Molly Ringwald

Yeah, exactly. You do this funny, cute, adorable thing and your parents applaud you and yeah. And every kid does that, which is why I think so many kids are just natural actors. Right. The tricky thing is holding on to that, you know, if you continue acting, being able to hold on to that sort of childlike joy of performing for your parents.

Yeah, exactly. You do this funny, cute, adorable thing and your parents applaud you and yeah. And every kid does that, which is why I think so many kids are just natural actors. Right. The tricky thing is holding on to that, you know, if you continue acting, being able to hold on to that sort of childlike joy of performing for your parents.

and still be able to not feel ridiculous or self-conscious or, you know, because that was really hard for me as I got older, you know, that I thought there was a moment where I thought, is this just ridiculous what I do? Is it like ridiculous? Is this shameful? You know, just because I feel like there is something about, you know, acting that's always an actor's

and still be able to not feel ridiculous or self-conscious or, you know, because that was really hard for me as I got older, you know, that I thought there was a moment where I thought, is this just ridiculous what I do? Is it like ridiculous? Is this shameful? You know, just because I feel like there is something about, you know, acting that's always an actor's

And I'm speaking for myself here, you know, just like, oh, please love me.

And I'm speaking for myself here, you know, just like, oh, please love me.

Yeah, but actors, you know, actors especially, this is what we do. We're like, you know. great you know look at me yeah but I just sort of have to face the fact that that that is part of that's a big part of who I am is you know acting performing you know eliciting a response from people and and hopefully making people feel a connection with that you definitely do

Yeah, but actors, you know, actors especially, this is what we do. We're like, you know. great you know look at me yeah but I just sort of have to face the fact that that that is part of that's a big part of who I am is you know acting performing you know eliciting a response from people and and hopefully making people feel a connection with that you definitely do

You were one of the first people who came to one of my jazz gigs. Oh, really? Yeah. Wow. I didn't know that. I mean, back when, I think it was like, it was somewhere in Malibu. It was really far in Malibu. Oh, I remember. And it was like one of my first gigs that I did with my jazz band. Yep. And I remember I was trying to get pregnant with my twins. And so I was like injecting myself in the back.

You were one of the first people who came to one of my jazz gigs. Oh, really? Yeah. Wow. I didn't know that. I mean, back when, I think it was like, it was somewhere in Malibu. It was really far in Malibu. Oh, I remember. And it was like one of my first gigs that I did with my jazz band. Yep. And I remember I was trying to get pregnant with my twins. And so I was like injecting myself in the back.

Oh my gosh. With like hormone, you know, medication. And I thought, well, it is kind of jazzy because I am like shooting up in a bathroom, but it's like. It's a hormone to help me get pregnant. There's a good movie in there somewhere with that sort of metaphor. But yeah, you were like the only person who made the trek out there to see me. And I was so grateful.

Oh my gosh. With like hormone, you know, medication. And I thought, well, it is kind of jazzy because I am like shooting up in a bathroom, but it's like. It's a hormone to help me get pregnant. There's a good movie in there somewhere with that sort of metaphor. But yeah, you were like the only person who made the trek out there to see me. And I was so grateful.

Yeah, I feel like. It wasn't so much that I was trying to hold on to who I was. I was like becoming who I was. I didn't even know who I was at that point. And I think it's really, really hard to figure that stuff out in public. Yeah. You know, it's it's really hard to go through that in the public eye and have and, you know, because we're all supposed to make mistakes.

Yeah, I feel like. It wasn't so much that I was trying to hold on to who I was. I was like becoming who I was. I didn't even know who I was at that point. And I think it's really, really hard to figure that stuff out in public. Yeah. You know, it's it's really hard to go through that in the public eye and have and, you know, because we're all supposed to make mistakes.

You know, growing up is about making mistakes and learning from them and and saying, oh. I thought maybe this was who I was, but that's not who I am. This is who I am. You know, figuring that out and everybody goes through that. But to go through it in in public is, you know, it's a it's a difficult thing. I mean, it's why I moved to Paris. I didn't realize it at the time.

You know, growing up is about making mistakes and learning from them and and saying, oh. I thought maybe this was who I was, but that's not who I am. This is who I am. You know, figuring that out and everybody goes through that. But to go through it in in public is, you know, it's a it's a difficult thing. I mean, it's why I moved to Paris. I didn't realize it at the time.

But there is something in me that just said, I have to, I have to get out and get away from everything to, to sort of, you know, figure out who I am and what I want out of life. And, you know, do I want to act? Do I want to continue acting who I, who I wanted to be? And it was possible for me to do that in Paris because at that time I wasn't,

But there is something in me that just said, I have to, I have to get out and get away from everything to, to sort of, you know, figure out who I am and what I want out of life. And, you know, do I want to act? Do I want to continue acting who I, who I wanted to be? And it was possible for me to do that in Paris because at that time I wasn't,

really well known because those movies well now they they have reached a cult status there as well but at the time in the 90s um but they weren't so i was able to sort of live a somewhat anonymous life there was that refreshing or did it feel scary in some ways both i mean it was it was Yeah, it was refreshing. It was like I could breathe.

really well known because those movies well now they they have reached a cult status there as well but at the time in the 90s um but they weren't so i was able to sort of live a somewhat anonymous life there was that refreshing or did it feel scary in some ways both i mean it was it was Yeah, it was refreshing. It was like I could breathe.

I could walk around and like just I felt like I had my breathing had become very shallow because I was so, you know, like what's going to happen? And, you know, am I how how am I going to, you know, hold on to that? You know, once you become really famous, there's this thing that you're supposed to like, you know, you're supposed to stay there.

