What Happened To The Cast Of The Flintstones Movie?

1990s pop culture often looked back fondly to the 1960s, and this was particularly evident in many movies made during that time which were based on ’60s TV shows. Shows like “The Adams Family,” “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Mission: Impossible,” and “The Fugitive” are a few examples of this trend. In certain instances, the show had never truly vanished from popular culture – this was true for “The Flintstones,” which continued to air in heavy reruns, served as a source for licensing deals for cereals, video games, and vitamins, among other things. As such, it felt less surprising when a big-budget live-action movie of “The Flintstones” was released in 1994.

As a fan, I can confidently say that while critics may not have been entirely smitten, “The Flintstones” movie was an undeniable box office sensation that summer. Its widespread influence could be felt everywhere thanks to the numerous merchandise tie-ins and promotional events. The film’s enduring charm stemmed primarily from the passionate performances of its star-studded cast, spearheaded by John Goodman (as Fred), Rick Moranis (Barney), Elizabeth Perkins (Wilma), and Rosie O’Donnell (Betty). Moreover, a host of standout supporting roles graced the screen, featuring both seasoned veterans and emerging talents portraying a mix of fresh and classic characters.

30 years have passed since the debut of “The Flintstones,” making it a fitting moment to explore what happened to the original cast following their adventures in Bedrock. Of course, I’m referring to the cast from the original series, not the nearly all-new actors who starred in the 2000 film “Viva Rock Vegas.

Elizabeth Perkins (Wilma Flintstone)

It’s regrettable that animated mothers, such as Wilma Flintstone from “The Flintstones,” are frequently overlooked when discussing iconic sitcom moms on television. This oversight is significant because Wilma had an incredibly challenging role in the Stone Age, not only raising her man-child husband Fred and daughter Pebbles but also managing to excel in other areas. For instance, in the “The Flintstones” movie, she saved both Fred’s life and that of his friend Barney, showcasing a strength beyond her initial portrayal as a constantly frustrated housewife like Alice Kramden. The film adaptation actually gives Wilma a more nuanced character, revealing her to be much more than just a put-upon wife figure.

A significant part of the success can be attributed to Elizabeth Perkins being chosen for the role. Perkins had previously portrayed a powerful executive in “Big” and managed to keep her ground in ’80s romantic comedies that could be misogynistic, such as “About Last Night” and “He Said, She Said.” Following “The Flintstones,” she showcased her versatility by appearing in a wide variety of films across different genres. Most notably, Perkins even entered the superhero realm by lending her voice to Aunt May in 2023’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

However, among all her roles, it’s her television portrayal that could become her most memorable – she starred as Celia Hodes in the initial five seasons of the critically-acclaimed Showtime series “Weeds.” This role garnered her three Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations.

Dann Florek (Mr. Slate)

In the world of “The Flintstones,” the stern and authoritative figure is none other than Mr. Slate. He held this position in the animated series and reprised it for the live-action film. However, he wasn’t exactly the main adversary in the original show; instead, he was often difficult for Fred, Barney, and others to please. It was a smart decision to introduce another character from Bedrock, Slate, & Co. as the movie’s antagonist, allowing Mr. Slate to step into a more supportive role. In fact, Mr. Slate ended up contributing to the resolution of the storyline in the film.

Special Victims Unit, and more recently, Law & Order: Organized Crime. These roles have made him most recognized by audiences today. While Florek isn’t a very active film actor, he did play a minor role in the 2023 sci-fi movie “Crater,” available on Disney+.

Rick Moranis (Barney Rubble)

Barney Rubble is undeniably one of the most devoted sidekick characters in television and film history, with an unwavering friendship that sets a high standard. Although Fred Flintstone sometimes exploits Barney’s kindness, their bond remains enviable. The movie version of Barney challenges Fred more and showcases greater independence and autonomy, making it hard to argue against this version as the finest representation of Barney.

