See the A-List Cast of the 1994 Family Movie ‘The Flintstones’ Then and Now

The Flintstones, a live-action film that came out in 1994, was an adaptation of the classic Hanna-Barbera animated television series of the same name. Directed by Brian Levant and produced by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, the film brought the beloved characters of Bedrock to life with a star-studded cast. The movie was a box office success, thanks in part to its nostalgic appeal and the charming performances of its cast members.

The film follows Fred Flintstone (John Goodman), a working-class quarry worker, who unwittingly becomes involved in a corporate scam perpetrated by his boss, Cliff Vandercave (Kyle MacLachlan). Alongside his best friend Barney Rubble (Rick Moranis), Fred navigates the challenges of newfound wealth and its impact on his family life with wife Wilma (Elizabeth Perkins) and daughter Pebbles.

The plot thickens with the introduction of Wilma’s mother, Pearl Slaghoople (Elizabeth Taylor) and the Rubble family, including Barney’s, wife Betty (Rosie O’Donnell) and their adopted son Bamm-Bamm.

The film just celebrated its 30^th anniversary, so we’re taking a look back at the hilarious cast then and now.

John Goodman as Fred Flintstone

Fred Flintstone, played by John Goodman, is the protagonist, known for his loud personality, big heart, and penchant for getting into trouble. As a quarry worker at Slate Rock and Gravel Company, Fred dreams of a better life for his family.

Before starring in The Flintstones, John Goodman was best known for his role as Dan Conner on the popular television sitcom Roseanne. He also appeared in films such as Raising Arizona (1987) and Barton Fink (1991).

Before Goodman collaborated with Steven Spielberg (who was a producer on the movie) on The Flintstones, he worked with him on the 1989 movie Always. As Goodman recalled, “The very first rehearsal, the very first table reading, he turned to me and he said, ‘You’re going to be my Fred Flintstone.'”

After The Flintstones, Goodman’s career continued to flourish. He voiced characters in animated films like The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) and Monsters, Inc. (2001). He also appeared in movies such as The Big Lebowski (1998) and O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

His career in TV continued with the Roseanne sequel The Conners, which debuted in 2018 and was recently renewed for its final season.

In recent years, Goodman, now 71, received a lot of attention for his 200-pound weight loss.

Elizabeth Perkins as Wilma Flintstone in The Flintstones

Wilma Flintstone, played by Elizabeth Perkins, is Fred’s loving and supportive wife. She is often the voice of reason in the Flintstone household and manages to keep Fred’s antics in check.

Before The Flintstones, Elizabeth Perkins gained fame for her role as Susan Lawrence in the 1988 film Big, alongside Tom Hanks. She also starred in movies like About Last Night (1986) and Avalon (1990).

Perkins had a good on-set relationship with John Goodman and her other Flintstones costars, and has said, “you only want to work with people you like — that you admire as people and what they stand for. I turn down a lot of work because I don’t want to be around people who yell and scream.”

After The Flintstones, Perkins continued to have a successful career with roles in Miracle on 34^th Street (1994) and the television series Weeds (2005-2012), where she played the character Celia Hodes. Most recently, she was in the TV show The Afterparty (2022-2023).

In addition to acting, Perkins, now 63, is also an advocate for diabetes awareness.

Rick Moranis as Barney Rubble

Barney Rubble, played by Rick Moranis, is Fred Flintstone’s best friend and neighbor. He is kind-hearted and loyal, often getting caught up in Fred’s schemes.

Before The Flintstones, Rick Moranis was a well-known comedic actor who got his start in the ’80s sketch comedy series SCTV and had roles in Ghostbusters (1984), Spaceballs (1987) and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) and its sequels.

In the ’90s, Moranis, now 71, largely stepped away from acting to be a full-time father, a decision that garnered much respect from his fans and peers.

After Moranis’ wife, costume designer Ann Belsky, died of breast cancer in 1991, the father of two retreated from Hollywood, saying “I took a break, which turned into a longer break. Stuff happens to people all the time, and people make adjustments, change careers, move to another city. Really, that’s all I did.”

Rosie O’Donnell as Betty Rubble in The Flintstones

Betty Rubble, played by Rosie O’Donnell, is Barney’s wife and Wilma’s best friend. She is cheerful and always ready to support her family and friends.

