12 Best Actors from Pretty in Pink, Ranked by Performance

Pretty in Pink is a coming-of-age film that premiered in 1986, starring Molly Ringwald as Andie. In the movie, Andie is an outcast at her high school, hanging out with either Iona or Duckie. Everything changes when Andie gets asked to go on a date by Blane. As Andie plunges into a new lifestyle, she realizes that it’s not easy to date in another social sphere. If you are a fan of the film, check out our selections for the best actors from Pretty in Pink ranked by their performance.

12. Maggie Roswell as Mrs. Dietz

12 Best Actors From Pretty In Pink, Ranked By Performance — Credit: Paramount Pictures

Maggie Roswell is a writer, comedian, and actor, and plays her part as Mrs. Dietz well. Roswell is a smaller part in Pretty in Pink but still portrays Mrs. Dietz well. She is also known for her roles in The Simpsons universe, voicing several characters including Helen Lovejoy and Luann Van Houten.

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11. Margaret Colin as English Teacher

One of the several teachers in Pretty in Pink was Margaret Colin, who played the English teacher. This was Colin’s first acting appearance, and she did quite well in her portrayal. She later starred in films like Independence Day, Unfaithful, Now and Again, and Something Wild.

10. Kate Vernon as Benny Hanson

Our next actor from Pretty in Pink is Kate Vernon, who played the popular and stuck-up student Benny Hanson. Kate Vernon played her role well as she consistently tried to make Andie’s life harder as Andie tried to fit into the popular crowd. Vernon has also appeared in films like Malcolm X, Battlestar Galactica, and Battlestar Galactica: The Plan.

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9. Andrew Dice Clay as Bouncer

Even though Andrew Dice Clay just played the bouncer, his part was still memorable enough to place him at number nine on our list. Known for his “macho” persona, Clay appeared in several films and sold out Madison Square Garden for his comedic performances. Clay has other memorable performances in The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, A Star is Born, Blue Jasmine, and Entourage.

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8. Kristy Swanson as Duckette

Kristy Swanson is eighth on our list, and the reason for her appearance is Pretty in Pink is unique. When they were reshooting the ending of the film, they wanted Duckie to end up with someone too, which is where Swanson’s “Duckette” character comes in. Swanson played the role well, later going on to star in films like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Flowers in the Attic, and Dude, Where’s My Car?

7. Gina Gershon as Trombley

Another one of the popular girls against Andie was Trombley, who was played by Gina Gershon. This was Gershon’s break-out moment in acting, and even though her part was small compared to Ringwald or Cryer, she went on to land bigger roles in the industry. You might know her from Bound, Showgirls, Killer Joe, or P.S. I Love You.

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6. Harry Dean Stanton as Jack Walsh

Harry Dean Stanton‘s acting career was prolific, spanning over six decades with a range of both supporting and leading roles. One of his supporting roles was in Pretty in Pink as he played Andie Walsh’s dad Jack. His performance was quite heartfelt, and if you want to see him in more films, watch Lucky, Alien, Repo Man, or The Green Mile.

5. Andrew McCarthy as Blane McDonough

Pretty in Pink fans should know our fifth selection Andrew McCarthy, who played the popular rich kid Blane that Andie fell in love with. His charming demeanor and stellar performance earned him both a high spot on this list and a soft spot in our hearts. Part of the prolific acting crew “the Brat Pack,” check out McCarthy in other films like Weekend at Bernie’s, The Good Guy, and The Spiderwick Chronicles.

4. James Spader as Steff

You may not have loved Steff in Pretty in Pink, but we cannot deny how well actor James Spader played the part. Steff was a rich, arrogant playboy, and was both annoying and funny at the same time. Spader’s performance of Steff allowed him to rise to stardom and he continued his acting career with appearances in The Blacklist, Boston Legal, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Sex, Lies, and Videotape.

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3. Jon Cryer as Philip “Duckie” Dale

As we dip into the top three performances, we start with Jon Cryer. In the film, Cryer plays Andie’s quirky best friend called “Duckie” who has a crush on Andie. Even though Duckie doesn’t get Andie in the end, he still finds a love interest in Duckette. Cryer’s performance was funny and heartfelt, and we loved watching him play the part. If you enjoyed Cryer, watch him in Two and a Half Men, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, and Hot Shots!

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2. Annie Potts as Iona

If you thought Duckie was a little weird, then you might be forgetting about Iona, Andie’s friend who owns a record store. Even though she’s unconventional, Iona helps Andie through her high school troubles and provides a shoulder to lean on. Actress Annie Potts plays her character perfectly and goes on to star in several other hits like Young Sheldon, Ghostbusters, Toy Story 4, and Designing Women.

1. Molly Ringwald as Andie Walsh

Last but certainly not least is our main character Andie Walsh, who was played by Molly Ringwald. Andie is a high school student trying to find her way when she falls in love with popular kid Blane. This drives her into the spotlight of the popular kids, and there’s no one better than Ringwald to play Andie’s awkward self stepping into a new role. If you enjoyed Ringwald in Pretty in Pink, check out her performances in Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Riverdale, or The Kissing Booth franchise.