The Jaw-Dropping Then & Now: Where Is The Cast Of The Original AND 2024 'Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead' Now?
The cult classic dark comedy, Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, has made a monumental return to the pop culture spotlight with the release of a brand-new, modern remake. As of late 2025, the conversation is buzzing not just about the 1991 original starring Christina Applegate, but also the fresh 2024 film that reimagined the iconic "babysitter is dead" premise for a new generation, complete with a completely new, diverse, and star-studded cast. This deep dive explores the lives and careers of the key actors from both versions, revealing where the original stars are now—including one's very public health battle—and what the new faces are bringing to the table.
The original film, which was initially considered a box office "flop" but gained massive popularity as a cable TV staple, cemented its place as a quintessential early '90s comedy. Now, with the 2024 remake hitting theaters on April 12, 2024, fans are eager to compare the two ensembles and catch up on the stars whose careers were launched by the infamous summer of freedom for the Crandell siblings. The cast includes Hollywood veterans, comedy legends, and rising stars, making this one of the most talked-about remakes in recent history.
The Original 1991 Cast: Where Are They Now?
The 1991 film centers around the Crandell children after their summer of freedom is interrupted by the arrival of a tyrannical babysitter, who promptly dies in her sleep. The cast members who brought this dark comedy to life have gone on to have varied and fascinating careers, from Emmy-winning dramatic roles to becoming an internet sensation.
- Christina Applegate (Sue Ellen Crandell):
- Role: Sue Ellen Crandell, the oldest sibling forced to take a job as a fashion executive to support her younger siblings.
- Biography & Recent Work: Born November 25, 1971. Applegate achieved massive fame as Kelly Bundy on Married... with Children. Post-Don't Tell Mom, she starred in films like The Sweetest Thing and Anchorman, and had successful TV runs in Jesse and Samantha Who?. Her most recent and critically acclaimed role was Jen Harding in the Netflix dark comedy Dead to Me.
- Current Update: Applegate publicly revealed her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2021 while filming the final season of Dead to Me. She has been an outspoken advocate, sharing details about her challenging journey and physical changes, noting she felt the first signs of MS during the pilot episode of the Netflix series.
- Josh Charles (Bryan):
- Role: Bryan, Sue Ellen's charming, pizza-delivery love interest.
- Biography & Recent Work: Born September 15, 1971. Charles was already known for Dead Poets Society before this film. He received widespread acclaim and an Emmy nomination for his role as Will Gardner on the legal drama The Good Wife (2009–2016).
- Current Update: His recent television work includes the limited series The Power (2023) opposite Toni Collette, and a starring role in the 2024 FX limited series The Veil. He also appeared in the 2023 film Memory.
- Keith Coogan (Kenny Crandell):
- Role: Kenny Crandell, the rebellious, long-haired stoner brother whose primary goal is to smoke pot and watch television.
- Biography & Recent Work: Born January 13, 1970. Coogan is the grandson of Jackie Coogan, the first child star in Hollywood history. He also starred in Adventures in Babysitting and Toy Soldiers.
- Current Update: Coogan has embraced his cult-classic status, frequently engaging with fans and sharing behind-the-scenes memories from the 1991 set. In a true nod to the film's legacy, he even visited the set of the 2024 remake.
- Joanna Cassidy (Rose Lindsey):
- Role: Rose Lindsey, the high-powered, ruthless fashion executive who hires Sue Ellen.
- Biography & Recent Work: Born August 19, 1945. Cassidy is an established actress known for films like Blade Runner and her Emmy-winning role on Six Feet Under. She most recently appeared in the TV series NCIS: New Orleans and the film The Babysitter: Killer Queen.
- David Duchovny (Bruce):
- Role: Bruce, Rose Lindsey's quirky, perpetually shirtless assistant.
- Biography & Recent Work: Born August 7, 1960. Duchovny's brief but memorable role preceded his massive global fame as Fox Mulder on The X-Files and Hank Moody on Californication. He continues to act, write, and direct, with recent roles in the 2023 film You People and the series The Chair.
The All-New 2024 Remake Cast: Who Took Over The Iconic Roles?
