Everett Collection
Vince Van Patten, 68, played Tom Roberts, the sweet but slightly clueless student who has feelings for Riff. Van Patten was already experienced by the time he appeared in the film, having worked as a child actor and coming from a well-known entertainment family, as his father was actor Dick Van Patten. Van Patten also had a very different career outside of acting. He became a professional tennis player and reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 26 in 1981. Later, he became well known to poker fans as a commentator for the World Poker Tour.
Clint Howard as Eaglebauer
New Century Vista Film Company/Everett Collection; Unique Nicole/Getty Images
Clint Howard, 67, played Eaglebauer, the school’s resident schemer. Howard had already been acting since childhood before Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, with early work on The Andy Griffith Show, Gentle Ben, and several Disney voice roles. After the movie, Howard appeared in films such as Apollo 13, The Waterboy, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and many other projects directed by his brother, Ron Howard. He has also appeared in multiple Star Trek projects and co-wrote the memoir The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family with Ron.
Dey Young as Kate Rambeau
New World Pictures/Everett Collection; David Livingston/Getty Images
Dey Young, 70, played Kate Rambeau, Riff’s best friend. Young went on to appear in many films and television projects after Rock ‘n’ Roll High School. Her credits include Spaceballs, The Running Man, and Pretty Woman, as well as guest roles on several TV series. Many viewers may especially remember her from Pretty Woman, where she played the rude boutique saleswoman who refuses to help Julia Roberts‘ character. Young has also worked as a sculptor.
Mary Woronov as Principal Evelyn Togar
New World Pictures/Everett Collection; FilmBuff /Everett Collection
Mary Woronov, 82, played Principal Evelyn Togar, the strict school administrator. Woronov was already a cult film figure before Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, thanks to her work with Andy Warhol and later roles in Roger Corman-related films. She continued acting after the movie and reprised her role in Rock ‘n’ Roll High School Forever. Outside of acting, Woronov is also a writer and visual artist.
In Memoriam
Paul Bartel, who played Mr. McGree, died on May 13, 2000, at age 61, after surgery for liver cancer.
Dick Miller, who played the police chief, died on January 30, 2019, at age 90.
Don Steele, who played Screamin’ Steve Stevens, died on August 5, 1997, at age 61 from lung cancer.
Grady Sutton, who played the school board president, died on September 17, 1995, at age 89.
And finally, three of the four members of the Ramones who appeared in the film have died. Joey Ramone (vocals) died of lymphoma in 2001 at age 49; Dee Dee Ramone (bass) died of a drug overdose in 2002 at age 50; and Johnny Ramone (lead guitar) died of prostate cancer in 2004 at age 55.
Where to Watch Rock ‘n’ Roll High School
You can rent it on platforms such as Prime Video or watch it free with ads on Tubi, Roku, and more.
If you’re interested in finding out who is still alive from the Ramones, watch for that article coming soon!
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