This article appeared in twistkoala.com and has been published here with permission.
Quirky and often inappropriate comedies are a tradition in Hollywood, but in the late ’90s, they became an escape, and many of these films were released and produced. Of course, the popularity of this type of movie may never have reached the plateau it has if not for American Pie and its subsequent films. These movies launched a ton of young actors into stardom, and we thought it would be cool to look at where our favorite stars from the American Pie films are now.
Alyson Hannigan – Michelle Flaherty
Alyson Hannigan had already hit it big with her role on the very popular show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but she had yet to conquer the big screen. After capturing the pivotal role of the band nerd, Michelle Flaherty certainly did that.
After her iconic role in the first American Pie film, she continued playing her role in the iconic ’90s teen vampire show, but she also guest-starred on several other shows, as well. Later, she would star in How I Met Your Mother for nine seasons.
Jason Biggs – Jim Levenstein
Jason Biggs scored the lead role of nerdy and slightly inexperienced Jim Levenstein. His character has a little thing for the foreign exchange student and decides to pursue her. Along the way, his dad and pals try to help him out.
This role helped Biggs score more roles in the 2000s in movies like Saving Silverman and Prozac Nation. He has also done work in television and even some voice work, as well. Recently he had a sitcom on Fox called Outmatched.
Mena Suvari – Heather
Mena Suvari played Heather, the love interest of Oz in the films. The character was a very innocent choir girl who ends up putting a kibosh in Oz’s plans. Mena would move from comedy to a more serious film after the first American Pie.
Her next big role was the critically acclaimed American Beauty, and from there, she would move on to star in several films. Along with this, she has also done some work in television, as well.
Chris Klein – Chris “Oz” Ostreicher
Chris Klein played Oz, who was looking to have his first experience with Heather, but things didn’t go as planned, and he wound up having real feelings for the girl. His role, like many of the other young stars, opened the door to more roles.
Since American Pie, he has added films like Rollerball and We Were Soldiers to his resume. He has also worked in television, as well, on shows like The Flash and Wilfred.
Tara Reid – Vicky Lathum
Tara Reid played the object of Kevin’s affection as his girlfriend. The character is troubled with the thought that her boyfriend is only with her for one thing, and it isn’t something she is sure she can give him.
Once the movie did so well, Tara moved on to be in several other films that were in the same vein as the American Pie movies. She did some television work, and for the past several years, she has starred in the sci-fi Sharknado films.
Thomas Ian Nicholas – Kevin Myers
Thomas Ian Nicholas was already a big child star when he landed the role of Kevin, the leader of the ragtag group of guys in American Pie. Kevin is set on having his first time with his girlfriend Vicki, and he is the instigator of the pact the guys make.
After American Pie, Thomas went on to work in both film and television. He starred in the original Party of Five for several episodes and starred in films like Rules of Attraction.
Natasha Lyonne – Jessica
Natasha Lyonne’s role in the first American Pie film was small but pivotal. Jessica, the character that Lyonne played, was the girl who helped Kevin figure out how to make his girlfriend happy.
From there, this young actress captured roles in films like But I’m A Cheerleader and Kate & Leopold, but most noteworthy were her television stints on Orange Is the New Black and Portlandia. Most recently, she starred in the Netflix show, Russian Doll.
Eugene Levy – Mr. Levenstein
Eugene Levy had already built a decent career, but the American Pie films and his role as Jim’s dad certainly elevated him to new levels. Jim’s dad, Mr. Levenstein, was full of dad jokes and questionable advice, but that’s what dads are all about, right?
After the American Pie films, he also starred in several major movies, like Best in Show and Bringing Down the House. He also has done some voice work and has also starred in the acclaimed show Schitt’s Creek.
Jennifer Coolidge – Stifler’s Mom
In a movie about teens, you might think the parents would play a backseat to the main characters, but Stifler’s mom (played by Jennifer Coolidge) definitely did not. Playing the cougar, she flirted her way into a relationship with Finch.
Since playing this sultry role, Jennifer Coolidge has had roles in moves like Click and Legally Blonde. She has also had several roles on television series and has a whole slate of projects ready to come out.
Eddie Kaye Thomas – Paul Finch
Finch was the nerd in the group. He was simply just a nice guy who was played by Eddie Kaye Thomas. As the counterbalance to the loud Stifler, Finch ended up having a special relationship with Stifler’s mom.
After American Pie, the actor moved on to have roles in many television shows. Of late, he has been working as a voice artist on American Dad, and he has done several guest spots for a few television shows.
Molly Cheek – Jim’s Mom
Jim’s mother wasn’t as big a hit as his dad, but she was still a very important character. Molly Cheek, the actress who played Jim’s mom, is one of those actresses that you don’t see very regularly if you think about it.
She has had roles in movies like Drag Me to Hell and television shows like Cold Case and Becker. In the past few years, she hasn’t done much, though.
Denise Faye – Danielle
Danielle was one of the girls in the sequel who Stifler and Jim were both infatuated with. She was the beautiful girl who they thought they had a shot with. Though the role was not as big as other roles, it still opened up some doors.
After American Pie 2, she went on to do lots of guest stints on television shows and continued her work on her first love… choreography. She has won awards for her choreography and even helped with Broadway shows like Guys and Dolls.
Fred Willard – Harold Flaherty
The hilarious Fred Willard would also make an appearance in American Wedding as Michelle’s father. As always, the actor relayed a perfectly timed comedic performance and kept working long after the film.
Though he recently passed away, his resume will have him in the top comedy actors of all time. After the American Wedding movie, he had key roles in major shows like Modern Family and Space Force.
Lisa Arturo – Amber
Amber was the best friend of Danielle and the young lady that they thought was in love with her best friend. The role of Amber was sort of small but very memorable. Actress Lisa Arturo would take this small part and parlay it into more roles.
She had roles on shows like Joey and CSI. Her most recent role has been on TV, where she has had bit parts on General Hospital and Ballers. She also has the main role in the television series The Virtual End.
Deborah Rush – Mary Flaherty
The supporting cast was very impressive, and in American Wedding, that includes the incomparable Deborah Rush. She played the role of Michelle’s mom and was a great asset to the comedic aspect of this movie.
Deborah Rush is a Broadway legend and a Tony nominee. She works consistently, playing several bit parts in movies and television shows.
Eric Allan Kramer – Bear
Starting as a side character, the role of Bear (played by Eric Allan Kramer) actually turns into a bigger role throughout the movie after having bonded with Stifler. The character ends up helping Stifler out of several sticky situations.
The actor has worked a lot in television since his role as Bear. Two of his largest roles were on Mike & Molly and the Disney Channel show Good Luck Charlie. Recently, he had a few guest stints and a main role in Lodge 49.
Angela Paton – Grandma
The Levenstein family generated a lot of laughs in American Wedding, and that includes the role of Grandma played by Angela Paton. She had several funny moments with the cast, including a very memorable one with Steve Stifler.
After her role in this installment of the American Pie franchise, the elderly actress did several guest stints on television shows. In 2016, the actress passed away but left a wealth of laughter that we will be able to enjoy for decades.
