Molly Ringwald

About

Molly Kathleen Ringwald is an acclaimed American actress, singer, and author, best known for her influential roles in iconic 1980s films. Born on February 18, 1968, in Roseville, California, Ringwald rose to fame as one of the leading faces of the "Brat Pack," a group of young actors known for their work in coming-of-age films during the 80s. Her collaborations with director John Hughes solidified her status as a teen icon, with memorable performances in "Sixteen Candles" (1984), "The Breakfast Club" (1985), and "Pretty in Pink" (1986). Beyond her film career, Ringwald has showcased her versatility as a writer and singer, making her a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.

Before Fame

Before becoming a household name, Molly Ringwald displayed a penchant for performance at a young age. Her first significant on-screen role came when she was cast as Molly Parker in the NBC sitcom "The Facts of Life" (1979–1980). Ringwald’s early start in theater included performing in a stage production of "Annie" when she was just ten years old. Her professional and devoted approach to acting as a child laid the groundwork for her later success in Hollywood.

Trivia

• Ringwald was originally cast for a smaller role in "The Facts of Life," but her character resonated so well with audiences that she became a series regular.
• She turned down lead roles in "Pretty Woman" and "Ghost," both of which went on to become massive box-office hits.
• Besides her film and television career, Ringwald has a passion for music. She released a jazz album titled "Except Sometimes" in 2013, which features a cover of "Don't You (Forget About Me)" from "The Breakfast Club."
• She is fluent in French and has lived in Paris for several years.
• In addition to her acting and singing, Ringwald is also an accomplished author, having written books such as "Getting the Pretty Back: Friendship, Family, and Finding the Perfect Lipstick" and the novel "When It Happens to You."

Family Life

Molly Ringwald was born to parents Adele Edith, a chef, and Robert Scott “Bob” Ringwald, a blind jazz pianist. She has two siblings, Beth and Kelly. Ringwald has been married twice; initially to French writer Valéry Lameignère from 1999 to 2002, and later to Panio Gianopoulos, a Greek-American writer and editor, in 2007. Together, they have three children: Mathilda Ereni, born in 2003, and twins, Adele Georgiana and Roman Stylianos, born in 2009. As a mother, Ringwald has often spoken about balancing her career with family life, paying tribute to the strong sense of normalcy her parents instilled in her youth.

Associated With

Molly Ringwald is most notably associated with director John Hughes, whose films have played a significant role in defining her career. Hughes cast her in several iconic movies that remain beloved by fans of 1980s cinema. Her involvement in the "Brat Pack"also links her to fellow actors such as Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Demi Moore, and Andrew McCarthy. These collaborations have left a lasting impact on the film industry and continue to shape new generations' appreciation for teen-centric storytelling.