Gen X (Including Gwyneth Paltrow) Is Spiraling Over How Old Dreamy Jake FromSixteen CandlesTurns This Year

Mar. 15, 2025

Molly Ringwald and Michael Schoeffling in ‘Sixteen Candles’ in 1984.Photo:Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock

Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock

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Molly Ringwald in 1984’s ‘Sixteen Candles’.Gwyneth Paltrow/Instagram

Gwyneth Paltrow/Instagram

In 1983, director John Hughes, who was making his directorial debut with his teen rom-comSixteen Candles, handpicked Schoeffling to play the role of the hunky high school senior.

The comedy was a box office success, earning $23 million after being made for a budget of $6 million, but its legacy as a cult favorite has far surpassed its earnings.

The film also starredAnthony Michael Hallas “the Geek,“Gedde Watanabe as Long Duk DongandJohn Cusackas Bryce.

Schoeffling was 23 at the time of the film’s production.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of the teen cult classic, but Schoeffling isn’t expected to make any anniversary appearances.

Michael Schoeffling in 1984’s ‘Sixteen Candles’.Gwyneth Paltrow/Instagram

After making a few more movies, Schoeffling retreated from the spotlight in the early ’90s to live in a small town in Pennsylvania and turn his attention to hiswoodworking shop.

The former actor has never publicly spoken about his decision to walk away from the spotlight, though it appears he prefers a life outside of show business with his wife, fellow former model and actress Valerie C. Robinson, and two children, daughter Scarlett and son Zane.

Although he left Hollywood,Schoeffling’s grown daughter Scarlettis now making waves on her own in the modeling world, and is also dabbling in acting.

In 2020, she appeared inBlackjack: The Jackie Ryan Story, and made a guest appearance in the seriesBillions.

source: people.com