Indeed, much of that character’s appeal is undeniably tied to Barney being portrayed by renowned comedian and actor Rick Moranis. He perfectly embodied Barney’s endearing modest persona and distinctive voice. At the time, it was unknown that “The Flintstones” would be among Moranis’ last on-screen roles before he withdrew from Hollywood for a heartbreaking reason – battling the challenge of being a single father alongside his demanding acting career, following the passing of his wife.

Moranis didn’t technically retire from acting, instead choosing to step away from it. He refused roles in the latest Ghostbusters films and primarily took voice acting jobs during the 2000s. However, he surprised everyone by signing up for a Honey, I Shrunk the Kids reboot in 2020; unfortunately, that project didn’t come to fruition.

Kyle MacLachlan (Cliff Vandercave)

Speaking of the antagonist from Bedrock, Slate & Co. in “The Flintstones” movie, that’s none other than Cliff Vandercave. Although his oily demeanor, greed, and uncaring attitude towards others are apparent at first glance, Cliff somehow convinces Fred to not only join him in his schemes but even takes the blame for his actions. It is worth noting that Kyle MacLachlan portrayed Cliff, a man whose ability to mask a sinister personality behind an appealing demeanor is quite convincing.

Despite a significant career downturn following the flop of David Lynch’s “Dune,” Lynch remained convinced of Kyle MacLachlan’s talent and consistently cast him in his productions, including MacLachlan’s breakthrough role as the coffee-loving Dale Cooper in “Twin Peaks.” Post his stint in “The Flintstones” and the unexpected turn in “Showgirls,” MacLachlan’s career took an intriguing trajectory. While he has continued to act in films, his most recognized characters are those portrayed on television. Notable recurring roles include those on “Sex and the City,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Portlandia,” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” He also garnered praise for his two-episode performance as Hank MacLean in the 2024 Amazon Prime Video series “Fallout.

Sheryl Lee Ralph (Mrs. Pyrite)

In the popular show “The Flintstones,” one of the initial sources of tension arises when Barney and Betty Rubble struggle financially while trying to adopt a child. They turn to Fred and Wilma Flintstone for a loan to make this dream a reality, which later causes a strain in their friendship. Despite the temporary rift, everything ultimately resolves itself positively, resulting in Bamm-Bamm joining the Rubble family and eventually befriending Pebbles. The social worker instrumental in facilitating this adoption is Mrs. Pyrite, whose impact may have been minor, but was crucial due to the acting prowess of Sheryl Lee Ralph, who played her with a certain weight and importance.

As a gaming enthusiast, when folks were scratching their heads trying to pinpoint why Barbara from “Abbott Elementary” seemed so recognizable, it might’ve been because they overlooked her role as Ralph in “The Flintstones.” While she’s well-known for her appearances on “Moesha” and the movie “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit,” Ralph also made a name for herself on the Broadway stage. She was part of the original cast of “Dreamgirls” and played Madame Morrible in “Wicked” during the mid-2010s, earning a Tony nomination.

Rosie O’Donnell (Betty Rubble)

In the TV series “The Flintstones,” Betty Rubble typically had minimal involvement in the main quartet, but in the movie, she was significantly elevated to a more equal role. Similar to Wilma, the film version of Betty was given a broader range of activities, transcending her previous characterization as merely Wilma’s friend, Barney’s wife, and mother to Bamm-Bamm.

Rosie O’Donnell is more known for being a comedian and TV host, but when she takes on acting roles, such as her portrayal of Betty, she often excels. This was evident in her spot-on imitation of the animated character’s signature laugh. Her first significant acting role was in “A League of Their Own” (1992), and she generally chose intriguing roles until the end of the decade when she started to focus less on movies.

Afterward, she took on a few more TV acting jobs, yet she is primarily recognized for her stand-up comedy, her own daytime talk show, and her tenure on “The View,” overall.

