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.’”
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
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.”
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Kim Cattrall
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
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).
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James Spader: Mannequin Cast
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).
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Meshach Taylor
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)
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Carole Davis: Mannequin Cast
Character Played: Roxie
Born: February 17, 1958, in London, UK
Best Known For: The Flamingo Kid (1984) and The Shrimp on the Barbie (1990)