Playing Betty Rubble was a lot of fun for O’Donnell. She enjoyed working with her costars. especially Goodman, saying, “He loves to laugh. He’s not a guy who makes a lot of jokes himself, but when somebody makes a joke on the set, he has this huge big belly laugh. So I would always play to him and try to get him to crack up.”

Before The Flintstones, O’Donnell was a rising star with a successful stand-up comedy career and appearances in films like A League of Their Own (1992) and Sleepless in Seattle (1993).

After The Flintstones, O’Donnell’s career expanded into television with The Rosie O’Donnell Show (1996-2002), for which she won multiple Emmy Awards. She was also a moderator on The View from 2006 to 2007 and 2014 to 2015.

Now 62, O’Donnell most recently appeared in the shows American Gigolo (2022) and The L Word: Generation Q (2021-2023). She’s set to appear in the upcoming third season of the Sex and the City sequel And Just Like That…

Outside of acting, O’Donnell has long been a vocal advocate for gay rights and adoption. She has five children and has been married twice, first to Kelli Carpenter and later to Michelle Rounds.

Halle Berry as Miss Stone

Miss Stone, the seductive leopard-print-clad secretary to Kyle MacLachlan’s evil Cliff Vandercave, was played by Halle Berry.

Berry still has a great appreciation for the role, and said, “”Everyone said, ‘oh why would you want to do a movie based on a cartoon? To see… years later, that this character has become so beloved and has resonated with so many of you is so gratifying. Miss Stone is still the blueprint.”

Prior to The Flintstones, Berry was in Strictly Business (1991) and Boomerang (1992). After her role as Miss Stone, Berry went on to great success. She has starred in films like Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999), X-Men (2000), Gothika (2003) and Catwoman (2004).

For her role in the 2001 film Monster’s Ball, Berry made history, becaming the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress. In 2020, she made her directorial debut with the movie Bruised, which she also starred in.

Berry can most recently be seen in the 2022 film Moonfall. Her next films, The Union and Never Let Go, will hit theaters later this year.

Now 57, Berry is currently in a relationship with musician Van Hunt. She is also the mother to daughter Nahla and son Maceo.

Kyle MacLachlan as Cliff Vandercave in The Flintstones

Cliff Vandercave, played by Kyle MacLachlan, is the main antagonist in The Flintstones. As the scheming executive vice president of Slate and Co., he manipulates Fred for his own gain.

Before The Flintstones, MacLachlan was known for his roles in Dune (1984) and Blue Velvet (1986). He gained further recognition as Special Agent Dale Cooper in the television series Twin Peaks, which ran from 1990 to 1991.

After The Flintstones, MacLachlan infamously appeared in Showgirls (1995) and had an arc as Charlotte’s stuck-up husband, Trey, on Sex and the City from 2000 to 2002. He also had regular roles in Portlandia (2011-2018) and Desperate Housewives (2006-2012).

In 2017, MacLachlan reunited with his frequent collaborator David Lynch, director of Dune and Blue Velvet and creator of Twin Peaks, for the acclaimed 2017 reboot series Twin Peaks: The Return.

Now 65, MacLachlan was last seen in two episodes of Fallout this year, and will be providing voiceover work for the highly anticipated sequel to Inside Out.

Outside of acting, MacLachlan is married to publicist Desiree Gruber. They have a son, Callum. The star also has his own wine brand, Pursued by a Bear.

Elizabeth Taylor as Pearl Slaghoople

Pearl Slaghoople, played by Elizabeth Taylor, is Wilma’s disapproving and snobbish mother. She constantly criticizes Fred and meddles in the Flintstones’ affairs.

Before The Flintstones, Taylor was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, who first rose to fame as the teen star of National Velvet (1944). Her performances in films like as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), Suddenly, Last Summer (1959), Cleopatra (1963) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), to name just a few, remain beloved decades later.

The Flintstones was Taylor’s final film role. Later in life, she dedicated much of her time to philanthropy, particularly HIV/AIDS activism, and founded the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Taylor, who was famously married eight times, sadly passed away at age 79 in 2011.

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