The Cast Of Hairspray Then And Now

John Travolta (Edna Turnblad) Then

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Hairspray is a mid-2000’s movie, based on the musical of the same name, which follows the story of a group of teenagers within the 1950’s (as they strive for television stardom). Edna Turnbland (played by John Travolta) is the mother to the main protagonist of the movie. She is depicted as an overweight, agoraphobic woman who is ashamed of her size.

John Travolta (Edna Turnblad) Now

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Before being cast in this role, John Travolta was a well-established actor, and was well-known for his portrayal of Danny Zuko in ‘Grease’. He has since gone on to star in a wide array of movies and television shows. Some of his most notable features, include: ‘Bolt’, ‘From Paris With Love’, ‘Savages’, ‘Kirstie’ and ‘Die Hart’. John has also become known for his musical talent, and has release six studio albums (alongside movie soundtracks as well).

Nikki Blonksy (Tracey Turnblad) Then

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Tracey Turnbland (played by Nikki Blonsky) is the movie’s main protagonist, and she has dreams of achieving television stardom. She is depicted as an overweight young girl, who has a burning passion for dancing, and wishes for racial equality. Her passion for racial equality, means that she is an active supporter for racial integration on her favorite television show: ‘The Corny Collins Show’.

Nikki Blonksy (Tracey Turnblad) Now

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Nikki Blonsky’s feature in this movie, was her debut role as a professional actress, and she has since starred in a handful of movies and television shows. Some of her features, include: ‘Harold’, ‘Waiting For Forever’, ‘The English Teacher’, ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Smash’. Nikki is still active within the entertainment industry, and has recently become engaged to her partner Hailey Jo Jenson.

Zac Efron (Link Larkin) Then

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Link Larkin (played by Zac Efron) is the main male character within this movie, and becomes Tracey’s love interest (despite Link being in a relationship). He is also one of the lead dancers on Tracey’s favorite show (‘The Corny Collins Show’). Link is depicted as highly talented and narcissistic, but his narcissism fades away once he begins forming an attraction to Tracey.

Zac Efron (Link Larkin) Now

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Before starring in Hairspray, Zac Efron had started to establish himself within the entertainment industry, through his role of Troy Bolton, within the ‘High School Musical’ franchise. He has since gone on to have a successful acting career, starring in a range of hit movies and television shows. Some of his most notable features, include: ‘17 Again’, ‘Neighbours’, ‘We Are Your Friends’, ‘NCIS’ and ‘Robot Chicken’.

James Marsden (Corny Collins) Then

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Corny Collins (played by James Marsden) is the host of Tracey’s favorite show, and is depicted as an upbeat and humorous individual. He is shown to have progressive political views/opinions, which he uses to fight the forced segregation on his show (imposed by its producers and directors). Collins is known for cracking a few jokes here-and-there, and helps add some dimension to the movie’s comical sectors.

James Marsden (Corny Collins) Now

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Similarly to some of his Hairspray co-stars, James Marsden was a well-established actor, and had already starred in an array of hit movies and television shows. Some of his most notable features, include: ‘X-Men’, ‘Zoolander’, ‘The Notebook’, ‘Sonic The Hedgehog’, ‘Robot Chicken’, ‘30 Rock’ and ‘Westworld’. James is still active within the entertainment industry, and continues to star in high-grossing, blockbuster movies.

Christopher Walken (Wilbur Turnblad) Then

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Wilbur Turnbland (played by Christopher Walken) is Tracey’s father, and is the owner of a joke shop (which resides underneath the family’s apartment). He is a depicted as a quiet, kind and nurturing individual who wants the best for his family. This is one of the smaller roles within the movie, but it allows proper character development and plot progression (throughout the movie).

Christopher Walken (Wilbur Turnblad) Now

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Christopher Walken is a world-renowned actor, and is known for his serious, hard-hitting roles within movies. He has had an impressive acting career, that spans many decades. Some of his most notable features, include: ‘Seven Psychopaths’, ‘Jersey Boys’, ‘Eddie The Eagle’, ‘The Outlaws’ and ‘Severance’. He is still active within the entertainment industry, and he continues to be a highly sought-after actor.

