Mighty Ducks Where are They Now? Mighty Ducks Cast Then and Now
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Jun 07, 2023
Mighty Ducks
The Mighty Ducks is a popular sports comedy film franchise that was first released in 1992. The original film followed the story of a Minneapolis-based lawyer named Gordon Bombay (played by Emilio Estevez) who is sentenced to community service coaching a failing youth ice hockey team. Despite his initial reluctance, Bombay helps the team to victory, and the Mighty Ducks franchise was born.
Over the years, the Mighty Ducks franchise has expanded to include two sequels, an animated television series, and a recent reboot series titled "The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers," which premiered on Disney+ in 2021. The original film and its sequels were known for their mix of humor, heart, and underdog sports storylines, and they remain popular with audiences of all ages.
In addition to their entertainment value, the Mighty Ducks films also played a role in popularizing ice hockey in the United States. The films introduced many viewers to the sport for the first time and inspired a new generation of young ice hockey players. The Mighty Ducks franchise remains a beloved part of sports and pop culture history, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and relatable characters.
the Mighty Ducks franchise also had a significant impact on youth sports culture. The films emphasized the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles, and served as a source of inspiration for many young athletes.
The franchise also had a lasting impact on its cast members, many of whom have spoken in interviews about the lifelong friendships and connections they formed while working on the films. Emilio Estevez, who played Gordon Bombay in the original trilogy, has expressed his pride in being a part of the franchise and the positive message it conveys.
The Mighty Ducks franchise has also inspired numerous spin-off products, such as video games, clothing lines, and toys. The logo of the Mighty Ducks, which features a cartoon duck wearing a hockey mask, has become an iconic symbol in sports culture and is instantly recognizable to fans of the franchise.
With the release of "The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers," the franchise has found a new generation of fans and continued to build on its legacy. The new series features Emilio Estevez reprising his role as Gordon Bombay and focuses on a new generation of young hockey players who aim to revive the Mighty Ducks team in a new era of the sport.
Mighty Ducks Where are They Now?
"Ducks fly together!" The original film, "The Mighty Ducks," soared its way into the hearts of movie lovers in 1992 and continues to have a devoted fanbase nearly three decades later.
Starring Emilio Estevez as Coach Gordon Bombay, "The Mighty Ducks" made hockey popular nationwide and even inspired some fans to quack when things didn't go their way. The story follows Gordon, who, after encountering legal troubles, is compelled to coach a peewee hockey team called the Ducks, pitted against his former childhood team, the Hawks.
With the assistance of Minnesota hockey hopeful Charlie Conway (Joshua Jackson), Gordon assembles a diverse group of players for his team. Throughout the film, the players, including the goalie Goldberg (Shaun Weiss) with a knack for stumbling, skilled player Fulton Reed (Elden Henson), and former Hawk Adam Banks (Vincent LaRusso), form strong bonds under the supportive guidance of Coach Bombay.
The success of the '90s film led to two sequels, "D2: The Mighty Ducks" and "D3: The Mighty Ducks." In the second movie, the Ducks represent Team USA in the Junior Goodwill Games and welcome new players, such as Portman (Aaron Lohr), who becomes part of the formidable duo known as the Bash Brothers along with Fulton.
Emilio Estevez as Gordon Bombay
Emilio Estevez portrayed Gordon Bombay, an attorney turned reluctant coach, who led his peewee hockey team to victory against all odds. Estevez, known for his roles in '80s classics like "The Breakfast Club" (1985) and "St. Elmo's Fire" (1985), established himself as a Brat Pack staple and an icon of the era.
Beyond his coaching days with the Ducks, Estevez has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments off-screen. He ventured into writing, directing, and producing, notably with his 2006 film "Bobby" and the 2018 movie "The Public," where he helmed a star-studded ensemble cast including Alec Baldwin, Christian Slater, and Jena Malone. Estevez has also produced episodes of popular TV series like "Cold Case," "CSI: NY," and "Criminal Minds," often collaborating with his father, Martin Sheen, and younger brother, Charlie Sheen, both acclaimed actors.
