Matthew Broderick opens up about career struggles after success of Ferris Bueller
Dominic Smithers
Featured Image Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images/Paramount
Matthew Broderick was once the biggest thing since sliced bread.
In 1986, he was the star of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which today remains a cult classic of the coming of age genre.
Written and directed by the legendary John Hughes (Home Alone, Planes, Trains and Automobiles), the movie also starred Mia Sara and Alan Ruck (Succession).
And with a budget of $5 million it went on to make a mightily impressive $70m.
Advert
Praised for his natural performance, Broderick, who was just 24 at the time, was catapulted into super stardom.
However, despite the success of the movie, the actor has now admitted that he struggled to keep the momentum.
“I did have nice early success," the 61-year-old told The Guardian. "But it’s not easy to maintain that first flush.
“It’s always a hard adjustment for child actors, young actors. People see the kid out of Leave It to Beaver grown up and they don’t buy it — they want to see little Beaver."
Broderick went on: “People associated me with younger roles, but I wanted them to come with me and get used to the fact that I’m wrinkly.
"And it was hard. The ’90s were hard. Lots of ups and downs. But I always tried to keep at it, keep my heart in it. Hopefully, that keeps you in the game."
That isn't to say he never enjoyed another hit, Broderick has starred in som huge blockbusters over the years, such as Godzilla and Inspector Gadget.
But he says he's resigned to the fact there is only one thing he will ever truly be remembered for.
“Well, I’m Ferris Bueller, I suppose," he said. "I have to accept it. And I like it. I’ve made my peace with it.”
As well as being big name himself in the movie industry, Broderick is married to Sex and The City star Sarah Jessica Parker.
The pair got hitched in 1997 and have three children together: son James, 20, and 13-year-old twins Tabitha and Marion.
And while they've never made any concerted effort to do so, they've managed to keep their personal lives largely out fo the press.
“Well, it’s nothing we ever sat down and discussed," Broderick said. "But I think it evolved and I think it’s important,” Broderick said when asked why he and Parker rarely discuss their relationship in public.
“Once you start talking about your relationship and your feelings in public you’re in trouble. Also, we have children. I don’t want to have my kids reading about our relationship.
“We try to keep some privacy, a circle around the family, so we can all have as normal a life as possible."