Released on April 12, 2024, the remake shifts the setting and updates the story, featuring a predominantly Black cast and a modern corporate setting. The film stars a fresh ensemble of comedic and dramatic talent.
- Simone Joy Jones (Tanya Crandell):
- Role: Tanya Crandell, the oldest sibling who steps into the role of the breadwinner (the Sue Ellen equivalent).
- Biography & Recent Work: Jones is an American actress, singer, and dancer who gained significant recognition for playing Lisa Wilkes in the Peacock series Bel-Air, the dramatic reinterpretation of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Her early career included work in Broadway plays and a film debut in The Son of No One.
- Jermaine Fowler (Don Crandell):
- Role: Don Crandell, Tanya's older brother and the equivalent of the original's slacker Kenny, but with his own modern twist.
- Biography & Recent Work: Born May 16, 1988. Fowler is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor. He is known for his starring role in the CBS sitcom Superior Donuts and the film Coming 2 America.
- Current Update: Fowler's recent projects include the 2023 horror-comedy The Blackening, the 2024 film Late Bloomers, and a recurring role in Season 5 of Hulu's hit series Only Murders in the Building. He is also set to star in a new Barbershop TV series for Prime Video.
- Nicole Richie (Rose):
- Role: Rose, the high-powered fashion executive (the Joanna Cassidy equivalent).
- Biography & Recent Work: Born September 21, 1981. Richie is a television personality, fashion designer, and actress, first gaining fame on the reality series The Simple Life alongside Paris Hilton. She has since starred in the sitcom Great News and the reality show Nikki Fre$h.
- Current Update: Her role in the 2024 remake marks a significant return to major studio film work, where she plays a key, comedic villain role.
- June Squibb (The Babysitter):
- Role: The ill-fated, elderly babysitter.
- Biography & Recent Work: Born November 6, 1929. Squibb is an Oscar-nominated veteran actress known for her roles in Nebraska and About Schmidt. Her involvement adds a layer of esteemed comedic talent to the opening act of the remake.
- Ms. Pat (Mrs. Joan Crandell):
- Role: Mrs. Crandell (Mom), who leaves her children for a European vacation.
- Biography & Recent Work: Born April 19, 1972. Patricia "Ms. Pat" Williams is a stand-up comedian and actress known for her semi-autobiographical series The Ms. Pat Show, which has earned critical praise.
The Legacy: How The 1991 Classic Paved The Way For The 2024 Remake
The original Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, directed by Stephen Herek and released in 1991, has become a cinematic touchstone for '90s kids, blending dark humor with a coming-of-age story about responsibility. The film’s tagline, "The summer job that was a killer," perfectly encapsulated its subversive tone.
A Cult Classic's Enduring Appeal
Despite initially underperforming at the box office, the 1991 version found its audience on home video and cable, where its themes of youthful independence, corporate satire, and the sheer audacity of the Crandell kids resonated deeply. The iconic lines—including "I'm right on top of that, Rose!" and "The dishes are done, man"—are still quoted decades later, demonstrating the film's enduring cultural impact. Christina Applegate herself has reflected on the film, expressing pride in its legacy despite her initial youthful regret over her attitude during the era.
The 2024 Remake’s Modern Update
The 2024 remake, directed by Wade Allain-Marcus and written by Chuck Hayward, is not a simple scene-for-scene copy. Instead, it serves as a shrewdly made update, acting as a blueprint for how Hollywood can successfully revisit older material. The new film modernizes the plot by focusing on Tanya Crandell's ambition to attend a prestigious fashion program and the family's financial struggles, adding a layer of contemporary social commentary. The casting of Simone Joy Jones, Jermaine Fowler, and Nicole Richie brings a fresh comedic energy and a new perspective to the story's core premise: a group of kids trying to survive a summer without their mom or a babysitter.
The success of the 2024 remake proves that the core concept—a sudden, chaotic shift in responsibility forcing teenagers to grow up fast—is timeless. By introducing new stars and updating the setting, the film honors the spirit of the original while creating a new, relevant comedy for a generation that may not have grown up with the 1991 classic.
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