In 2021, Estevez returned to the Ducks franchise through the "The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers" reboot series. However, he was replaced by Josh Duhamel, who portrayed a new character named Coach Cole, after the first season. Estevez cited a "good old-fashioned contract dispute" as the reason for his departure, as he mentioned in an interview with Deadline. Estevez has two children, Taylor Levi, and Paloma Rae, from his previous marriage to Carey Salley.
Joshua Jackson as Charlie Conway
Joshua Jackson, known for his portrayal of Charlie Conway in the Mighty Ducks trilogy, has since enjoyed a successful career in television. He gained prominence for his roles as Pacey Witter on Dawson's Creek, Peter Bishop on Fringe, and Cole Lockhart on The Affair. On the big screen, Jackson starred in films such as The Skulls (2000), the supernatural horror Shutter (2008), and the independent Canadian drama One Week (2008). In 2020, he appeared in the Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere, sharing the screen with Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.
Recently, Jackson starred in the first season of the crime-drama anthology series Dr. Death, based on the popular podcast of the same name. He portrayed Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a neurosurgeon with a murderous streak who inflicted harm on his patients. As of April 2023, Jackson can be seen in the role of Dan Gallagher in Paramount+'s Fatal Attraction, an original series inspired by the 1987 film. In 2019, Jackson married British actress Jodie Turner-Smith, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Janie, in 2020.
Marguerite Moreau as Connie
Marguerite Moreau, best known for her role as Connie, the "Velvet Hammer," in The Mighty Ducks trilogy, continued to make her mark in the entertainment industry. She gained a cult following for her portrayal of Katie in the 2001 cult classic Wet Hot American Summer, which led to her involvement in the subsequent Netflix prequel and sequel series. Moreau also appeared as a paranormal researcher in Queen of the Damned (2002), alongside the late singer Aaliyah, and shared the screen with Gene Hackman in the legal thriller Runaway Jury (2003). Her filmography also includes notable appearances in movies like Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008), Life Happens (2011), and Paddleton (2019).
Since the early 2000s, Moreau has been a familiar face on television. She played a prominent role in the miniseries Firestarter: Rekindled, a sequel to the 1984 film adaptation of Stephen King's Firestarter. Additionally, she portrayed a high school teacher engaging in an affair with a student on ABC's Life As We Know It. Moreau has also made guest appearances on popular shows such as Lost, Mad Men, Shameless, and Grey's Anatomy. In 2021, she reprised her role as Connie in the Ducks reboot on Disney+, where it was revealed that Connie had married her former teammate Guy Germaine. In 2015, Moreau tied the knot with actor Christopher Redman, and the couple welcomed their son, Casper Hayes, in 2021.
Elden Henson as Fulton Reed
Elden Henson, known for his role as Fulton Reed in the Ducks trilogy, made a couple of appearances in the Disney+ series as well. He continued to showcase his talent in various films such as She's All That (1999), Dumb & Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003), and Catherine Hardwicke's Lords of Dogtown (2005). Henson was also part of the cast of the 2013 Steve Jobs biopic, Jobs, portraying engineer Andy Hertzfeld from Apple's original development team. Additionally, he played the role of the tongueless Avox cameraman Pollux in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and 2 (2014, 2015).
Henson's notable television appearance came as Foggy Nelson, a lawyer and best friend to Matt Murdock, in all three seasons of Netflix's popular Marvel series, Daredevil, as well as The Defenders. As Foggy, he also made cameo appearances in the second seasons of Jessica Jones and Luke Cage. It has been announced that Henson will reprise his role in the Disney+ reboot of Daredevil, titled Daredevil: Born Again, set to release in 2024. Outside of his acting career, the former Mighty Ducks Bash Brother is happily married to actress Kira Sternbach, and the couple has a son named Dodger.
