'Free Willy' Cast Where Are They Now?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Jul 27, 2023
'Free Willy' Cast: Where Are They Now?
In July 1993, the heartwarming film "Free Willy," directed by Simon Wincer, took the world by storm as it depicted a young boy's quest to rescue a captive whale. The movie marked the breakthrough role for Jason James Richter, who portrayed the compassionate protagonist, Jesse Greenwood.
Joining him in the cast were acclaimed actors such as Michael Madsen, Jayne Atkinson, and Mykelti Williamson, among others. Adding to the film's allure, Michael Jackson lent his voice to the lead track, "Will You Be There," on the movie's soundtrack.
Now, as "Free Willy" commemorates its 30th anniversary, let's take a look at what some of the original cast members have been up to since the film's release.
Jason James Richter
Jesse Greenwood Jason James Richter played the lead role of Jesse Greenwood, a young boy who befriends a captive whale named Willy. He continued to act after Free Willy and reprised his role in the sequels. Since then, he has appeared in various shows, including the original Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, and Bones. He is set to star in the upcoming horror movie "Natty Knocks," which also features Robert Englund.
Michael Bacall
Perry After his role in Free Willy, Michael Bacall found success both as an actor and a screenwriter. He had small roles in Quentin Tarantino's films Django Unchained and Inglourious Basterds. As a screenwriter, he worked on movies such as Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, 21 Jump Street, 22 Jump Street, and Project X.
Mykelti Williamson
Dwight Mercer Mykelti Williamson appeared in Free Willy 2 and gained widespread recognition for his role as Bubba in the acclaimed movie Forrest Gump. He has remained active in the industry, continuing his acting career and gaining fans for his performances in various projects.
Michael Madsen
Glenn Greenwood Michael Madsen, known for his tough guy roles, portrayed Glenn Greenwood, Jesse's adoptive father in the Free Willy franchise. He has had a successful career spanning four decades, with notable appearances in classic Tarantino films like Reservoir Dogs and the Kill Bill movies, as well as in other popular films such as Thelma & Louise and Donnie Brasco.
Jayne Atkinson
Annie Greenwood Jayne Atkinson played Jesse's adoptive mother, Annie Greenwood. After Free Willy, she has built a career playing stern characters in procedural dramas. She had roles in popular shows like Criminal Minds, House of Cards, and 24. She has continued to work in the industry, starring in various projects.
Lori Petty
Rae Lori Petty, who portrayed Rae in Free Willy, went on to have a successful career in acting. She is now recognizable for her role as Lolly Whitehill in Orange is the New Black. Before that, she appeared in movies such as Point Break, Poetic Justice, and A League of Their Own. She also starred in Max's post-apocalyptic mini-series, Station Eleven.
August Schellenberg
Randolph Johnson August Schellenberg played Randolph Johnson, the whale trainer, in all three Free Willy movies. He continued to act and received an Emmy nomination for his role as Sitting Bull in HBO's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Sadly, he passed away on August 15, 2013, at the age of 77, after battling lung cancer.
What Happened to The Actor From Free Willy?
Jason James Richter
Then: Jason James Richter won the role of Jesse, beating out 4000 other actors. "Free Willy" marked his screen debut, having previously appeared in several commercials. During filming in Mexico, he developed a close bond with Keiko, the titular whale.
Now: At the age of 18, Richter took a break from Hollywood but later returned to acting in 2009. He starred in movies like "The Neverending Story III" and the two "Free Willy" sequels. In 2016, he appeared in the baseball drama "High and Outside" alongside Ernie Hudson. Additionally, Richter briefly joined a rock band and released a single in 2006.
Keiko
Then: Keiko, the whale who portrayed Willy, was captured in Iceland and had performed at a water park in Canada and then Mexico City since 1985.
Now: Following the release of "Free Willy," concerns about Keiko's well-being arose due to his bent fin, considered a sign of distress by marine conservationists. After a fundraising campaign, he was moved to Oregon to regain his health and was eventually released back into the wild in Iceland in 2002. Unfortunately, he did not fully reintegrate into the wild and died of pneumonia in the Norwegian fjords on December 12, 2003. Keiko's burial took place during a blizzard at night, and there is now a memorial to him in the Halsa area of Norway.
