The Revenge of the Nerds cast remains a topic of interest more than four decades after the 1984 comedy premiered. Released on July 20, 1984, the film became a cult classic and launched or boosted several acting careers. As of February 24, 2026, many of the original cast members are still active in entertainment, while others have passed away, leaving a lasting legacy tied to the film.
Here is a detailed and fully updated look at the principal cast members, their roles in the movie, and their current status.
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Overview of Revenge of the Nerds (1984)
Directed by Jeff Kanew, Revenge of the Nerds followed a group of socially awkward college freshmen who form their own fraternity to stand up against campus bullies. The movie combined slapstick humor with underdog themes and became a box office success.
The original film spawned three sequels:
- Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise (1987)
- Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation (1992, TV)
- Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love (1994, TV)
However, the 1984 original remains the most culturally significant.
Robert Carradine as Lewis Skolnick
Robert Carradine played Lewis Skolnick, the determined leader of the nerd fraternity Lambda Lambda Lambda.
Born: March 24, 1954
Age in 2026: 71
Carradine was already part of a well-known Hollywood family before the film’s release. After Revenge of the Nerds, he continued acting in both film and television.
In the 2000s and 2010s, he appeared in numerous TV series and independent projects. He also participated in fan conventions tied to 1980s pop culture.
As of 2026, Carradine remains alive and occasionally appears in entertainment projects and public events.
Anthony Edwards as Gilbert Lowe
Anthony Edwards portrayed Gilbert Lowe, Lewis’s best friend and co-founder of the nerd fraternity.
Born: July 19, 1962
Age in 2026: 63
Edwards went on to achieve major television fame as Dr. Mark Greene on NBC’s ER, a role that earned him a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations.
Beyond ER, he has appeared in films and directed projects. In recent years, Edwards has taken on television roles and continued working in both acting and producing.
As of 2026, he remains active in the entertainment industry.
Curtis Armstrong as Dudley “Booger” Dawson
Curtis Armstrong played Dudley Dawson, better known as “Booger,” one of the most memorable characters in the film.
Born: November 27, 1953
Age in 2026: 72
Armstrong built a long television career after the movie. He is widely recognized for voicing characters in animated series and appearing in sitcoms such as Moonlighting and Supernatural.
He has maintained a steady presence in voice acting and live-action roles. Armstrong also participates in pop culture conventions celebrating 1980s films.
As of 2026, he remains active and engaged with fans.
Timothy Busfield as Arnold Poindexter
Timothy Busfield portrayed Arnold Poindexter, the shy and intelligent member of the fraternity.
Born: June 12, 1957
Age in 2026: 68
Busfield later gained recognition for his role on Thirtysomething, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award.
In addition to acting, he has directed television episodes for various series. Over the years, Busfield has worked consistently in television, both in front of and behind the camera.
As of 2026, he continues to act and direct.
Andrew Cassese as Wormser
Andrew Cassese played Wormser, the young engineering prodigy.
Born: February 20, 1972
Age in 2026: 54
Cassese appeared in additional roles in the sequels. Later, he transitioned into teaching and has worked as a music teacher in New York.
While he stepped back from mainstream acting, he occasionally appears at fan events connected to the film.
He remains alive and involved in educational work.
Julia Montgomery as Betty Childs
Julia Montgomery portrayed Betty Childs, the sorority member who becomes romantically linked to Lewis.
Born: July 2, 1960
Age in 2026: 65
Montgomery continued acting in television and film after Revenge of the Nerds. In later years, she stepped away from high-profile Hollywood projects but has remained part of the movie’s legacy.
She occasionally participates in cast reunions and interviews.
John Goodman as Coach Harris
John Goodman played Coach Harris, one of the antagonists in the film.
Born: June 20, 1952
Age in 2026: 73
Goodman’s role in Revenge of the Nerds came before his rise to major stardom. He later became widely known for:
- Roseanne
- The Big Lebowski
- Pixar voice roles
- HBO and film projects
As of 2026, Goodman remains one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. He continues to appear in film and television.
Ted McGinley as Stan Gable
Ted McGinley played Stan Gable, the leader of the rival jock fraternity.
Born: May 30, 1958
Age in 2026: 67
McGinley built a long television career after the film. He appeared in series such as:
- Happy Days
- Married… with Children
- Hope & Faith
He continues to act and make guest appearances on television.
Cast Members Who Have Passed Away
Several individuals connected to the film are no longer living.
Bernie Casey (U.N. Jefferson)
- Born: June 8, 1939
- Died: September 19, 2017
Casey played U.N. Jefferson, who joined the nerd fraternity. He had a distinguished career in film and television and was also a professional football player before acting.
James Cromwell (Mr. Skolnick)
James Cromwell appeared in the film as Lewis’s father.
Born: January 27, 1940
Age in 2026: 86
Cromwell is still alive and continues acting, but his role in the movie was brief.
Cultural Impact of the Revenge of the Nerds Cast
The Revenge of the Nerds cast helped shape 1980s comedy. The film reflected the era’s humor and social dynamics, though modern audiences often critique certain elements.
Despite evolving cultural standards, the cast remains linked to one of the most recognizable comedies of the decade.
The movie’s influence continues through:
- Streaming availability
- Fan conventions
- Retrospective interviews
- Pop culture references
Interest in the cast spikes during anniversary years and reunion appearances.
Quick Reference Table
| Actor | Role | Age in 2026 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Carradine | Lewis | 71 | Active |
| Anthony Edwards | Gilbert | 63 | Active |
| Curtis Armstrong | Booger | 72 | Active |
| Timothy Busfield | Poindexter | 68 | Active |
| Andrew Cassese | Wormser | 54 | Educator |
| Julia Montgomery | Betty | 65 | Occasional appearances |
| John Goodman | Coach Harris | 73 | Active |
| Ted McGinley | Stan | 67 | Active |
| Bernie Casey | U.N. Jefferson | — | Deceased (2017) |
Where the Cast Stands in 2026
As of February 24, 2026, most principal cast members from the original 1984 film are still alive and active in some capacity.
John Goodman remains the most prominent Hollywood figure among them. Anthony Edwards and Timothy Busfield continue to work in television. Curtis Armstrong stays active in voice acting and fan events.
Robert Carradine still engages with the film’s fan base. The enduring interest in the Revenge of the Nerds cast highlights the movie’s long-lasting cultural footprint.
More than 40 years after its release, the film continues to spark conversation about comedy, nostalgia, and 1980s pop culture.
Which member of the Revenge of the Nerds cast was your favorite? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more classic movie updates.