Jussie Smollett as Terry Hall
After his breakthrough role as Terry Hall in The Mighty Ducks, Jussie Smollett ventured into television alongside his real-life siblings on the short-lived sitcom, On Our Own. Following a hiatus from acting, he made a comeback in 2012 with a leading role in the LGBT dramedy film, The Skinny.
In 2014, Smollett joined the cast of Fox's Empire, where he garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of musician Jamal Lyon. His talent extended beyond acting as he signed a deal with Columbia Records in 2015, contributing co-written songs such as "I Wanna Love You" and "You're So Beautiful" to the show's season 1 soundtrack. In 2018, he released his debut album, Sum of My Music.
However, Smollett made headlines in 2019 for falsely reporting a hate crime to the police. He claimed to have been physically attacked and subjected to racial and homophobic slurs, but investigations revealed that he had paid two individuals to stage the assault. Smollett faced two trials, and in 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in county jail and two and a half years on probation. His legal team continues to appeal the sentence and the substantial fines imposed by the city of Chicago.
Shaun Weiss as Greg Goldberg
Shaun Weiss portrayed Greg Goldberg, the goalie with some important lessons to learn about blocking that pesky puck. Following his breakout role in The Mighty Ducks film series (1992, 1994, 1996), Weiss made appearances on various TV series such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Boy Meets World, Freaks and Geeks, and Las Vegas.
While he mainly focused on television in the years after Coach Bombay tied him to the net, Weiss also landed roles in films like Heavyweights (1995), Suits on the Loose (2005), and Drillbit Taylor (2008). In 2023, after a 14-year hiatus, he made a comeback to acting, portraying a Vietnam war veteran in Jesus Revolution, a Christian drama set in the 1970s.
The actor has openly battled drug and alcohol addiction and achieved sobriety in 2020 following a residential burglary arrest. During his recovery, Weiss even ventured into stand-up comedy, as shared by his friend and advocate Drew Gallagher with PEOPLE magazine.
Lane Smith as Coach Jack Reilly
Lane Smith portrayed Jack Reilly, the resident antagonist and head coach of the rival Hawks in The Mighty Ducks. He later achieved recognition for his role as newspaper editor Perry White on ABC's Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and made an appearance in the HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon. Smith's final acting role was in the golf drama The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000), directed by Robert Redford.
After a successful career spanning several decades in film and television, Smith sadly passed away at the age of 69 in June 2005 due to complications from ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Mighty Ducks Cast Then And Now
Back in 1992, the beloved film "The Mighty Ducks" took flight and captured the hearts of movie buffs everywhere. Fast forward almost three decades, and it still boasts a passionate fanbase that can't get enough. Led by the charismatic Emilio Estevez as Coach Gordon Bombay, "The Mighty Ducks" revolutionized the sport of hockey, turning it into a national sensation. It even had fans quacking in protest whenever things didn't go their way. The story follows Gordon, a former troublemaker, who finds himself coaching a peewee hockey team called the Ducks, facing off against his childhood rivals, the Hawks.
Teaming up with the talented Joshua Jackson as Charlie Conway, a promising young player from Minnesota, Gordon assembles an eclectic group of players to form his team. Along the way, they forge unbreakable bonds, including the ever-fumbling goalie Goldberg (Shaun Weiss), the skilled player Fulton Reed (Elden Henson), and the former Hawk Adam Banks (Vincent LaRusso), who becomes an integral part of the Ducks. The triumph of the '90s film paved the way for two thrilling sequels, "D2: The Mighty Ducks" and "D3: The Mighty Ducks." In the sequel, the Ducks proudly represent Team USA in the Junior Goodwill Games, welcoming new additions like the talented Portman (Aaron Lohr), who, alongside Fulton, forms the formidable duo known as the Bash Brothers.
Emilio Estevez
Emilio Estevez brought Gordon Bombay to life, the attorney turned reluctant coach who led his peewee hockey team to triumphant victory against all odds. Estevez, renowned for his roles in '80s classics like "The Breakfast Club" (1985) and "St. Elmo's Fire" (1985), cemented his status as a Brat Pack icon and an embodiment of that era. Beyond his coaching days with the Ducks, Estevez has amassed an impressive array of accomplishments behind the scenes.