I could walk around and like just I felt like I had my breathing had become very shallow because I was so, you know, like what's going to happen? And, you know, am I how how am I going to, you know, hold on to that? You know, once you become really famous, there's this thing that you're supposed to like, you know, you're supposed to stay there.

in the same place and you're supposed to like hold on to that thing, you know? And it's like, I, I didn't know anything about that except for the fact that it felt like a lot of pressure. And, um, and, and it felt like I, if I didn't, if my movie didn't succeed at the box office or if whatever, that I was letting a lot of people down. And that's a lot. That's a lot for a young person, I think.

in the same place and you're supposed to like hold on to that thing, you know? And it's like, I, I didn't know anything about that except for the fact that it felt like a lot of pressure. And, um, and, and it felt like I, if I didn't, if my movie didn't succeed at the box office or if whatever, that I was letting a lot of people down. And that's a lot. That's a lot for a young person, I think.

Yeah. Like you're letting your family down? Yeah. Letting my family down, letting people down, you know, who believed in me, who said that I was, you know, blah, blah, blah or whatever, you know. Yeah. Like that I was just letting people down. Yeah.

Yeah. Like you're letting your family down? Yeah. Letting my family down, letting people down, you know, who believed in me, who said that I was, you know, blah, blah, blah or whatever, you know. Yeah. Like that I was just letting people down. Yeah.

I had no idea. Every time.

I had no idea. Every time.

So it's sort of that. I have many of those that just stay in my closet and I can't get rid of them because I think they're fantastic. But every time I put them on, not today.

So it's sort of that. I have many of those that just stay in my closet and I can't get rid of them because I think they're fantastic. But every time I put them on, not today.

I'll talk about that my mom always said that I was special.

I'll talk about that my mom always said that I was special.

Yeah, yeah. She, my mom had lost her firstborn, who was my first brother. And my sister at the time was only six months old. And my mom had a complete breakdown, basically. And she's, you know, open about it. She was suicidal. I mean, didn't try anything, but in her mind... she thought, you know, if I die by suicide, I'll be able to be with Robbie again.

Yeah, yeah. She, my mom had lost her firstborn, who was my first brother. And my sister at the time was only six months old. And my mom had a complete breakdown, basically. And she's, you know, open about it. She was suicidal. I mean, didn't try anything, but in her mind... she thought, you know, if I die by suicide, I'll be able to be with Robbie again.

And then she had this experience that, you know, and you know, my mom, my mom is like a very like grounded person, not at all new agey at all. This is, but an experience that she had. And, you know, Looking back on it, my more, I don't want to say cynical, but my analytical mind thinks, you know, well, she was having a complete breakdown and she was the one that was talking to herself.

And then she had this experience that, you know, and you know, my mom, my mom is like a very like grounded person, not at all new agey at all. This is, but an experience that she had. And, you know, Looking back on it, my more, I don't want to say cynical, but my analytical mind thinks, you know, well, she was having a complete breakdown and she was the one that was talking to herself.

But my mom absolutely to this day says, no, I was visited by a spirit who told her why she was still supposed to be there. Yeah. And apparently the reason was me. And that's a story that she told me from the time that I was very, very small. And the funny thing is, is a little PS to this whole story, is apparently my sister said that she said it to her.

But my mom absolutely to this day says, no, I was visited by a spirit who told her why she was still supposed to be there. Yeah. And apparently the reason was me. And that's a story that she told me from the time that I was very, very small. And the funny thing is, is a little PS to this whole story, is apparently my sister said that she said it to her.

I haven't asked my brother if it's true. My mom had another child after my sister, my brother, and then I was the last one. I don't know. My mom, you know how it is when there's like a story that you've heard like your whole life and then all of a sudden it's like your brother that that happened to instead of you. And you're like, well, hang on. No, you know, but I don't know.

I haven't asked my brother if it's true. My mom had another child after my sister, my brother, and then I was the last one. I don't know. My mom, you know how it is when there's like a story that you've heard like your whole life and then all of a sudden it's like your brother that that happened to instead of you. And you're like, well, hang on. No, you know, but I don't know.

Memory is a funny thing.

Memory is a funny thing.

Yeah, a lot. I feel like that I lived for so long with this, this fear of disappointing people. You know, like I said, disappointing, I think, first my primal relationship, which is my parents. But then there was that, you know, disappointing whoever, like my agent or my manager or fans or people, you know. I was just always very... Yeah, I was very hard on myself in that way.

Yeah, a lot. I feel like that I lived for so long with this, this fear of disappointing people. You know, like I said, disappointing, I think, first my primal relationship, which is my parents. But then there was that, you know, disappointing whoever, like my agent or my manager or fans or people, you know. I was just always very... Yeah, I was very hard on myself in that way.

And the fact of the matter is, is I did feel like I disappointed them But it didn't matter.

And the fact of the matter is, is I did feel like I disappointed them But it didn't matter.

You know, like when my career didn't stay, you know, at this like zenith of like white hotness or whatever. I feel like that was maybe a disappointment to my parents. But I feel like it was more like they were

You know, like when my career didn't stay, you know, at this like zenith of like white hotness or whatever. I feel like that was maybe a disappointment to my parents. But I feel like it was more like they were

You know, like whenever you're having kids now, like if they don't get something that they want or they don't do as well in a test or they whatever, those like disappointments that they have in life, it doesn't mean that I believe in them any less.

You know, like whenever you're having kids now, like if they don't get something that they want or they don't do as well in a test or they whatever, those like disappointments that they have in life, it doesn't mean that I believe in them any less.

I might be disappointed for them, but, you know, but I love them and I feel like they're going to do extraordinary things because I think they're extraordinary. And I feel like that's the way that my parents were as well. I never felt like, you know, particularly with my father, I felt like that.

I might be disappointed for them, but, you know, but I love them and I feel like they're going to do extraordinary things because I think they're extraordinary. And I feel like that's the way that my parents were as well. I never felt like, you know, particularly with my father, I felt like that.

Well, both of them, I think, but I had a special relationship with my father and my father passed away a couple of years ago. But I feel like, yeah, he was just like my biggest fan and. You know, people say that all the time. They come up and they say like, oh, I'm your biggest fan. You know, like I actually did have my biggest fan and it was my dad. It's pretty special.

