Spring to Life with the 'Mannequin' Cast and Catch Up with the Stars

Mannequin, the 1987 romantic comedy derided by critics but beloved by filmgoers in its original release, is a cult classic that has lived on in the hearts of fans, who still rave about it and, especially, the Mannequin cast.

The film follows artist Jonathan Switcher (Andrew McCarthy), who creates a beautiful mannequin that he later finds sitting in a department store window. Managing to get a job at the store, he's stunned when the mannequin springs to life. Ema Hesire (Kim Cattrall) — who he starts to refer to as Emmy — reveals herself to be the spirit of an Egyptian princess given physical form in that mannequin. As such, she inspires Jonathan to become the best window dresser in town, while the two also begin to fall in love.

Kim Cattrall recalled a moment that a devoted fan shared their love for the film. “Someone sent me a picture of her daughter in front of the television set, watching Mannequin and she said, ‘This is her first time watching it and all weekend all she wanted to do was watch it again.’ She said, ‘That's what I did when I was little girl, so I am just passing it on.’”

man and woman dancing
Kim Cattrall and Andrew McCarthy in 'Mannequin' (1987)
moviestillsdb.com/Gladden Entertainment

As noted, the critics weren't crazy about the film, but it nonetheless raked in $42.7 million at the box office from a $6 million budget — and it was even nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Music, Original Song. But what really turned Mannequin into a cult classic is its winning stars and the playful innocence of the script.

Catch up with the Mannequin cast and see where the stars have been since its release in 1987.

Andrew McCarthy

andrew mccarthy; mannequin cast
1985/2024
Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer / Getty // Theo Wargo / Staff / Getty

Character Played: Jonathan Switcher

Born: November 29, 1962 in New York City

Best Known For: Films like St. Elmo’s Fire (1985), Pretty in Pink (1986) and Weekend at Bernie’s (1989). Also known for the TV series, The Resident (2022-23).

Thoughts on Mannequin:Mannequin has a good heart. It really is this open-hearted, sweet movie, and I have an affection for it because it doesn't have a cynical bone in its body. It somehow works because it's just so innocent.”

Must Read: See the ‘Brat Pack’ Then and Now: The 8 Iconic Actors Who Dominated the ’80s

Kim Cattrall

kim cattrall
1987/2024
Paul Harris / Contributor / Getty // Mike Coppola / Staff / Getty

Character Played: Emmy

Born: August 21, 1956, in Liverpool, England, UK

Best Known For: The TV series Sex and the City (1998-2004) and How I Met Your Father (2022-23). Also known for the films Sex and the City (2008) and Sex and the City 2 (2010).

Thoughts on Mannequin:I love that movie! I think that movie is just delightful and hopeful and sweet and funny…That is the great, really positive thing, for me, about social media. Really getting that feedback.”

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Estelle Getty

estelle getty ; mannequin cast
1988
Vinnie Zuffante / Stringer / Getty

Character Played: Claire Timkin

Born: July 25, 1923 in New York City

Died: 2008

Best Known For: TV series like The Golden Girls (1985-92) and Empty Nest (1988-95). Also recognized for films such as Mask (1985) and Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992).

MUST-READ: The Golden Girls Secrets — 12 Amazing Stories About Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia

James Spader: Mannequin Cast

james spader
1986/2019
Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer / Getty // Dominik Bindl / Stringer / Getty

Character Played: Mr. Richards

Born: February 7, 1960 in Boston, Massachusetts

Best Known For: TV series, including Boston Legal (2004-08) and The Blacklist (2013-23). Also recognized for films such as Pretty in Pink (1986) and Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989).

Must Read: ‘Blacklist’ Star James Spader Then & Now: How He Became The Guy We Love to Hate

Meshach Taylor

meshach taylor; mannequin cast
1980s/2008
MediaPunch / Contributor / Getty // David Livingston / Stringer / Getty

Character Played: Hollywood

Born: April 11, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts

Died: 2014

Best Known For:  TV Series like Designing Women (1986-1993) and Dave’s World (1993-97)

Must Read: 15 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets You Never Knew About ‘Designing Women’

Carole Davis: Mannequin Cast

carole davis
1993/ 2015
Steve Eichner / Contributor / Getty // Paul Redmond / Contributor / Getty

Character Played: Roxie

Born: February 17, 1958, in London, UK

Best Known For: The Flamingo Kid (1984) and The Shrimp on the Barbie (1990)