The Literary Roles of Molly Ringwald
There’s no doubt about it, Molly Ringwald is best known for her work as a young actress in John Hughes films like Pretty In Pink, Sixteen Candles, and The Breakfast Club. Despite a steady acting career since, Ringwald will always be best known for the films she starred in during the mid-’80s. Of course, this doesn’t seem to bother the actress too much, and she’s even branched out into other areas, writing both a non-fiction book about finding "the pretty" (Getting The Pretty Back), and a book of short stories (When It Happens To You). Still an icon, Ringwald has done her fair share of literary adaptations as well, from comics and horror to YA adaptations in the works. And we’ve got the best of them here for you.
Riverdale
The CW’s darkly gorgeous adaptation of the classic Archie and Jughead comics is definitely not one for fans who are looking for a faithful take on the sweet and charming books, but it is a great show for anyone who loves some slightly bonkers murder mysteries. Molly Ringwald isn’t one of the main characters (who are all teens, obviously), but does appear as Archie Andrew’s mom, Mary.
The Stand
Stephen King adaptations are back in style right now, with everything from It to The Dark Tower to Castle Rock. Of course, King’s work is so popular that there have been plenty of adaptations already, like this miniseries version of The Stand, where Ringwald plays Frannie Goldsmith, one of the last survivors of a worldwide plague.
King Cobra
The more recent King Cobra is not only based on a book, but a real-life biography, Cobra Killer: Gay Porn, Murder, and the Manhunt to Bring the Killers to Justice. Ringwald starred alongside another actress known for her teen roles; Alicia Silverstone, shocking longtime fans with their decision to be a part of a dark crime drama about the murders connected to the early porn career of Brent Corrigan.
Wishin’ And Hopin’
For something a whole lot lighter, fans of Pretty In Pink can check out Ringwald’s appearance in the 2014 coming-of-age comedy Wishin’ And Hopin’. Based on Wally Lamb’s Wishin’ And Hopin’: A Christmas Novel, the film is set in the ‘60s, with Ringwald playing the exciting new substitute teacher Madame Frechette. It’s a sweet and schmaltzy offering for the holiday season, and fantastic at what it does.
Strike It Rich
We’re digging deep into Ringwald’s back catalog for this one, a comedy from 1990 based on the book Loser Takes All by Graham Greene. Ringwald stars as Cary Porter, a young American living in London in the 1950s. On honeymoon in Monte Carlo, her new husband hits the gambling tables, and Cary is left alone to meet someone new. No prizes for guessing which one she picks in this lighthearted rom com!
Tempest
Even Miss Molly has taken a crack at the Bard in 1982’s Tempest, a film appearance that predates her John Hughes film-fame. Based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest, the movie brings the play into the present day, as Dimitrius (John Cassavetes) drags his teen daughter Miranda (Ringwald) to a remote Greek island to try and deal with his midlife crisis.
The Kissing Booth
Based on the hit YA novel by Beth Reekles, The Kissing Booth is an upcoming Netflix Original film due to hit the streaming service later this year. It charts the infatuation of Elle Evans (Joey King) with the most popular guy in school. Ringwald returns to the high school flick, but this time, she’s in the role of the adult bystanders as Mrs. Flynn, the mother of Elle’s crazy crush. We can’t wait to see her step into this role, still an icon after nearly forty years on screen.