Well, both of them, I think, but I had a special relationship with my father and my father passed away a couple of years ago. But I feel like, yeah, he was just like my biggest fan and. You know, people say that all the time. They come up and they say like, oh, I'm your biggest fan. You know, like I actually did have my biggest fan and it was my dad. It's pretty special.

It is. It is really special. But it's like, you know, of course, it's like it's hard when you when you lose that.

It is. It is really special. But it's like, you know, of course, it's like it's hard when you when you lose that.

I mean, it comes for all of us and it's something that we all go through, which is kind of like, I think one of the reasons why I'm open and I talk about that because I feel like grief is like, it's a hard thing for people and it's happening all the time to everyone everywhere. Sometimes it happens in a more brutal way than the way that it happened to me. But, you know, we all lose people

I mean, it comes for all of us and it's something that we all go through, which is kind of like, I think one of the reasons why I'm open and I talk about that because I feel like grief is like, it's a hard thing for people and it's happening all the time to everyone everywhere. Sometimes it happens in a more brutal way than the way that it happened to me. But, you know, we all lose people

that we love and we all figure out a way through it when we have to. That's just part of life. But I know that anybody that's listening right now is struggling. You know, either they've gone through it or they know that it's coming, but it's really hard. And I think the only way through it is to, you know, I believe to talk about it and to be there for each other.

that we love and we all figure out a way through it when we have to. That's just part of life. But I know that anybody that's listening right now is struggling. You know, either they've gone through it or they know that it's coming, but it's really hard. And I think the only way through it is to, you know, I believe to talk about it and to be there for each other.

Okay.

Okay.

You know, it's all I know. And I think that I've had a pretty extraordinary life. So I try to stay focused on the gratitude of that instead of mourning something that was lost that I can't really get back. You know, I grew up in an unconventional way. And like you said, there was... There was so much – there were so many great things about it.

You know, it's all I know. And I think that I've had a pretty extraordinary life. So I try to stay focused on the gratitude of that instead of mourning something that was lost that I can't really get back. You know, I grew up in an unconventional way. And like you said, there was... There was so much – there were so many great things about it.

If I ever think about things that I've lost or, you know, things that I wish I would have done differently, I try not to have regrets. But I try to just acknowledge that, you know, particularly when I talk to my kids because sometimes –

If I ever think about things that I've lost or, you know, things that I wish I would have done differently, I try not to have regrets. But I try to just acknowledge that, you know, particularly when I talk to my kids because sometimes –

if I have expectations or if I, you know, if I'm really like gung ho about them going to college, you know, it's because I didn't, you know, um, and I, and I wish that I had, because I think I really would have liked it. You would, I think you would have loved it. I think I would have actually thrived. I wasn't a very good high school student, but I think, I, I think I would love college.

if I have expectations or if I, you know, if I'm really like gung ho about them going to college, you know, it's because I didn't, you know, um, and I, and I wish that I had, because I think I really would have liked it. You would, I think you would have loved it. I think I would have actually thrived. I wasn't a very good high school student, but I think, I, I think I would love college.

I mean, I'm not ruling it out. Right. You know, once my... I'll be the oldest student. But it's something that I would really like to do. And I've talked to people and they've said, oh, you could teach a class. And I'm like, I don't want to teach a class. I want to learn. I'm just eternally thirsty for knowledge.

I mean, I'm not ruling it out. Right. You know, once my... I'll be the oldest student. But it's something that I would really like to do. And I've talked to people and they've said, oh, you could teach a class. And I'm like, I don't want to teach a class. I want to learn. I'm just eternally thirsty for knowledge.

So anyway, I think to get back to that, I would rather sort of look at that and sort of acknowledge that. So that it tells me something about what it is that I want and how I want the rest of my life to unfold.

So anyway, I think to get back to that, I would rather sort of look at that and sort of acknowledge that. So that it tells me something about what it is that I want and how I want the rest of my life to unfold.

At all. I really do – feel like, you know, that people should have a little bit of real life, real world experience so that they can really appreciate this incredible gift of education.

At all. I really do – feel like, you know, that people should have a little bit of real life, real world experience so that they can really appreciate this incredible gift of education.

Yeah. It's I think.

Yeah. It's I think.

Did you feel self-conscious being older, being an older student?

Did you feel self-conscious being older, being an older student?

But you kind of got over it. I mean, I kind of felt, well, I'm not going to speak for you, but did you feel like you were maybe self-conscious at first, but then once you got into it, that kind of went away? Or did you just feel self-conscious all the time?

But you kind of got over it. I mean, I kind of felt, well, I'm not going to speak for you, but did you feel like you were maybe self-conscious at first, but then once you got into it, that kind of went away? Or did you just feel self-conscious all the time?

Yeah, I don't know. I have to I have to figure that out. My my kids, you know, my 15 year olds are already looking at colleges and my and my and Matilda is is in college. So I kind of have, you know, sort of poked my, you know, like I look at who the professors are. What are the classes I would like to take? I don't know. It might be something that I'll do one day.

Yeah, I don't know. I have to I have to figure that out. My my kids, you know, my 15 year olds are already looking at colleges and my and my and Matilda is is in college. So I kind of have, you know, sort of poked my, you know, like I look at who the professors are. What are the classes I would like to take? I don't know. It might be something that I'll do one day.

Yeah. Does that ever go away though? I mean, that I totally relate to that, but I don't, I feel like maybe I've, I've had like moments where I was like, I have moments. I have experiences. But I don't think that that feeling of fumbling through life ever really goes away. At least it hasn't for me. Yeah, I think they're moments.

Yeah. Does that ever go away though? I mean, that I totally relate to that, but I don't, I feel like maybe I've, I've had like moments where I was like, I have moments. I have experiences. But I don't think that that feeling of fumbling through life ever really goes away. At least it hasn't for me. Yeah, I think they're moments.

I feel like if one is searching and if one is not complacent and is... searching, then you're always fumbling.

I feel like if one is searching and if one is not complacent and is... searching, then you're always fumbling.

