Mia Sara Says Filming “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” Was ‘Not That Good of an Experience’ for This Reason

Mia Sara, known for her role as Sloane Peterson in the classic 1986 film *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off*, has opened up about her challenging experience during the filming of the beloved teen comedy. Now 59 and reflecting on her teenage years, Sara revealed in a recent interview that her time on set was not as enjoyable as one might assume, describing acting as a “not happy career” for her.

In an interview with *The Sunday Times* to commemorate the film’s 40th anniversary, Sara shared insights about her relationships with her co-stars and director John Hughes. At the time of filming, she was just 17 years old, significantly younger than her colleagues—Matthew Broderick, 23, Alan Ruck, 29, and Jennifer Grey, 25. “I didn’t really give interviews because making *Ferris Bueller* was not that good an experience for me,” Sara expressed, though she acknowledged the film’s significant cultural impact.

Sara’s reflections included her complicated dynamic with Hughes, who is credited with shaping some of the most memorable coming-of-age films of the era. Characterising Hughes as a “strange guy,” she recalled his desire for the cast to bond and to introduce them to influential French New Wave films. However, Sara felt out of place among her more experienced castmates. “I was a snotty New York kid,” she admitted, acknowledging that her youthful attitude may have contributed to misunderstandings on set.

Looking back, Sara expressed remorse for her inability to navigate the egos present in such a high-pressure environment, admitting she lacked the emotional maturity at the time. “I didn’t have the resilience to deal with the audition process,” she added, reflecting on how her career trajectory did not unfold as she might have hoped.

Despite her reservations about the film, Sara did share a light-hearted anecdote about a “massive” crush she had on Broderick, her on-screen boyfriend. However, the affection was not reciprocated, as Broderick was secretly dating Grey during the filming. Grey described the difficulty of keeping their relationship hidden on set, indicating that the atmosphere was fraught with secrecy and awkwardness.

Although their chemistry was palpable on screen, it was evident that Sara’s unrequited feelings added a layer of complexity to her experience. “It was the way he looked at me!” she recalled, reminiscing about how the crew joked about needing her to take breaks to compose herself during scenes.

In a somewhat reflective tone, Sara mentioned that she hasn’t watched *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off* in years. She admitted that while she is proud of certain aspects of her career, the overall experience has been fraught with challenges, leading her to prefer a lower profile in the public eye. Her children, including son Dashiell Connery and daughter Amelia Henson, have seen the film but found it “embarrassing,” contributing to her distancing from the movie.

After stepping away from the spotlight for more than a decade, Sara is set to make her return to cinema in 2024 with Mike Flanagan’s fantasy drama *The Life of Chuck*, where she portrays Sarah Krantz, the titular character’s grandmother. Given her tumultuous history with acting, it remains unclear how much she will engage with the industry moving forward, though she has extended her willingness to collaborate again with Flanagan.

With a fascinating mixture of nostalgia and candid reflection, Mia Sara’s recent comments shed light on the underbelly of a film that remains an indelible part of pop culture. While *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off* is celebrated by many as a quintessential 1980s film, Sara’s journey offers a unique perspective on the personal challenges faced by those striving for success in the entertainment industry.