Twenty years have passed since the iconic movie School of Rock first blasted its way into our hearts, bringing with it a soundtrack of awesome riffs and a cast of unforgettable characters. Starring Jack Black as the wannabe rockstar Dewey Finn who cons his way into a substitute teaching job and transforms a class of prep school kids into a rock band, the film resonated with audiences of all ages. But what happened to the School of Rock cast after the final curtain call? Let’s catch up with the actors and musicians who made this movie a timeless classic.
Jack Black as Dewey Finn
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Before embodying the chaotic and lovable Dewey Finn in School of Rock in 2003, Jack Black was already a familiar face in Hollywood. With roles in films like The Neverending Story III (1994) and Shallow Hal (2001), Black was carving a niche for himself in comedy. However, it was School of Rock that cemented his status as a leading man and a rock icon, albeit a fictional one.
Black’s inspiration for Dewey Finn came from an unexpected source: his stepfather, a substitute teacher. “He did bring some rap music and different elements to his teaching style,” Black recounted to PEOPLE, emphasizing the quirky and engaging approach he admired and channeled into his performance.
Post-School of Rock, Jack Black’s career has continued to skyrocket. He has become a prolific voice actor, lending his talents to beloved characters like Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), Po in the Kung Fu Panda franchise, and Claptrap in the upcoming Borderlands (2024). Alongside his acting ventures, Black remains true to his musical roots as half of the comedic rock duo Tenacious D, with Kyle Gass. In his personal life, Black married Tanya Haden in 2006, and they have two sons, Sammy and Tommy.
The enduring legacy of School of Rock is not lost on Black, who mentioned in a 2023 interview plans for a cast reunion to mark the film’s 20th anniversary. He has also playfully teased the possibility of a sequel, School of Rock 2: Electric Boogaloo, demonstrating his continued affection for the film and its fanbase. The desire for a School of Rock sequel remains strong, a testament to the original movie’s lasting appeal.
Joan Cusack as Rosalie Mullins
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Before she brilliantly portrayed the initially stern but ultimately rock-and-roll embracing Principal Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock, Joan Cusack was already a respected actress with two Academy Award nominations under her belt. Her filmography included classics like Sixteen Candles (1984), Working Girl (1988), and Toy Story 2 (1999). Interestingly, casting director Ilene Starger revealed that Cusack’s talent was so evident she didn’t even need to audition for the role.
Since School of Rock, Cusack has continued to build an impressive and versatile acting career. She has graced popular television shows such as The Office, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Homecoming. Her recurring role in Shameless earned her five Emmy nominations, with a win for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series. Sister to fellow actor John Cusack, Joan is married to Richard Burke and is a mother of two.
Joan Cusack’s portrayal of Principal Mullins added a layer of sophisticated humor to School of Rock. Her transformation from a rigid administrator to a Stevie Nicks fan remains one of the film’s most enjoyable arcs.
Mike White as Ned Schneebly
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Mike White not only starred in School of Rock as the mild-mannered Ned Schneebly, Dewey Finn’s roommate and the teacher he impersonates, but he also wrote the screenplay. Before School of Rock, White honed his writing and acting skills on Dawson’s Creek and in the film Chuck & Buck (2000).
The genesis of School of Rock was quite personal. White, a neighbor of Jack Black, was inspired by Black’s musical passion and comedic persona. He envisioned a story where Black could lead a band of kids, creating a humorous and heartwarming narrative. “I had the idea of him leading a band of little kids — somehow it just seemed like a funny visual,” White explained.
Since the film’s success, Mike White has continued to excel both in front of and behind the camera. Acting roles in The Stepford Wives (2004), Zombieland (2008), and Pushing Daisies are among his credits. He also ventured into reality television, appearing on The Amazing Race and Survivor. However, White’s most significant achievements post-School of Rock have been in writing and directing. He penned Pitch Perfect 3 (2017), developed the School of Rock Nickelodeon TV series, and, most notably, created the critically acclaimed HBO series The White Lotus, for which he won three Emmy Awards in 2022. He also has writing credits on animated films like Migration (2023) and Despicable Me 4 (2024). White publicly identifies as bisexual and lives in Kauai with his boyfriend and their pet bulldog.
Sarah Silverman as Patty Di Marco
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Sarah Silverman brought her signature comedic edge to the role of Patty Di Marco, Ned Schneebly’s demanding girlfriend in School of Rock. While Tina Fey reportedly auditioned for the part, it was Silverman who ultimately won over casting director Ilene Starger with her “hilarious” reading.
Silverman herself was eager to be part of the project, stating, “I wanted to be a part of the movie more than anything.” She admired the collaboration between Jack Black, Mike White, Richard Linklater, and Joan Cusack, recognizing the film’s potential.