Oh, I've always been a writer. I mean, that was – you know, there were – I would say there were three main things that I was really interested and focused on as a kid, and that was acting, singing, and writing. I also danced. Oh. But dancing, you know, ballet, and, you know, it was – I wasn't as obsessed with that as I was with the acting and singing and writing.

Oh, I've always been a writer. I mean, that was – you know, there were – I would say there were three main things that I was really interested and focused on as a kid, and that was acting, singing, and writing. I also danced. Oh. But dancing, you know, ballet, and, you know, it was – I wasn't as obsessed with that as I was with the acting and singing and writing.

Well, you did.

Well, you did.

I mean, you know, every one of our generation did. And even generations beyond because those movies that I did are such touchstones, you know. And there hasn't been a lot of – I mean, I haven't really seen a lot of projects – That have managed to say what those movies said in the way that they said them yet. I mean, you know, there was Freaks and Geeks, which I think was great.

I mean, you know, every one of our generation did. And even generations beyond because those movies that I did are such touchstones, you know. And there hasn't been a lot of – I mean, I haven't really seen a lot of projects – That have managed to say what those movies said in the way that they said them yet. I mean, you know, there was Freaks and Geeks, which I think was great.

And I think it's because I've just always been obsessed with people and why we do what we do. Do you have an answer? I'm still finding out, but I feel like that's what makes me want to write or take on other people or personas, you know, because of this desire I have to understand humankind. It's just my obsession. And I don't know that that's ever going to go away.

And I think it's because I've just always been obsessed with people and why we do what we do. Do you have an answer? I'm still finding out, but I feel like that's what makes me want to write or take on other people or personas, you know, because of this desire I have to understand humankind. It's just my obsession. And I don't know that that's ever going to go away.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I mean, it sounds lofty when I hear it back to me. Oh, sorry. I think it's really interesting. I mean, you know, human condition. Yeah. What makes us human? You know, what makes us make the same mistakes over like what makes us betray each other? What makes us betray ourselves? You know, I was just reading a memoir of a galley of Ioni skies.

I mean, it sounds lofty when I hear it back to me. Oh, sorry. I think it's really interesting. I mean, you know, human condition. Yeah. What makes us human? You know, what makes us make the same mistakes over like what makes us betray each other? What makes us betray ourselves? You know, I was just reading a memoir of a galley of Ioni skies.

And it was really interesting because we've had these lives that have sort of like that were happening at the same time. And like we were both actors and we both – you know, dated the same people, you know, I dated Adam Horowitz, you know, she married him and, you know, but she writes very honestly and openly about, you know, in her case, infidelity.

And it was really interesting because we've had these lives that have sort of like that were happening at the same time. And like we were both actors and we both – you know, dated the same people, you know, I dated Adam Horowitz, you know, she married him and, you know, but she writes very honestly and openly about, you know, in her case, infidelity.

you know, and, and, you know, being unfaithful to somebody that she deeply, deeply loved and, you know, and then compartmentalizing and, you know, um, and, uh, you know, I mean, I had so much respect for, and her writing about it. And it's very painful for her because she lost, you know, I mean, she's okay. She's married to somebody that's great. Um, Ben Lee, um, but like, why do we do that?

you know, and, and, you know, being unfaithful to somebody that she deeply, deeply loved and, you know, and then compartmentalizing and, you know, um, and, uh, you know, I mean, I had so much respect for, and her writing about it. And it's very painful for her because she lost, you know, I mean, she's okay. She's married to somebody that's great. Um, Ben Lee, um, but like, why do we do that?

Why, you know, and, and we all do like everybody, you know, it's just part of the human condition, but it's, it's just a, it's something that I want to understand. And not just that, there's so many things that we do that I want to understand. And I think that's why I'm drawn to, to writing and to, and to acting, um, to be able to inhabit a character, um,

Why, you know, and, and we all do like everybody, you know, it's just part of the human condition, but it's, it's just a, it's something that I want to understand. And not just that, there's so many things that we do that I want to understand. And I think that's why I'm drawn to, to writing and to, and to acting, um, to be able to inhabit a character, um,

you know, just really be inside of a character, you get to, in a way, feel what that character is feeling. And it's impossible to not understand if you felt it. It's weird. I've never really talked about it in that way.

you know, just really be inside of a character, you get to, in a way, feel what that character is feeling. And it's impossible to not understand if you felt it. It's weird. I've never really talked about it in that way.

Um, well, I, I wrote this piece because, um, because, um, I'm still figuring out, I'm still really interested in, in my own feelings about it. And it became very apparent to me when, um, when I had my own kids and, um, and I wanted to show them, you know, my work and, um, yeah. And then when that happened, um, it, it, uh,

Um, well, I, I wrote this piece because, um, because, um, I'm still figuring out, I'm still really interested in, in my own feelings about it. And it became very apparent to me when, um, when I had my own kids and, um, and I wanted to show them, you know, my work and, um, yeah. And then when that happened, um, it, it, uh,

you know, you can't help but see everything from a different angle to, you know.

you know, you can't help but see everything from a different angle to, you know.

Well, I guess both because I wrote two, well, I've written a few pieces for the New Yorker now, but the first one I wrote was right after, I think right when, you know, the second wave of Me Too happened. Right.

Well, I guess both because I wrote two, well, I've written a few pieces for the New Yorker now, but the first one I wrote was right after, I think right when, you know, the second wave of Me Too happened. Right.

And, you know, I don't know, but there's just something about those movies that just sort of. You know, have spoken to generations and everybody that, you know, that's going through that in high school, you know, kids are going to still be bullied and they're still going to feel out of place. And, you know, and those movies just kind of, you know, particularly The Breakfast Club.

And, you know, I don't know, but there's just something about those movies that just sort of. You know, have spoken to generations and everybody that, you know, that's going through that in high school, you know, kids are going to still be bullied and they're still going to feel out of place. And, you know, and those movies just kind of, you know, particularly The Breakfast Club.

