‘Almost Famous’ Cast: A 25-Year Retrospective
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In 2000, the world was introduced to the vibrant characters of ‘Almost Famous’, a coming-of-age comedy that quickly became a classic. As we mark 25 years since its release, let’s take a look at where the cast members are now and how their lives have unfolded since their iconic roles.
The film, which won an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, and a Grammy, starred Patrick Fugit as William Miller, a high school student who lands the opportunity to write a Rolling Stone article about the band Stillwater. Alongside Fugit, Kate Hudson portrayed the enigmatic Penny Lane, while Billy Crudup brought the character of guitarist Russell Hammond to life.
Reflecting on his experience filming ‘Almost Famous’, Fugit shared in a 2020 interview that he was just 16 at the time and had no idea of the impact the movie would have. The success of the film propelled the cast members into the spotlight, setting the stage for their future endeavors in the entertainment industry.
1. Patrick Fugit (William Miller)
Since his breakthrough role in ‘Almost Famous’, Fugit has continued to build a successful career in acting. He has appeared in films like ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘We Bought a Zoo’, as well as TV series such as ‘Treadstone’ and ‘Love & Death’. Outside of acting, Fugit is also a musician, playing in the folk rock band Mushman. He has been in a relationship with actress Jennifer Del Rosario since 2019.
2. Kate Hudson (Penny Lane)
Following her Golden Globe-winning performance in ‘Almost Famous’, Hudson solidified her status as a rom-com queen with films like ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ and ‘Bride Wars’. She released her debut album ‘Glorious’ in 2024 and ventured into TV with the series ‘Running Point’. Hudson is a mother of three and got engaged to Danny Fujikawa in 2021.
3. Billy Crudup (Russell Hammond)
Crudup, who portrayed the charismatic Russell Hammond, has had a diverse career post-‘Almost Famous’. He has starred in films such as ‘Big Fish’ and ‘The Good Shepherd’, as well as the TV series ‘The Morning Show’. Crudup has been married to actress Naomi Watts since 2023 and is a father to one son.
4. Frances McDormand (Elaine Miller)
Before playing William’s mother in ‘Almost Famous’, McDormand had already made a name for herself in Hollywood. She went on to star in acclaimed films like ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ and ‘Nomadland’. McDormand has also found success on stage and TV, winning a Tony and an Emmy for her performances.
5. Jason Lee (Jeff Bebe)
After his role as the lead singer of Stillwater, Jason Lee’s career saw him in cult classics like ‘Vanilla Sky’ and ‘Clerks II’. He is best known for his portrayal of Earl Hickey in the sitcom ‘My Name Is Earl’ and recently starred in the mini series ‘The Residence’. Lee shares children with his wife, Ceren Alkac, and has another child from a previous relationship.
6. Philip Seymour Hoffman (Lester Bangs)
Although ‘Almost Famous’ was not Hoffman’s biggest role, his portrayal as Lester Bangs left a lasting impression. The late actor went on to star in acclaimed films like ‘Capote’ and ‘The Master’. Tragically, Hoffman passed away in 2014 from a drug overdose, leaving behind a legacy in cinema and three children with partner Mimi O’Donnell.
7. Zooey Deschanel (Anita Miller)
Deschanel’s role as Anita Miller in ‘Almost Famous’ paved the way for her success in films like ‘Elf’ and ‘500 Days of Summer’. She found further fame as Jessica Day in the series ‘New Girl’ and is also a musician in the duo She & Him. Deschanel got engaged to Jonathan Scott in 2023 and shares two children with her ex-husband, Jacob Pechenik.
As we revisit the lives and careers of the ‘Almost Famous’ cast members 25 years on, it’s evident that their talents and contributions continue to shape the entertainment industry. Each actor has pursued unique paths, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.