He ventured into the realms of writing, directing, and producing, notably with his 2006 film "Bobby" and the 2018 movie "The Public," where he helmed an ensemble cast featuring Alec Baldwin, Christian Slater, and Jena Malone. Estevez has also produced episodes of popular TV series such as "Cold Case," "CSI: NY," and "Criminal Minds," often collaborating with his esteemed father, Martin Sheen, and younger brother, Charlie Sheen, both esteemed actors. In 2021, Estevez returned to the Ducks franchise through the reboot series "The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers."
However, he departed after the first season and was succeeded by Josh Duhamel, who portrayed a new character named Coach Cole. In an interview with Deadline, Estevez cited a "good old-fashioned contract dispute" as the reason for his departure. Estevez has two children, Taylor Levi, and Paloma Rae, from his previous marriage to Carey Salley.
Joshua Jackson
Joshua Jackson, acclaimed for his portrayal of Charlie Conway in the Mighty Ducks trilogy, has since carved out a successful television career. He gained prominence with his roles as Pacey Witter on Dawson's Creek, Peter Bishop on Fringe, and Cole Lockhart on The Affair. On the big screen, Jackson graced films like The Skulls (2000), the supernatural horror Shutter (2008), and the independent Canadian drama One Week (2008).
In 2020, he appeared in the Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere, sharing the screen with Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington. Recently, Jackson took the lead in the crime-drama anthology series Dr. Death, based on the popular podcast of the same name. He portrayed Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a neurosurgeon with a dark side who inflicted harm on his patients. As of April 2023, Jackson can be seen in the role of Dan Gallagher in Paramount+'s Fatal Attraction, an original series inspired by the 1987 film. In 2019, Jackson married British actress Jodie Turner-Smith, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Janie, in 2020.
Marguerite Moreau
Marguerite Moreau, best known as Connie, the spirited "Velvet Hammer" in The Mighty Ducks trilogy, continued to leave her mark in the entertainment industry. She gained a cult following for her portrayal of Katie in the 2001 cult classic Wet Hot American Summer, which led to her involvement in subsequent Netflix prequel and sequel series. Moreau also appeared as a paranormal researcher in Queen of the Damned (2002), alongside the late singer Aaliyah, and shared the screen with Gene Hackman in the legal thriller Runaway Jury (2003).
Her filmography includes notable appearances in movies like Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008), Life Happens (2011), and Paddleton (2019). Since the early 2000s, Moreau has become a familiar face on television. She played a prominent role in the miniseries Firestarter: Rekindled, a sequel to the 1984 film adaptation of Stephen King's Firestarter
Moreau showcased her talent by portraying a high school teacher engaging in an illicit affair with a student on ABC's Life As We Know It. She also made guest appearances on popular shows such as Lost, Mad Men, Shameless, and Grey's Anatomy. In 2021, she reprised her role as Connie in the Ducks reboot on Disney+, revealing that Connie had tied the knot with her former teammate Guy Germaine.
In 2015, Moreau exchanged vows with actor Christopher Redman, and their joy expanded when they welcomed their son, Casper Hayes, in 2021. Marguerite Moreau continues to captivate audiences with her versatility and magnetic performances on both the big and small screens.
Elden Henson
Elden Henson, recognized for his portrayal of Fulton Reed in the Ducks trilogy, also made appearances in the Disney+ series. His talent and versatility extended to various films, including She's All That (1999), Dumb & Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003), and Catherine Hardwicke's Lords of Dogtown (2005). Henson was also part of the cast of the 2013 Steve Jobs biopic, Jobs, where he portrayed engineer Andy Hertzfeld, a key member of Apple's original development team. Additionally, he portrayed the role of the tongueless Avox cameraman Pollux in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and 2 (2014, 2015).