So my first piece that I wrote was All the Other Harveys because everything was so focused on Harvey Weinstein. And I wanted to say, you know, no, it's not just Harvey Weinstein. it's a lot of people in a lot of different businesses, but I, it was the first time that I had spoken a little bit about my own experiences, um, as you know, being a young actress growing up in Hollywood.

So my first piece that I wrote was All the Other Harveys because everything was so focused on Harvey Weinstein. And I wanted to say, you know, no, it's not just Harvey Weinstein. it's a lot of people in a lot of different businesses, but I, it was the first time that I had spoken a little bit about my own experiences, um, as you know, being a young actress growing up in Hollywood.

The second piece that I wrote, um, was about looking at the breakfast club and those movies that I did with John Hughes, um, through the me too lens. Um, and you know, It was really a hard article to write because, you know, I wouldn't have the career that I have if it weren't for those movies. And I feel like I have a lot of privilege, you know, being in those.

The second piece that I wrote, um, was about looking at the breakfast club and those movies that I did with John Hughes, um, through the me too lens. Um, and you know, It was really a hard article to write because, you know, I wouldn't have the career that I have if it weren't for those movies. And I feel like I have a lot of privilege, you know, being in those.

I don't want to come across as, you know, poor me. You know, I'm very cognizant of the fact that people have much... much more challenging dealing with much bigger issues than than me. But it's still you know, it's it's it's still a lot to grapple with. And I also really wanted to be very

I don't want to come across as, you know, poor me. You know, I'm very cognizant of the fact that people have much... much more challenging dealing with much bigger issues than than me. But it's still you know, it's it's it's still a lot to grapple with. And I also really wanted to be very

careful and not I didn't want it to be seen as as condemning them at all because I feel like those those movies still mean a lot to people and they still have so many redeeming qualities and you know the over the the overarching message I think is something that's very positive for kids to watch do you think they reflected the culture more or shaped the culture more

careful and not I didn't want it to be seen as as condemning them at all because I feel like those those movies still mean a lot to people and they still have so many redeeming qualities and you know the over the the overarching message I think is something that's very positive for kids to watch do you think they reflected the culture more or shaped the culture more

I think that they reflected John Hughes's experience in a very white, almost segregated part of Chicago. You know, I say kind of segregated because it wasn't officially segregated, but I mean, let's face it, our... I grew up looking back on it in a very segregated way.

I think that they reflected John Hughes's experience in a very white, almost segregated part of Chicago. You know, I say kind of segregated because it wasn't officially segregated, but I mean, let's face it, our... I grew up looking back on it in a very segregated way.

I mean, in the elementary school that I went to in Sacramento, two people of color that were in that grade, and I remember it because I was looking, because the music that I sang with my father was jazz music, and all of the great jazz performers and singers were black. And so... But I didn't see that reflected in my school, you know? And this was like growing up in the 70s, you know?

I mean, in the elementary school that I went to in Sacramento, two people of color that were in that grade, and I remember it because I was looking, because the music that I sang with my father was jazz music, and all of the great jazz performers and singers were black. And so... But I didn't see that reflected in my school, you know? And this was like growing up in the 70s, you know?

And so I feel like John's experience was, you know, that that was really his experience. And he grew up in a not very diverse racial, not very racially diverse. And yet people...

And so I feel like John's experience was, you know, that that was really his experience. And he grew up in a not very diverse racial, not very racially diverse. And yet people...

even though they're flawed, you know, which I've written extensively about. Yeah, written very well.

even though they're flawed, you know, which I've written extensively about. Yeah, written very well.

have told me, you know, a lot of black people, a lot of, you know, my friend Ruben Toledo, who is from Cuba, you know, so many people have told me how much they relate to this experience of watching The Breakfast Club, that to them it was, you know, so I guess we're all avatars sometimes. Mm hmm.

have told me, you know, a lot of black people, a lot of, you know, my friend Ruben Toledo, who is from Cuba, you know, so many people have told me how much they relate to this experience of watching The Breakfast Club, that to them it was, you know, so I guess we're all avatars sometimes. Mm hmm.

Yeah, I think so. Although, I mean, nobody's going to remake The Breakfast Club because they don't, they legally can't. It's like, you know, J.D. Salinger, you know, nobody can make it. Catch her in the rye. I think that's going to be the case with The Breakfast Club. But even so, I feel like you couldn't make that movie now. Yeah. Because it really does not represent America.

Yeah, I think so. Although, I mean, nobody's going to remake The Breakfast Club because they don't, they legally can't. It's like, you know, J.D. Salinger, you know, nobody can make it. Catch her in the rye. I think that's going to be the case with The Breakfast Club. But even so, I feel like you couldn't make that movie now. Yeah. Because it really does not represent America.

You know, it would have to be more, you know, diverse, racially diverse, I think.

You know, it would have to be more, you know, diverse, racially diverse, I think.

You could tell the story, but it would be a different story.

You could tell the story, but it would be a different story.

Okay. Oh, interesting. I mean, that would be something that I would be more interested to watch anyway than somebody just remaking, you know, The Breakfast Club. You know, I feel like it would be much more interesting to see a Breakfast Club-like movie that represents today. I want to ask you, you just, I don't know if it's finished yet, but you produced the Amanda Knox.

Okay. Oh, interesting. I mean, that would be something that I would be more interested to watch anyway than somebody just remaking, you know, The Breakfast Club. You know, I feel like it would be much more interesting to see a Breakfast Club-like movie that represents today. I want to ask you, you just, I don't know if it's finished yet, but you produced the Amanda Knox.

I feel like it's it was a little when people ask me what it was like, that whole experience really felt like being swept up in a wave.

I feel like it's it was a little when people ask me what it was like, that whole experience really felt like being swept up in a wave.

And sometimes, you know, I love the water. And there's sometimes when you're like riding a wave and it just feels like, wow, you know, it feels it feels great. But then, like, if you move the wrong way, suddenly you're, like, upside down and you have, like, water in your nose and in your throat and you, like, think, am I going to die and I can't breathe and this is humiliating.