Richard Moll (Hoagie)

Apart from Fred and Barney, there are other employees at Bedrock, Slate, & Co., and they’re not just men who work together; they also form the main social circle of Bedrock in general. One such individual is Hoagie, a colleague of both Fred and Barney, as well as a fellow member of the Loyal Order of Water Buffalo and its bowling team. Standing tall and imposing even among a group of robust cavemen, Hoagie tends to take charge when things turn physical.

Richard Moll, well-known actor, is recognized for his unique blend of imposing physical stature and a quirky, detached persona. Throughout his lengthy career in both film and television, he frequently portrayed characters that required this distinct mix, often taking on roles as monsters, tough guys, or similar figures, yet always infusing them with a touch of humor. Additionally, Moll’s deep voice complemented his on-screen presence perfectly, allowing him to excel in various voice acting roles such as Two-Face in “Batman: The Animated Series,” Abomination in the 1990s “Incredible Hulk” animated series, and Death in the video game “Dante’s Inferno.

Regrettably, Harry Anderson, a renowned actor best known for his role in “Night Court,” passed away at the age of 80 in October 2023. Tragically, he had chosen not to reprise his character “Bull” Shannon in the revival series of “Night Court” that was on hold between Season 1 and Season 2 when Anderson sadly left us.

Irwin Keyes (Joe Rockhead)

Apart from Fred, Barney, and Hoagie, another acquaintance who shared their bowling alley camaraderie was Joe Rockhead. It seemed deliberate that Joe resembled Hoagie’s physical opposite, being short and stout compared to Hoagie’s tall and muscular build. Seeing the two together never failed to bring a smile, as they both excelled at making comically over-the-top facial expressions. Like Hoagie, Joe Rockhead was portrayed by an experienced character actor who often landed roles due to his unusual appearance and knack for creating incredibly goofy faces.

Throughout most of his professional life, Irwin Keyes often portrayed nameless characters, being recognized more by physical descriptions or job titles such as a bouncer, guard, gangster, etc. His first significant role that wasn’t merely a background character in a film or one-time guest role on a TV show was a five-episode arc as Hugo on “The Jeffersons.” Keyes also stood out by reprising his role from “The Flintstones” for the prequel “Viva Rock Vegas,” where he once more played Joe Rockhead. After this, he mostly resumed working in smaller character roles, but he remained very active and eventually accumulated over 100 screen credits.

In 2015, Keyes died at the age of 63 due to complications associated with acromegaly, a rare bone growth disorder that contributed to his unique facial features yet was the source of persistent discomfort and various long-term health problems for him.

The B-52s (The BC-52s)

In a common occurrence when rebooting a series, a fresh take on the classic theme song for “The Flintstones” was recorded for the movie. Naturally, the task fell to The B-52s, who were already known for their nostalgic, 1960s-inspired music. Thus, The B-52s put their unique touch on the theme song, which was played during the end credits and also released as a single. Additionally, The B-52s made an appearance in the film, albeit under a slightly different name – they were called the BC-52s, dressed in period attire, but essentially still the real-life B-52s, just without their actual name.

Members of the B-52s, while occasionally playing minor acting roles in diverse productions, have primarily focused on music. Notably, previous touring member Pat Irwin created the theme tune for “Rocko’s Modern Life,” which was sung by the band. Original member and enduring vocalist Fred Schneider performed the theme song for Season 6 of “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” and also lent his voice to a character in one of the episodes. Similarly, co-founder and vocalist Kate Pierson contributed a song to an episode of “Phineas and Ferb.” Additionally, the entire band collaborated to perform a parody of their hit “Love Shack,” titled “Glove Slap,” for an episode of “The Simpsons.

Back in February 2025, I had the privilege of rocking it out with my band as part of the “Saturday Night Live: 50th Anniversary Special”. Even though our global touring days are now history, we’re still jamming together on shows and projects. It’s a new chapter, but the music never stops!