Henson's notable television appearance came as Foggy Nelson, a loyal lawyer and best friend to Matt Murdock, in all three seasons of Netflix's popular Marvel series, Daredevil, as well as The Defenders. As Foggy, he also made cameo appearances in the second seasons of Jessica Jones and Luke Cage. Excitingly, it has been announced that Henson will reprise his role in the Disney+ reboot of Daredevil, titled Daredevil: Born Again, set to be released in 2024.
Beyond his acting career, Elden Henson has found happiness in his marriage to actress Kira Sternbach, and together they have a son named Dodger. With his impressive range and captivating performances, Henson continues to leave an indelible mark in the entertainment industry.
Jussie Smollett
Following his breakthrough role as Terry Hall in The Mighty Ducks, Jussie Smollett embarked on a television journey alongside his real-life siblings on the short-lived sitcom, On Our Own. After a hiatus from acting, he made a triumphant return in 2012 with a leading role in the LGBT dramedy film, The Skinny.
In 2014, Smollett joined the cast of Fox's Empire, where he garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of musician Jamal Lyon. His talent extended beyond acting as he signed a deal with Columbia Records in 2015, contributing co-written songs such as "I Wanna Love You" and "You're So Beautiful" to the show's Season 1 soundtrack. In 2018, he released his debut album, Sum of My Music.
However, Smollett made headlines in 2019 for falsely reporting a hate crime to the police. He claimed to have been physically attacked and subjected to racial and homophobic slurs, but investigations revealed that he had paid two individuals to stage the assault. Smollett faced two trials, and in 2022, he was sentenced to 150 days in county jail and two and a half years on probation. While his legal team continues to appeal the sentence and the substantial fines imposed by the city of Chicago, the incident has had a significant impact on Smollett's career and public image.
Shaun Weiss
Shaun Weiss, who portrayed Greg Goldberg, the lovable goalie with a hearty appetite, faced personal challenges in the years following The Mighty Ducks trilogy. He struggled with substance abuse and legal issues, with multiple arrests for drug-related offenses.
In 2020, Weiss's story gained attention when a photo of him looking unrecognizable due to his struggles circulated online. The image prompted an outpouring of support from fans and former co-stars, including Emilio Estevez and Josh Jackson. The news caught the attention of Drew Gallagher, a filmmaker who offered Weiss a role in his film Heavy Duty, aiming to provide him with an opportunity for rehabilitation and a fresh start.
Despite the difficulties he has faced, Weiss has expressed gratitude for the support he has received and the chance to rebuild his life. He has been actively working on his recovery, attending rehab programs, and participating in interviews to raise awareness about addiction and mental health.
Weiss's journey serves as a reminder of the challenges individuals can face and the importance of compassion and support in helping them find their way back to a healthier and happier life.
It's worth noting that this information is accurate up until my last knowledge update in September 2021. For the most recent updates on these actors and their careers, I recommend checking reliable news sources or their official social media accounts.
Lane Smith
Lane Smith portrayed Coach Jack Reilly, the formidable antagonist and head coach of the rival Hawks in The Mighty Ducks. He later gained recognition for his role as newspaper editor Perry White on ABC's Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Smith also made a notable appearance in the HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon. His final acting role was in the golf drama The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000), directed by Robert Redford.
Tragically, after a successful career spanning several decades in film and television, Lane Smith passed away at the age of 69 in June 2005. The cause of his passing was complications related to ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Smith's contributions to the entertainment industry and his memorable portrayal of Coach Jack Reilly in The Mighty Ducks trilogy remain a lasting testament to his talent and impact as an actor.
Mighty Ducks Where Are They Now - FAQs
Stephen Herek directed "The Mighty Ducks."
Emilio Estevez portrayed the character of Coach Gordon Bombay.
"The Mighty Ducks" follows the story of Coach Gordon Bombay, an attorney who is sentenced to coach a peewee hockey team as community service. He transforms the team, known as the Ducks, into skilled players and instills valuable life lessons along the way.
The Ducks' main rivals in the movie are called the Hawks.
Joshua Jackson portrayed the character of Charlie Conway.