Lori Petty
Then: Lori Petty, who played the kindly trainer Rae, was already a star with notable roles in "Point Break" and "A League of Their Own."
Now: Despite some setbacks, such as the comic book flop "Tank Girl," Petty made a resurgence in recent years with TV roles in "House" and "Orange Is The New Black." She also directed the 2008 drama "The Poker House," which featured a pre-fame Jennifer Lawrence, and courageously shared her own childhood sexual abuse experience.
Michael Madsen
Then: Michael Madsen had gained recognition as a journeyman actor, with notable roles in "Thelma & Louise" and Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs."
Now: Madsen remains a favorite of Tarantino and has appeared in movies like "Species," "Donnie Brasco," and will star in "The Hateful Eight." He is known for his prolificacy in accepting roles and has been featured in various films, including "Lady Pyscho Killer" with Ron Jeremy and "Kidnapped in Romania."
August Schellenberg
Then: August Schellenberg, who portrayed Willy's keeper Randolph, had a successful stage and screen career and was also an accomplished amateur chef, champion boxer, and diver.
Now: After starring in two "Free Willy" sequels, Schellenberg continued to act in projects like Terrence Malick's "The New World" and earned an Emmy nomination for playing Sitting Bull in the 2007 TV movie "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee." He was also actively involved in advocating for Native American charities. Tragically, he passed away from cancer in 2013 at the age of 77.
'Free Willy' Cast
Jason James Richter
Jesse Greenwood
Lori Petty
Rae
Jayne Atkinson
Annie Greenwood
August Schellenberg
Randolph Johnson
Michael Madsen
Glenn Greenwood
Keiko (Orca)
Willy (Orca)
Actor/Actress
Role
Free Willy Wiki
"Free Willy" is a touching family drama released in 1993, directed by Simon Wincer and produced by Lauren Shuler Donner and Jennie Lew Tugend. The screenplay, written by Keith A. Walker and Corey Blechman, is based on a story by Walker. Warner Bros. Pictures distributed the film under their Family Entertainment imprint. The cast includes Jason James Richter, making his feature film debut, alongside Lori Petty, Jayne Atkinson, August Schellenberg, and Michael Madsen. The title character, Willy the orca, was portrayed by Keiko.
The heartwarming story follows an orphaned boy who forms a close bond with Willy, a captive orca at a struggling amusement park. When the boy learns of the park owners' plan to get rid of Willy, he devises a plan to free the beloved whale from captivity.
Upon its release on July 16, 1993, "Free Willy" received praise from critics and achieved considerable commercial success, earning $153.7 million from its $20 million budget.
The film's popularity led to the development of a small franchise, including an animated television series, two sequels, and a direct-to-video reboot. Furthermore, "Free Willy" played a significant role in inspiring the rehabilitation and release of the real-life orca, Keiko. Notably, this project marked the only film written by Keith A. Walker before his passing in late December 1996.
'Free Willy' Cast Where Are They Now: FAQs
"Free Willy" is a 1993 American family drama film directed by Simon Wincer. The story revolves around an orphaned boy who befriends a captive orca named Willy at an ailing amusement park. When he learns that the park owners plan to dispose of Willy, he devises a scheme to break the whale out of captivity.
The film stars Jason James Richter in his feature film debut as the protagonist, along with Lori Petty, Jayne Atkinson, August Schellenberg, and Michael Madsen. The eponymous character, Willy the orca, is portrayed by the real-life orca named Keiko.
"Free Willy" was released on July 16, 1993.
The film was directed by Simon Wincer, produced by Lauren Shuler Donner and Jennie Lew Tugend, and written by Keith A. Walker and Corey Blechman, based on a story by Keith A. Walker.
"Free Willy" marked the only film that Keith A. Walker wrote. He passed away in late December 1996.
Following "Free Willy," Jason James Richter continued his acting career, starring in other films and TV shows. Lori Petty experienced a resurgence in her career with roles in "House" and "Orange Is The New Black." Michael Madsen remained a sought-after character actor, especially in Quentin Tarantino's projects. August Schellenberg continued acting and gained an Emmy nomination for his role in "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee."