It is always nice when we feel all nostalgic with all the films we watch that are from years ago. Especially when it reminds us how the style was back in the day, how a certain place looks like during those years, and most of all, we see the celebrities in that film and wonder where some of them may be now if they are no long active in the industry.
Unfortunately, some may be dead by now, some may be living a normal life away from the camera, some may be hiding from the spotlight by moving away, or some may still be making movies after all these years.
Being an actor may be a wonderful career but it is somewhat a difficult path to take since it is all about timing. Every actor needs a big break in order to stay relevant in the industry, because if you don’t get it after trying for years then the curtains may close on you.
It may seem all great and fabulous to have all the fame and fortune but a career in the entertainment industry is unpredictable. You may have been a part of a, box-office film today, but it is not guaranteed that you’ll have more unless of course you try to be relevant to the people.
1998’s Coming To America
One of the most successful romantic comedy films in the late 80s is the Coming to America. It was theatrically released in 1998 starring one of best comedians Hollywood’s has ever seen, Eddie Murphy, along with an ensemble cast including Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Samuel L. Jackson.
The movie was indeed a success not just in the United States, but to the entire world. With only a budget of $39 million, they have managed to get more than $288 million, making it the third highest-grossing film in the US box office at that time.
The film was basically about the crown prince of Zamunda, which is portrayed by Murphy, and his journey to New York to find a suitable bride that would want him for him and not his throne. It has managed to capture the hearts of many with its romantic twist on a comedy film. There were even rumors that Murphy is currently working on a remake.
In fact, in 2017, it was publicly announced that there were already screenwriters and producers working on the remake. However, none of the original cast actually came up front to talk about it, not even Murphy himself.
2018 – Cast: Where Are They Now?
Eddie Murphy – Prince Akeem
After the success of this film, Murphy continues to soar high in the industry by being starring into films such as Dreamgirls, wherein he was even nominated as Best Supporting Actor in the Academy Awards, Dr. Dolittle, and more. Murphy is currently working on a Netflix original entitled Dolemite Is My Name, which will be coming out this year.
James Earl Jones – King Jaffe Joffer
Jones may have portrayed a king in this film, but over the years, he has been known to be the voice behind one of the most famous antagonist in the film industry, Darth Vader. He is confirmed to be playing Mufasa in the upcoming "Lion King" remake.
Cuba Gooding Jr. – Boy Getting A Haircut
Despite only having a cameo in the film, he managed to get into the entertainment industry even further. In fact, he managed to get an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for the film Jerry Maguire. His most recent role was portraying O.J. Simpson in the American Crime Story.
Samuel L. Jackson – Robber
Finally, one of the most successful actors in Hollywood, Samuel L. Jackson. A lot of young people who have seen Coming To America tend to be shocked whenever they would realize that Jackson was actually in the film. Some of them don’t even notice it. Over the years, he has managed to work with tons of films such as Pulp Fiction, Jurassic Park, Star Wars prequels, and in a couple of Marvel films.
His most recent project was being the voice of Frozone in the animated film The Incredibles 2. He’s got more lined up for next year in the films Glass and he will be reprising his role as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the film Captain Marvel.