Michelle Pfeiffer (Velma Von Tussle) Then

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Velma Von Tussle (played by Michelle Pfeiffer) is the manager of the television station, WYZT (which is home to 'The Corny Collins Show'). Velma is also the mother of Amber Von Tussle, and is consistently trying to maintain Amber's headlining position on 'The Corny Collins Show'. She is one of the main antagonist within this movie, and she is inherently fat-phobic and racist.

Michelle Pfeiffer (Velma Von Tussle) Now

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Michelle Pfeiffer was a well-established actress before featuring in Hairspray, and she has since gone on to feature in an impressive array of movies and television shows. Some of her most notable features, include: 'Stardust', 'Dark Shadows', 'Avengers: Endgame', 'The Simpsons' and 'The First Lady'. She is still very much active within the entertainment business, and is highly-sought after by filmmakers/directors.

Amanda Bynes (Penny Pingleton) Then

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Penny Pingleton (played by Amanda Bynes) is Tracy's best friend, and is depicted as a shy and sheltered young girl. She begins to have feelings for one of the other characters in the movie: Seaweed. This romantic connection isn't accepted by her mother however, as she is extremely stern, racist and devoutly religious. Despite her mother's disapproval, Penny continues to build her bond with Seaweed, and confides in Tracy about her mother's behaviour.

Amanada Bynes (Penny Pingleton) Now

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Amanda Bynes was another actress that was well-established before her feature in Hairspray, and was one of the most popular young actresses at the time. She went on to star in a handful of successful of movies and television shows, which include: 'Sydney White', 'Easy A', 'Family Guy' and 'Living Proof'. Amanda has publicly struggled with her mental health, and has recently left a conservatorship which lasted for nine years (2013-2022).

John Waters (Flasher) Then

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Flasher (played by John Waters) is a smaller cameo role within the movie, and is actually played by the writer/director of the original Hairspray movie adaptation. He appears within one of the first scenes of the movie, and is referred to as 'the flasher next door', during the main (opening) musical number: 'Good Morning Baltimore', which introduces the audience to the main characters.

John Waters (Flasher) Now

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Similarly to some of his Hairspray co-stars, John Waters was a well-established actor before featuring in the movie, and has gone on to star in a range of television shows and movies. Some of his most notable features, include: 'Excision', 'Suburban Gothic', 'My Name Is Earl', 'RuPaul's Drag Race', 'Law And Order: Special Victims Unit' and 'Search Party'.

Queen Latifah (Maybelle Stubbs) Then

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Maybelle 'Motormouth' Stubbs (played by Queen Latifah) is a radio DJ, and also runs a record shop. Maybelle is also the host of 'Negro Day' on 'The Corny Collins Show', and is well-known for her bubbly personality and loud-mouth (hence her nickname). She is also a strong advocate for the desegregation of 'The Corny Collins Show', as well as the equal rights of racial minorities.

Queen Latifah (Maybelle Stubbs) Now

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Following her role in Hairspray, Queen Latifah has gone on to feature in a wide array of movies and television shows. Some of these features, include: 'Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs', '22 Jump Street', 'Girls Trip', '30 Rock', 'Red Table Talk', 'Maya And The Three' and 'The Equalizer'. Queen Latifah is widely known for her musical talent as well, and she is an established artist and actress.

Elijah Kelley (Seaweed J. Stubbs) Then

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Seaweed J. Stubbs (played by Elijah Kelley) is Maybelle's son, and is depicted as a highly-skilled dancer who has dreams of becoming a television star. Before featuring on 'The Corny Collins Show', Tracy is taught some impressive dance moves by Seaweed, and Tracey introduces him to her best friend Penny. Penny and Seaweed quickly form a romantic connection, and the pair are resilient against Penny's racist mother.

Elijah Kelley (Seaweed J. Stubbs) Now

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Hairspray gave Elijah Kelley one of his breakthrough movie roles, and he has since gone on to feature in a range of television shows and movies. Some of these features, include: 'Red Tails', 'The Butler', 'Strange Magic', 'Dirty Sexy Money', 'Star', 'The Bobby Brown Story' and 'Tales'. As well as his acting talent, Elijah is well-known for singing and dancing (hence his casting in Hairspray).