And sometimes, you know, I love the water. And there's sometimes when you're like riding a wave and it just feels like, wow, you know, it feels it feels great. But then, like, if you move the wrong way, suddenly you're, like, upside down and you have, like, water in your nose and in your throat and you, like, think, am I going to die and I can't breathe and this is humiliating.

Because when I stand up, my whole ass is going to be covered with sand. Oh, I know that whole thing. That's what it feels like. It's, you know, it's great. And it's like and then in like in a second, it's not great, you know, but then you write yourself and then it can be great again.

Because when I stand up, my whole ass is going to be covered with sand. Oh, I know that whole thing. That's what it feels like. It's, you know, it's great. And it's like and then in like in a second, it's not great, you know, but then you write yourself and then it can be great again.

Did I have a Harvey experience? Well, I've had I've had many Harvey experiences with different people. at a young age and I'm still processing in, you know, I've processed it in a private way and And eventually I'm going to be able to talk about it and write about it. But it's still—I'm still grappling.

Did I have a Harvey experience? Well, I've had I've had many Harvey experiences with different people. at a young age and I'm still processing in, you know, I've processed it in a private way and And eventually I'm going to be able to talk about it and write about it. But it's still—I'm still grappling.

It was based on Matt because Matt came to Matt's been my best friend since I was, I think, 10 years old, since my family moved from Sacramento to Los Angeles. OK. And he was one of my you know, I was still an Annie when we became friends. And then when I went to high school or junior high, actually, or middle school, we called it junior high.

It was based on Matt because Matt came to Matt's been my best friend since I was, I think, 10 years old, since my family moved from Sacramento to Los Angeles. OK. And he was one of my you know, I was still an Annie when we became friends. And then when I went to high school or junior high, actually, or middle school, we called it junior high.

Yeah. It's, um, it's, it's very hard to, um, like you said, to feel like you, you're supposed to take a stand and that, you know, you're supposed to take a stand and it's supposed to be very clear black or white. Um, and, and, and nothing is for me, at least that, you know, there, there's been, there's been nuance and, and, um, And it's hard for people to understand that.

Yeah. It's, um, it's, it's very hard to, um, like you said, to feel like you, you're supposed to take a stand and that, you know, you're supposed to take a stand and it's supposed to be very clear black or white. Um, and, and, and nothing is for me, at least that, you know, there, there's been, there's been nuance and, and, um, And it's hard for people to understand that.

I think it's hard for all of us to understand that we all want answers. I think that's why one of the reasons why true crime is so fascinating for people is because they get to the end and then they find out who did it and everyone can go to bed because they caught the bad guy until the next day and then they have to do it again. We want answers. We want everything to be very clear.

I think it's hard for all of us to understand that we all want answers. I think that's why one of the reasons why true crime is so fascinating for people is because they get to the end and then they find out who did it and everyone can go to bed because they caught the bad guy until the next day and then they have to do it again. We want answers. We want everything to be very clear.

And unfortunately, I feel like You know, it's not always. There is nuance. And I'm okay with that. You know, I mean, I think the older I get, the more... The more interested I am at looking through all these different lenses and to understanding the good and the bad. And, you know, I definitely believe that we all have a shadow side and we also are able to to radiate light.

And unfortunately, I feel like You know, it's not always. There is nuance. And I'm okay with that. You know, I mean, I think the older I get, the more... The more interested I am at looking through all these different lenses and to understanding the good and the bad. And, you know, I definitely believe that we all have a shadow side and we also are able to to radiate light.

And and and I'm OK with that. You have a lot of wisdom, Molly.

And and and I'm OK with that. You have a lot of wisdom, Molly.

I was in the seventh grade and Matt was in the ninth grade. And that's really sort of when we became friends and and went steady, although Matt is. And has always been gay, but he wasn't out at that time. Your best-dressed boyfriend. Yes. But, yeah, so he – which is one of the reasons why I always say that Ducky's gay because he was based on Matt.

I was in the seventh grade and Matt was in the ninth grade. And that's really sort of when we became friends and and went steady, although Matt is. And has always been gay, but he wasn't out at that time. Your best-dressed boyfriend. Yes. But, yeah, so he – which is one of the reasons why I always say that Ducky's gay because he was based on Matt.

So thank you. That's really nice to hear.

So thank you. That's really nice to hear.

Yeah, we've been there. I think witnessed some very hard things in in our lives. And I mean, it's been like a

Yeah, we've been there. I think witnessed some very hard things in in our lives. And I mean, it's been like a

absolute joy to see you become, you know, this incredible, I mean, I always knew that that's who you were and I always believed that, but like to see you, I mean, there were moments where, you know, I mean, I'm just going to say it, you can always cut it out, but I remember you coming to see a play that I was doing. And we were in the restaurant together. It was just you and me.

absolute joy to see you become, you know, this incredible, I mean, I always knew that that's who you were and I always believed that, but like to see you, I mean, there were moments where, you know, I mean, I'm just going to say it, you can always cut it out, but I remember you coming to see a play that I was doing. And we were in the restaurant together. It was just you and me.

I remember that you had gone somewhere for solace. And then you were in... And just how like... Hard and hurtful.

I remember that you had gone somewhere for solace. And then you were in... And just how like... Hard and hurtful.

It was, but it's hard when you see like, yeah.

It was, but it's hard when you see like, yeah.

It was really, it was really hard. Yeah. And made me so mad. Like, I wanted to go and find him. And, you know, but this just happened. So, I mean, this, you know, all the time I would, you know, hear that and, you know, So anyway, as your friend, it's just been really lovely to watch you reclaim your narrative and in such a beautiful, dignified way.

It was really, it was really hard. Yeah. And made me so mad. Like, I wanted to go and find him. And, you know, but this just happened. So, I mean, this, you know, all the time I would, you know, hear that and, you know, So anyway, as your friend, it's just been really lovely to watch you reclaim your narrative and in such a beautiful, dignified way.

I don't know that I've had the opportunity to really tell you that. And, you know, it's just been really nice.

I don't know that I've had the opportunity to really tell you that. And, you know, it's just been really nice.

Matt came to visit me while I was filming The Breakfast Club. And John Hughes had taken us – he would always take us, you know, kids, me, Michael, Anthony Michael Hall, and – to Kingston Mines, which is an old, you know, which I think is still there, you know, to see Junior Wells, these great blues performers. Anyway, there was this band and they were playing Roll Over Beethoven.

Matt came to visit me while I was filming The Breakfast Club. And John Hughes had taken us – he would always take us, you know, kids, me, Michael, Anthony Michael Hall, and – to Kingston Mines, which is an old, you know, which I think is still there, you know, to see Junior Wells, these great blues performers. Anyway, there was this band and they were playing Roll Over Beethoven.

I think like everything else, to me, everything is a process. To me, I feel like I want to reclaim that feeling of being able to do it. And I feel like that is something, you know, that feeling that you have when you're little and before anybody tells you that you can't as an adult. And I feel like I'm aware of the fact that even if you sort of get it, you could also lose it the next day.

I think like everything else, to me, everything is a process. To me, I feel like I want to reclaim that feeling of being able to do it. And I feel like that is something, you know, that feeling that you have when you're little and before anybody tells you that you can't as an adult. And I feel like I'm aware of the fact that even if you sort of get it, you could also lose it the next day.

So, so that's why to me, it's a process. It's a process of reclaiming every day. And I find it, you know, every time I write that book, you know, I used to tell myself I couldn't write or I can never publish what I write because I'm an actor and nobody would accept an actor, you know, writing and how dare I, you know,

So, so that's why to me, it's a process. It's a process of reclaiming every day. And I find it, you know, every time I write that book, you know, I used to tell myself I couldn't write or I can never publish what I write because I'm an actor and nobody would accept an actor, you know, writing and how dare I, you know,

I didn't think things like that when I first started to write, you know, because nobody had, you know, I didn't care. I don't know. I just that that belief in myself. So it's something that I have to trick myself back into every day. And I think that's a form of reclaiming a reclamation that just I do every day. So so it's that process. Thank you so much for doing this. Thank you.

I didn't think things like that when I first started to write, you know, because nobody had, you know, I didn't care. I don't know. I just that that belief in myself. So it's something that I have to trick myself back into every day. And I think that's a form of reclaiming a reclamation that just I do every day. So so it's that process. Thank you so much for doing this. Thank you.

This has been great. Yeah, really good.

This has been great. Yeah, really good.

And it was this, and I was dancing with Matt, but it was this extended version that went on for 20 years. And Matt kept saying, like, can we stop? And I was like, no, no, no. It was like a pride thing. We had to dance all the way through. And then based on the interaction of me and Matt on the dance floor, that's what made John write Pretty in Pink. Oh, my gosh. And that character, yeah.

And it was this, and I was dancing with Matt, but it was this extended version that went on for 20 years. And Matt kept saying, like, can we stop? And I was like, no, no, no. It was like a pride thing. We had to dance all the way through. And then based on the interaction of me and Matt on the dance floor, that's what made John write Pretty in Pink. Oh, my gosh. And that character, yeah.

Yeah, he wrote that just based on a headshot. He had moved agencies briefly from CAA to ICM, which I believe is one agent. I mean, they combine now. But at the time, they were very, you know, separate. And yeah, and as a new client, they gave... him headshots of all their clients. And I was, yeah, I was at ICM after my first movie, which was Tempest.

Yeah, he wrote that just based on a headshot. He had moved agencies briefly from CAA to ICM, which I believe is one agent. I mean, they combine now. But at the time, they were very, you know, separate. And yeah, and as a new client, they gave... him headshots of all their clients. And I was, yeah, I was at ICM after my first movie, which was Tempest.

And over 4th of July weekend, he put that up on his Bolton board above his computer station. And, you know, cause he was a early adopter computer. And yeah, it was, and he wrote this movie. And so when it came time to cast it and they said, you know, who do you want?

And over 4th of July weekend, he put that up on his Bolton board above his computer station. And, you know, cause he was a early adopter computer. And yeah, it was, and he wrote this movie. And so when it came time to cast it and they said, you know, who do you want?

I guess, I mean, he did tell me the story when we first met. I met him, you know, originally he had written The Breakfast Club and then he wrote Sixteen Candles After. In fact, he was in the middle of casting The Breakfast Club locally in Chicago with local Chicago actors. In fact, John Cusack was going to play John Bender And Joan Cusack was going to play Allison.

I guess, I mean, he did tell me the story when we first met. I met him, you know, originally he had written The Breakfast Club and then he wrote Sixteen Candles After. In fact, he was in the middle of casting The Breakfast Club locally in Chicago with local Chicago actors. In fact, John Cusack was going to play John Bender And Joan Cusack was going to play Allison.

And I don't know who the other people that were cast. And then he wrote Sixteen Candles and then gave it to the studio. And the studio loved it and decided to do that first. And then at the end of Sixteen Candles, he asked me and Anthony Michael Hall to be in The Breakfast Club. Right. So in terms of did I know that I was a muse, I mean, he told me that story.

And I don't know who the other people that were cast. And then he wrote Sixteen Candles and then gave it to the studio. And the studio loved it and decided to do that first. And then at the end of Sixteen Candles, he asked me and Anthony Michael Hall to be in The Breakfast Club. Right. So in terms of did I know that I was a muse, I mean, he told me that story.

But, you know, when you're that age, I mean, I had nothing really to compare it to. I hadn't done – I mean, I'd done more movies, actually, than John had at that point. Oh, my. Really? Yeah, because Sixteen Candles was his directorial debut. He wrote Mr. Mom. He wrote Vacation. But he didn't – direct those movies. So I had done a few movies. I did Tempest.

But, you know, when you're that age, I mean, I had nothing really to compare it to. I hadn't done – I mean, I'd done more movies, actually, than John had at that point. Oh, my. Really? Yeah, because Sixteen Candles was his directorial debut. He wrote Mr. Mom. He wrote Vacation. But he didn't – direct those movies. So I had done a few movies. I did Tempest.

