Where Are They Now? A Look Back at the Cast of “Little Giants” and Beyond
“Little Giants,” the 1994 football comedy,remains a beloved classic for many. But what happened to the young stars and familiar faces who brought this heartwarming story to life? Beyond the gridiron antics, many cast members have enjoyed accomplished and diverse careers. Let’s catch up with some of the key players and see where life has taken them.
Rick Moranis: From Football Fields to Voice Acting & Beyond
Rick Moranis, who played the quirky coach Gus Pearce, is arguably the most recognizable face from “Little Giants.” However, his career extends far beyond this role. You likely remember him from iconic films like “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” “Ghostbusters,” “Spaceballs,” and “little Shop of Horrors.”
Moranis’s talent isn’t limited to live-action.He’s also a skilled voice actor, lending his talents to projects like “The Flintstones” and “Brother Bear 2.”
A Musical Past: Moranis even boasts three albums and was half of the comedic duo Bob and Doug McKenzie, producing two memorable songs.
Personal Life & Hiatus: He married Ann Belsky in the same year as Ed O’Neill, but sadly, Belsky passed away in 1991. His last on-screen role was in 2003, but he’s continued voice work and a recent TV special, “An Afternoon with SCTV,” is in the works.
Shawna Waldron: From “icebox” to Award-Winning filmmaker
shawna Waldron, affectionately known as ”Icebox” in the film, made her acting debut in “Little Giants” at the age of 12. Today, at 43, Waldron has transitioned behind the camera. Beyond Acting: She’s produced three films and garnered three film awards, including recognition for her work on “Police Guys.”
Screenwriting success: Waldron’s screenplay for “To Kill a Mockumentary” also earned her critical acclaim. Her last on-screen role was in 2016’s “Dead Man Rising.”
Devon Sawa: A Consistent Presence in Hollywood
devon Sawa, who played the popular Junior floyd, was 16 during filming. Now 43, Sawa has maintained a consistent presence in the entertainment industry.
Early Recognition: He won a Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Young Actor in 2001 for his role in “Final Destination.”
Recent Projects: Sawa remains active,with two films released in 2024,including “Heart Eyes.” He also appeared in the television show “Murder in a Small Town” and “Hacks.”
Iconic Music Video: You might also recognize him from Eminem’s “Stan” music video,where he portrayed Stanley.
Courtney Peldon: From Cheerleader to Psychology Graduate
Courtney Peldon, who played the flirtatious cousin debbie O’Shea, added a touch of drama to the O’Shea family dynamic.
Academic pursuits: Interestingly, peldon is a Skidmore College graduate with a degree in abnormal psychology and a minor in film studies.
Television Role: She’s best known for her three-season role as Lauren,Taylor Thomas’s girlfriend,on ”Home Improvement.”
Voice Acting: Peldon lent her voice to “Spider-Man: into the Spider-Verse” in 2018, marking her most recent film appearance. She has also won multiple awards for her work.
Other Notable Cast Members
Beyond the main cast, several other familiar faces contributed to the film’s charm.
Real-Life Football Legends: John Madden and former NFL players Steve Emtam, bruce Smith, Emmitt Smith, and Tim Brown all appeared as themselves.
Sam Horrigan: Actor Sam Horrigan, who played “Spike” Hammersmith, has had a long acting career, tho he has publicly discussed personal challenges.
* Todd Bosley: Remembered for his role as Jake Berman, and his earlier work with Robin Williams in “Jack,” Bosley continues
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