Elizabeth Taylor (Pearl Slaghoople)

In a typical sitcom fashion, Pearl Slaghoople plays the role of a mother-in-law who cherishes her daughter (Wilma), yet persistently criticizes her son-in-law (Fred). Regardless of Fred’s actions, he never seems to meet Wilma’s expectations in her eyes. It’s worth noting that at some point, Fred doesn’t seem too motivated to disprove Pearl’s opinions. And as expected, there comes a scene where marital disagreements lead Wilma to take their child, Pebbles, and temporarily move out to stay with her mother. This situation brings Pearl joy, despite the obvious distress it causes Wilma.

In her last on-screen role, iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor portrayed Pearl Slaghoople in the movie adaptation of “The Flintstones”. Notably, this film marked a significant departure from her usual acting roles, as she was more than 15 years past the typical age for such engagements. Despite any other actors being popular at the time, Taylor’s star power was undeniably the most prominent on set. For the remainder of the decade, she made occasional television appearances, often in self-portrayal roles, before making her final acting credit in the 2001 TV movie “These Old Broads”.

Starting from the late ’90s, when she faced multiple health issues that led to a decrease in her public appearances, Taylor eventually passed away in 2011 due to complications related to congestive heart failure at the age of 79.

Halle Berry (Sharon Stone)

In “The Flintstones” film, one of the fresh inventions is the character named Sharon Stone, who serves as Cliff Vandercave’s secretary. She leverages her charm and allure to aid Cliff in his objectives, which seems to have a particular impact on Fred. Interestingly, the actress Sharon Stone was initially intended to portray the character with the same name, but scheduling issues arose. Consequently, the role was given to Halle Berry, who at that time was just starting her movie career and had already gained significant fame.

From the very beginning of my acting journey with Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever,” I made an indelible impact through my acting prowess. My talent for comedy was further showcased in films like “Boomerang” and “CB4.” As the years passed, my stardom only grew stronger, extending well into the 2000s with significant roles in “X-Men,” “Die Another Day,” and my Oscar-winning performance in “Monster’s Ball.” The less-than-favorable reception to “Catwoman” may have caused a brief hiccup, but I managed to ride out the turbulence quite smoothly, as seen by my subsequent involvement in blockbuster franchises like “John Wick” and “Kingsman.” Up until then, television had been more of a side venture for me, but in 2014, I dove headfirst into my first major small-screen role on the sci-fi series “Extant,” also stepping up as an executive producer.

John Goodman (Fred Flintstone)

The outcome of the “Flintstones” film largely depended on how well they portrayed Fred Flintstone. The movie adaptation managed to capture Fred’s essence, starting with a slightly self-centered and juvenile depiction but eventually showing his growth as he learned valuable lessons about friendship, marriage, and life in general. Adapting the animated version into live action was challenging due to its over-the-top nature, a balance needed to prevent it from appearing too exaggerated or turning into an overly ridiculous caricature.

Actor John Goodman found himself taking on the role of Fred, initially feeling somewhat confined by producer Steven Spielberg’s expectations and holding a grudge against the project. However, he managed to infuse Fred with all the warmth and enthusiasm that the character demanded. At that time, Goodman was primarily recognized as Dan Conner from the popular sitcom “Roseanne.” Yet, cinephiles had long admired his cinematic prowess, thanks in no small part to his frequent collaborations with filmmakers the Coen brothers. This partnership would continue to be a significant aspect of his diverse and extensive film career, shining through projects like “The Big Lebowski,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, and more.

Additionally, Goodman skillfully managed his television and film commitments, appearing frequently in shows like “Damages,” “Community,” “Treme,” among others. He resurfaced as Dan Conner initially in the 2018 revival of “Roseanne” and later on its spin-off show, “The Conners.” Between 2019 and 2025, Goodman portrayed Eli Gemstone in the HBO comedic series, “The Righteous Gemstones.

2025-05-30 00:32