It’s been nearly thirty years since the John Hughes-written and Nick Castle-directed 1993 film “Dennis the Menace” hit the big screen. Despite heavy criticism, the film grossed over $117 million at the global box office. In addition, the family comedy also featured a collection of actors who make up the “Dennis the Menace” movie cast.
It is a fan favorite based on the misadventures of a troublesome boy who wreaks havoc on his next-door neighbor. Although it’s been over two decades since it premiered, the film still tugs at hearts. It has also made fans curious about where the casts are.
Here’s what the “Dennis the Menace” movie cast has been up to these past few decades.
Mason Gamble (Dennis Mitchell)
Since he was a kid, Mason Gamble was not a mainstream actor before starring as Dennis Mitchell in the film. Following his lead role in “Dennis the Menace,” Gamble took on a series of projects. He appeared in “Spy Hard” in 1996, “Rushmore” in 1998, and “Arlington Road” in 1999. Despite having roles in multiple projects throughout his career, Gamble will always be known for his portrayal of Dennis Mitchell.
After gaining prominence as one of the “Dennis the Menace” movie cast, he took on minor roles in other projects. However, like most child actors, he left show business. He enrolled in a doctorate program in environmental science and engineering at the Institute of Environment and Sustainability at UCLA. Since he retired from acting in 2011, Gamble has kept a low profile.
Walter Matthau (George Wilson)
Unlike Gamble, Walter Matthau was a famous face in Hollywood before he appeared as George Wilson in “Dennis the Menace.” Matthau rose to prominence in the 1950s and appeared in several movies before making the “Dennis the Menace” movie cast list. He is famous for his roles in “A Face in the Crowd” (1957), “King Creole” (1958), and “The Bad News Bears” (1976).
After appearing in the 1993 comedy film, Mathau also teamed up with Jack Lemmon in comedies like 1993’s “Grumpy Old Men,” its 1995 sequel “Grumpier Old Men,” and “The Odd Couple” in 1998. Matthau was a veteran of stage, film, and television.
In addition, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1982. He was also a Grammy shy of earning his own very EGOT after winning two Tony Awards, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe Award for various roles throughout his legendary career. Unfortunately, Matthau died of a heart attack in the wee hours of July 1, 2000, at age 79.
Joan Plowright (Martha Wilson)
Joan Plowright is another “Dennis the Menace” movie cast who was successful before she appeared in the 1993 film. However, in the years following the premiere of “Dennis the Menace,” she remained busy taking multiple acting roles. Plowright, who played Martha Wilson, was the kinder and more patient neighbor of Dennis Mitchell.
Plowright won two Golden Globe Awards, a Tony Award, and a nomination for an Academy Award, an Emmy, and Two BAFTA Awards. In addition, she won the Laurence Olivier Award in 1978 and was the second of four actresses to have won two Golden Globes in the same year. Although she retired from acting in 2014 due to her eyesight, she is one of the most decorated and prolific actresses in show business.
Christopher Lloyd (Switchblade Sam)
Christopher Lloyd is a multi-award winner, like most actors who made the “Dennis the Menace” movie cast. He made his acting debut in the 1960s. However, he is best known for portraying Doc Brown in the “Back to the Future” trilogy. In addition, he is also famous for his role as Jim Ignatowski in the comedy series “Taxi,” for which he won two Emmy Awards.
His depiction of Switchblade Sam in “Dennis the Menace” had a completely different look. Afterward, the iconic movie star appeared in several other projects like “Piranha 3D” (2010) and “Nobody” (2021). Although Lloyd lost his house in the Tea Fire that ravaged Montecito, California, he lives happily with his wife, Lisa Loicono, in the United States.
Lea Thompson (Alice Mitchell)
Although she was already a major player in Hollywood, Lea Thompson’s role as Alice Mitchell was intriguing. Since she appeared as one of the “Dennis the Menace” movie cast, Thompson has landed recurring roles in other projects.
She appeared as Kathryn Kennish in the ABC Family-turned-Freeform series “Switched at Birth” from 2011-2017. While Thompson hasn’t graced the screens in recent years, she has been working as a director behind the scenes. In addition, Lea Thompson is happily married to her film director husband, Howard Deutch.
Robert Stanton (Henry Mitchell)
Stanton appeared in his first prominent supporting role in 1993 as Henry Mitchell. Although he played a supporting role in the family comedy, the role propelled him to fame and success. Consequently, Stanton has appeared in several other movies.
Some of the projects he has appeared in include “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” In addition, he also appeared in “Damages,” “Orange Is the New Black,” and the Stephen King-adapted series, “Mr Mercedes.” When he’s not busy acting, Stanton is quite active on Twitter. However, he keeps his private life away from the media.
Like the Enough cast, these actors and the other “Dennis the Menace” movie cast worked together to make the film iconic.