Brittany Snow (Amber Von Tussle) Then

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Amber Von Tussle (played by Brittany Snow) is another main antagonist within the movie, and is the female lead on 'The Corny Collins Show'. Link Larkin is Amber's boyfriend, and her mother is the manager of the local television station. She is depicted as bratty, spoilt and big-headed, and goes on to threaten Tracy when she sees Tracy getting too close to her boyfriend/jeopardizing her chances of being 'Miss Teenage Hairspray' (again).

Brittany Snow (Amber Von Tussle) Now

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Brittany Snow had already started to establish herself as an actress, (within television) when she landed her role in Hairspray. She has since gone on to have an impressive acting career, across both film and television. Some of her most notable features, include: 'Pitch Perfect', 'Would You Rather', 'Someone Great', 'Family Guy' and 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'.

Allison Janney (Prudy Pingleton) Then

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Prudy Pingleton (played by Allison Janney) is Penny's highly conservative mother, who is a devout Christian and an out-and-out racist. Her oppressive approach to parenting is what restricts Penny's social life, and any opportunities she may have to experience new things. She is a strong advocate for racial segregation, and is hugely disappointed when Penny announces her relationship with Seaweed.

Allison Janney (Prudy Pingleton) Now

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Allison Janney was a well-established actress before landing her role in this movie, and she has since gone on to add to her (already) impressive filmography. Some of her most notable features, include: 'Juno', 'The Help', 'The DUFF', 'I, Tonya', 'Family Guy', 'Mr. Sunshine', 'Web Therapy' and 'DuckTales'. Allison is still active within the entertainment business, and is often sought after for comedic roles.

Tayla Parx (Little Inz) Then

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Little Inz (played by Tayla Parx) is Seaweed's younger sister, and Maybelle's daughter (who is also a very talented dancer). This is one of the smaller roles within the movie, and is used to help aid character progression/development. Little Inz is depicted as a strong-willed young girl, who (like her brother) has dreams of being a star within the world of performance.

Tayla Parx (Little Inz) Now

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Tayla Parx's role in Hairspray was her debut acting performance, and she has since gone on to have a successful career within television and film. Some of her most notable features, include: 'Beyond The Pretty Door', 'Justice League: Gods And Monsters', 'True Jackson, VP', 'Bones' and 'Victorious'. She is also well-known for her musical talent, specifically her songwriting skills.

Jerry Stiller (Mr. Pinky) Then

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Mr. Pinky (played by Jerry Stiller) is the owner of a local dress shop ('Mr Pinky's Hefty Hideaway'). After conversing with Tracy, he decides that she should be the shop's spokesperson, as his dresses cater to girls/women that are larger in size. He is depicted as a stout, friendly and outgoing older man, who is always on top of the latest fashion trends/styles.

Jerry Stiller (Mr. Pinky) Now

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Since featuring in Hairspray, Jerry Stiller starred in a handful of movies and television shows. These features, include: 'The Heartbreak Kid', 'Excuse Me For Living', 'Zoolander 2', 'Mercy', 'Fish Hooks' and 'The Good Wife'. Jerry was also known for his stage/theatre performances, which allowed him to enter the world of film and television. Unfortunately, Jerry passed away in the May of 2020 (at the age of 92).

Hayley Podschun (Tammy) Then

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Tammy (played by Hayley Podschun) is one of the television network's council members. This is another smaller role within the movie, and provides some dimension to the movie's overall plot-line, story and general progression. The council members are responsible for deciding whether 'The Corny Collins Show' should remain segregated or not, and what shows should remain on the air.

Hayley Podschun (Tammy) Now

Image Source: Broadway Plus

Since featuring in Hairspray, Hayley Podschun has starred in a selection of television shows. The shows in question, include: 'Wiener And Wiener', 'Louie' and 'The Blacklist'. Alongside her acting talent, she is known for being a writer for various films and television shows (sitcoms/talk-shows). She is still active within the entertainment business, and will usually be featured in smaller/cameo roles.