Since School of Rock, Sarah Silverman has continued to thrive in comedy. She led her own acclaimed sitcom, The Sarah Silverman Program, and has appeared in films like Battle of the Sexes (2017), Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), and Maestro (2023). In 2022, her memoir, The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee, was adapted into an Off-Broadway musical. Silverman has won two Emmy Awards, solidifying her place as a leading voice in comedy.
Miranda Cosgrove as Summer “Tinkerbell” Hathaway
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School of Rock served as Miranda Cosgrove’s breakout role. As Summer Hathaway, the initially rule-following student who becomes the band’s efficient manager, Cosgrove showcased her early talent. She credits Jack Black for creating a positive atmosphere on set, which significantly influenced her career path. “[He’s always been unbelievably nice],” Cosgrove told PEOPLE, “[…]one of the main reasons I love acting…is because of what a great experience he made doing School of Rock.”
Following School of Rock, Cosgrove became a mainstay on children’s television, starring in Drake & Josh before landing the lead role in her own hit Nickelodeon show, iCarly, in 2007. She even sang the iCarly theme song, “Leave It All to Me,” and released a studio album, Sparks Fly, in 2010. Beyond television, Cosgrove has appeared in films like Yours, Mine & Ours (2005), The Intruders (2015), and Mother of the Bride (2024). She is also well-known for voicing Margo in the Despicable Me animated franchise.
After the original iCarly series concluded in 2012, Cosgrove took a hiatus from acting to attend the University of Southern California, where she studied psychology. She returned to acting in 2016 and later starred in and executive produced a successful iCarly revival from 2021 to 2023, proving her enduring appeal to audiences.
Angelo Massagli as Frankie “Tough Guy”
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Angelo Massagli, who played the security-minded Frankie, nicknamed “Tough Guy,” in School of Rock, had prior acting experience on Cosby and in Stuart Little 2 (2002). However, his post-School of Rock trajectory took an interesting turn away from acting and towards law.
In 2021, Massagli made headlines for his personal life rather than his acting career. It was revealed that he had been dating his School of Rock co-star, Caitlin Hale, since 2016. Their relationship became public knowledge when fans noticed their social media posts. Massagli shared that a group chat with the School of Rock kids helped reconnect him with Hale when she moved to Florida, where he was living at the time.
While Massagli had a recurring role on The Sopranos from 2002 to 2007, he largely stepped away from acting after School of Rock. He pursued higher education, graduating magna cum laude from Northeastern University and earning a law degree from the University of Miami School of Law. Currently, Angelo Massagli is a New York state attorney and works as music product counsel at TikTok, a significant shift from his early acting days.
Caitlin Hale as Marta “Blondie”
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Caitlin Hale, known as Marta or “Blondie” in School of Rock, where she showcased her vocal talents, had limited acting experience before the film, with only two episodes of Blue’s Clues to her name. School of Rock remains her only film credit to date, but it played a pivotal role in her personal life.
It was during the School of Rock auditions that Hale first met Angelo Massagli, her future partner. Massagli fondly recalls being impressed by Hale’s audition, noting her powerful singing voice. While acting wasn’t Hale’s primary career path, School of Rock led her to a lasting relationship.
Caitlin Hale pursued academics, graduating cum laude from Arizona State University with a degree in journalism and public relations. She now works as an OB-GYN sonographer, a profession far removed from the stage but focused on helping others. Her journey from “Blondie” in School of Rock to a healthcare professional highlights the diverse paths taken by the film’s young cast.
Maryam Hassan as Tomika “Songbird”
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Maryam Hassan, who played Tomika, or “Songbird,” and delivered powerful vocals in School of Rock, had no prior acting experience before landing her role. Like many of her young co-stars, School of Rock was her first foray into Hollywood. However, unlike some, Hassan remained connected to the world of music.
After School of Rock, Maryam Hassan pursued a career as a musician, performing under the name Mayhrenate. In a 2021 interview, she shared positive memories from filming School of Rock, mentioning the cast’s group chat and reunions. She expressed surprise and gratitude for the movie’s enduring popularity across generations. “It wasn’t until 10 years after, at the reunion…when I realized the extent of how big of a deal it was,” Hassan reflected on the film’s lasting impact. Her continued presence in the music scene keeps the “songbird” spirit of her School of Rock character alive.
Robert Tsai as Lawrence “Mr. Cool”
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Robert Tsai, who played the keyboardist Lawrence, nicknamed “Mr. Cool,” in School of Rock, also had minimal acting experience before the film. Casting directors for School of Rock prioritized musical talent over acting résumés, which benefited Tsai and other musically inclined young actors.