I did, you know, the great space hunter adventures in the forbidden zone and 3D. And then I did a couple of other things. So, I mean, I had actually had more experience, but I was still only 15 years old. So I didn't have a lot of life experience. And I, so I didn't have a lot to, you know, it didn't, it didn't seem that strange to me. I mean, now it does. Right.

I did, you know, the great space hunter adventures in the forbidden zone and 3D. And then I did a couple of other things. So, I mean, I had actually had more experience, but I was still only 15 years old. So I didn't have a lot of life experience. And I, so I didn't have a lot to, you know, it didn't, it didn't seem that strange to me. I mean, now it does. Right.

Yeah, it's peculiar. It's complimentary. I mean, it always felt incredibly complimentary. But yeah, looking back on it, there was something a little peculiar.

Yeah, it's peculiar. It's complimentary. I mean, it always felt incredibly complimentary. But yeah, looking back on it, there was something a little peculiar.

And so when I disparage... It's definitely complex. And it's something that I turn over in my head a lot and try to figure out how... That all affected me. And I still have, I feel like I'm still processing all of that. And I probably will until the day I die.

And so when I disparage... It's definitely complex. And it's something that I turn over in my head a lot and try to figure out how... That all affected me. And I still have, I feel like I'm still processing all of that. And I probably will until the day I die.

I think that I have had sort of varying degrees of fame my entire life, you know, because I've been a performer since I was three. I mean, literally, since I was three years old, I was on stage with my father, singing with my father, and then also acting. My first play was The Grass Harp, which was written by Truma Capote, as a matter of fact. Wow. I didn't have any lines.

I think that I have had sort of varying degrees of fame my entire life, you know, because I've been a performer since I was three. I mean, literally, since I was three years old, I was on stage with my father, singing with my father, and then also acting. My first play was The Grass Harp, which was written by Truma Capote, as a matter of fact. Wow. I didn't have any lines.

I just toddled on stage. You know, when you do community theater, when you perform on stage, you sort of become like a celebrity. So I was a celebrity in, you know, in my small town in a way. You know, I was sort of, you know, I was known as the world's youngest jazz singer, you know, or that was what they wrote about. So I was written about and, you know,

I just toddled on stage. You know, when you do community theater, when you perform on stage, you sort of become like a celebrity. So I was a celebrity in, you know, in my small town in a way. You know, I was sort of, you know, I was known as the world's youngest jazz singer, you know, or that was what they wrote about. So I was written about and, you know,

It was a sort of fame, a degree of fame, you know, and then it was sort of like I everything that I did, I sort of became like a little bit more well known. You know, you move to Los Angeles and then, of course, nobody knew who I was until I started to to do stuff. But I feel like I've you know, I've never known. a world where I haven't been a little famous.

It was a sort of fame, a degree of fame, you know, and then it was sort of like I everything that I did, I sort of became like a little bit more well known. You know, you move to Los Angeles and then, of course, nobody knew who I was until I started to to do stuff. But I feel like I've you know, I've never known. a world where I haven't been a little famous.

At a certain point, then I became really, really famous. You know, I feel like when you're on the cover of Time magazine, that sort of, which we both have been. Yes, I concur. Yeah, I think when it gets to that point, then you sort of, yeah, then it becomes like a level of fame that I personally don't feel that comfortable with.

At a certain point, then I became really, really famous. You know, I feel like when you're on the cover of Time magazine, that sort of, which we both have been. Yes, I concur. Yeah, I think when it gets to that point, then you sort of, yeah, then it becomes like a level of fame that I personally don't feel that comfortable with.

You know, even though I was happy with the movies I was doing and I was, you know, having, I loved the work of actually doing it but but the all the fame and the notoriety you know outside of that I found it really overwhelming and scary and it changed me a bit you know it made me a very um I mean

You know, even though I was happy with the movies I was doing and I was, you know, having, I loved the work of actually doing it but but the all the fame and the notoriety you know outside of that I found it really overwhelming and scary and it changed me a bit you know it made me a very um I mean

Maybe I would have been this, maybe this is just who I am, but there was a part of it that I felt like I became very closed and very self-protective in a way that I think a lot of people sort of misinterpreted for, you know, people thought that I was, you know, aloof or stuck up or, you know, any, and it wasn't, it was, it was, it was fear and being very self-protective. Yeah.

Maybe I would have been this, maybe this is just who I am, but there was a part of it that I felt like I became very closed and very self-protective in a way that I think a lot of people sort of misinterpreted for, you know, people thought that I was, you know, aloof or stuck up or, you know, any, and it wasn't, it was, it was, it was fear and being very self-protective. Yeah.

How, like, roughly how old were you when you're talking about that?

How, like, roughly how old were you when you're talking about that?

Yeah. I was chased by the paparazzi, and they trapped me in a revolving door in a hotel. And the flashes kept going on. And you know how disorienting flashes are. But then I was also in a... revolving door that just kept turning, turning, turning. And that was terrifying for me. And still to this day, when I go to a red carpet event or anything, and there's the flash, my heart starts to race.

Yeah. I was chased by the paparazzi, and they trapped me in a revolving door in a hotel. And the flashes kept going on. And you know how disorienting flashes are. But then I was also in a... revolving door that just kept turning, turning, turning. And that was terrifying for me. And still to this day, when I go to a red carpet event or anything, and there's the flash, my heart starts to race.

And, and I get like, Yeah. I get scared. I just, I, you know, and I don't, and I've done it enough now and, you know, nothing, you know, touch wood, nothing bad's going to happen. It's just people taking my picture. But yeah, there's something really frightening there for me at that, at that age, because I was still like a baby. Yeah.

And, and I get like, Yeah. I get scared. I just, I, you know, and I don't, and I've done it enough now and, you know, nothing, you know, touch wood, nothing bad's going to happen. It's just people taking my picture. But yeah, there's something really frightening there for me at that, at that age, because I was still like a baby. Yeah.