Following School of Rock, Robert Tsai focused on his musical passions. He attended Dartmouth College, where he continued to play piano and perform in concerts. While he hasn’t pursued acting further since School of Rock, Tsai’s dedication to music demonstrates how the film’s themes resonated with the cast beyond the screen. His journey reflects the movie’s emphasis on the power of music in personal development.
Aleisha Allen as Alicia “Brace Face”
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Aleisha Allen, who played vocalist Alicia, known as “Brace Face,” in School of Rock, was already an experienced child actress before joining the cast. She had worked on Blue’s Clues and other children’s programs. After School of Rock, Allen continued acting, appearing in films like Are We There Yet? (2005), Are We Done Yet? (2007), and Young Adult (2011).
However, Aleisha Allen eventually transitioned from acting to a helping profession. Since 2017, she has been working as a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). She earned degrees in communication science and disorders from Pace University and Columbia University. Allen’s career change showcases another path taken by a School of Rock cast member, moving from entertainment to healthcare.
Rivkah Reyes as Katie “Posh Spice”
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School of Rock was Rivkah Reyes’ debut acting role as Katie, the bassist nicknamed “Posh Spice.” While they cherish positive memories from filming, Reyes has openly discussed the challenges they faced after the movie’s release. They spoke about experiencing sexualization and bullying, and struggling with addiction from a young age.
Reyes described feeling pressure to exceed their School of Rock fame, which contributed to anxiety and substance abuse issues. They identified as “a raging addict” for a significant period before becoming sober in 2017. Despite these hardships, Rivkah Reyes has made a successful return to acting.
Since overcoming these challenges, Reyes has accumulated numerous acting credits in films like Monuments (2020), A Picture Perfect Holiday (2021), and Alex/October (2022). They also executive-produced a short film, Gianna, with Jack Black. Reyes continues to share their musical talents, posting song covers and original music online. Their story is one of resilience and rediscovering their passion for performance after navigating early fame.
Brian Falduto as Billy “Fancy Pants”
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Brian Falduto, who played the band’s stylist Billy, known as “Fancy Pants,” in School of Rock, recalls his unique audition experience. Singing a boy soprano rendition of “Send in the Clowns” likely secured him the role, as the character wasn’t initially written. Falduto believes his audition performance directly inspired the creation of Billy.
Like many of his School of Rock peers, Falduto has also ventured into the music industry, but in a different genre. In 2023, he released his debut album, Gay Country, embracing his identity after experiencing ridicule for his character’s perceived flamboyance. Falduto explained that in 2003, societal understanding of LGBTQ+ identities was less prevalent, leading to mislabeling.
While acting wasn’t his primary focus after School of Rock, Falduto graduated from Wagner College with degrees in theater and arts administration. He currently works as a mental health coach, combining his performance background with a career in wellness. His journey showcases personal growth and finding his voice both musically and professionally.
Joey Gaydos Jr. as Zack “Zack-Attack”
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Joey Gaydos Jr., who impressed audiences with his guitar skills as Zack “Zack-Attack” in School of Rock, had School of Rock as his sole acting credit. His musical talent was undeniable in the film, mirroring his real-life abilities.
In 2019, Gaydos Jr. faced legal issues, being arrested for stealing guitars. Despite these challenges, he has continued to pursue music as a creative outlet. He has released several musical projects available on streaming platforms like Spotify, including recent works like Cat in the Window and Moth Week (2024). Gaydos Jr.’s story is a reminder of the complexities of navigating life after early fame, while still holding onto artistic passions.
Kevin Clark as Freddy “Spazzy McGee” Jones
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School of Rock was also the first and only film for Kevin Clark, who played the energetic drummer Freddy “Spazzy McGee” Jones. Like his character, Clark was a talented drummer in real life and continued to pursue music after the movie, performing with bands like Jessie Bess and the Intentions.
Tragically, Kevin Clark passed away in 2021 at the age of 32 after being struck by a car while cycling. His untimely death deeply saddened the School of Rock cast and fans. Jack Black, Miranda Cosgrove, and Rivkah Reyes, among others, shared heartfelt tributes on social media, remembering Clark’s kindness, spirit, and musical talent. His legacy as “Spazzy McGee” and a member of the School of Rock family endures, remembered fondly by all who were touched by his performance and personality.
Conclusion:
The School of Rock 2003 cast, both the adults and the kids, have journeys as diverse and compelling as the movie itself. From continued acting success and musical pursuits to careers in law, healthcare, and mental health, their paths after School of Rock highlight the varied directions life can take. While united by their shared experience in this beloved film, each cast member has carved their own unique story in the two decades since, leaving a lasting impact in their respective fields and in the hearts of School of Rock fans worldwide.
