Pop quiz, hotshots: How many years has it been since Speed was blowing up at the box office?
Well, let’s see, its lead stars haven’t aged a day, so…
31 years ago, the action-packed blockbuster featuring Keanu Reeves and an almost-famous Sandra Bullock graced movie theaters in June 1994. It didn’t lose momentum until it had amassed a staggering $350 million.
In a heartbeat, I hardly let John McTiernan’s SWAT officer Jack Traven of LAPD grab a coffee before diving headfirst into Jan de Bont’s nail-biting masterpiece. The plot? Absolutely mind-blowing: A bus, barreling down the freeway, has been rigged with a bomb that detonates if its speed drops below 50 miles per hour. Quite a thrill ride!
Seriously, what do you do?
Fortunately, Reeves arrived on set delivering his unique level of dedication. Moreover, notable character actors including the future Academy Award-winner Sandra Bullock – who takes control after the bus driver is injured – were part of the bustling morning crowd.
In the 50 MPH podcast, Bullock recounted, “I vividly recall a vehicle filled with genuinely nice and entertaining individuals.” Speaking to host Kris Tapley, he added, “There was an idea that people initially dismissed…But honestly, I was just thrilled to be part of it all.
Reeves commented, “Everyone involved, from the artists to the artisans, radiated a genuine warmth and sincerity.
Indeed, the audience found themselves utterly captivated, for on the screen unfolded a heartwarming spectacle that was more like a grand celebration of affection. The cast delved deep into the intricate blend of sophistication and simplicity, as Reeves described it, thereby creating an enchanting summer blockbuster experience.
With Speed still hurtling by on cable 31 years later, read on to see the cast then and now:
Without any doubt, Reeves solidified his charismatic image when he portrayed LAPD S.W.A.T. officer Jack Traven in the 1994 hit movie “Speed”. Here, he found himself in a high-speed, thrilling cat-and-mouse game with a bus-mounted bomber.
From a Canadian-born film enthusiast here, I can confidently say that my career has been a whirlwind of diverse roles since I first stepped onto the silver screen. Whether it’s action-packed performances like those in the Matrix and John Wick series, romantic dramas such as Sweet November and The Lake House, or comedic relief in Something’s Gotta Give, I’ve had the privilege to explore various genres. Additionally, I’ve ventured into the realms of sci-fi horror, showcasing my versatility in Constantine and The Devil’s Own. Essentially, my repertoire spans the breadth of cinematic storytelling.
As he watched Speed 2: Cruise Control, he mentioned during a May 2024 episode of the 50 MPH podcast that if he and Sandra Bullock were to collaborate again for a third movie, “Well, we’d surely hit it out of the ballpark.
In a more casual tone, it can be expressed as: It’s worth mentioning that the rather private individual Reeves has been in a long-term relationship with Alexandra Grant, who is known for their collaborative work in X Artists’ Books, although many were unaware of this before they made their relationship public in 2019.
Although the individual hailing from Virginia had been involved in numerous projects, it was not until she landed the role of Melanie Griffith in a short-lived TV adaptation of “Working Girl” that she found herself in the limelight. However, it was her portrayal of Annie, a bus passenger who became an emergency driver in “Speed,” that truly marked Sandra Bullock’s breakthrough.
After that, it was merely a quick leap across a break in the highway to immerse myself in a world filled with stories like “While You Were Sleeping,” “The Net,” “A Time to Kill,” “Hope Floats,” “Practical Magic,” “Miss Congeniality,” and “Two Weeks Notice” – just to name a few.
Starring in “Speed 2: Cruise Control” didn’t slow down her progression towards becoming the next major American sweetheart.
In the year 2006, she met up with Reeves again in the movie “The Lake House,” prior to her next project, “The Proposal.” Notably, she earned an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2010’s film, “The Blind Side.
In the 2010s, the mother, who adopted Louis in 2010 and Laila in 2015, took a slight pause to devote her attention to her children. However, she was nominated for another Oscar in 2013 for her gripping performance as an astronaut in the movie “Gravity,” and since then, she has led films such as “Ocean’s 8,” “Birdbox,” and “The Lost City.
Lately, Sandra Bullock was prominently featured in a supporting role in this year’s “Bullet Train.” However, after the passing of her partner Bryan Randall due to ALS complications in August 2023, she has decided to take some time off from acting.
So 1994 was a bit of a year for Daniels.
Following his portrayal of Jack’s unfortunate SWAT companion, Harry, in the movie “Speed”, he subsequently appeared as Jim Carrey’s partner in the hilariously criminal comedy “Dumb and Dumer”, which was released half a year afterwards.
Originally hailing from Michigan, this individual chose to remain in the state of Great Lakes to bring up children named Ben, Lucas, and Nellie alongside his spouse Kathleen. This person has seldom strayed far from a large screen throughout their life. However, it was his Emmy-winning portrayal of news anchor Will McAvoy on the Aaron Sorkin series, The Newsroom, that catapulted him to an elevated position in the realm of prestige. (Notably, there was also the long-awaited sequel, Dumb and Dumber To).
Meanwhile, Daniels is a three-time Tony Award nominee, with his notable performance as Atticus Finch in Sorkin’s stage version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” earning him a sold-out run, and he won an Emmy in 2018 for the Western series “Godless.” He portrayed real FBI agents in “The Looming Tower” and “The Comey Rule,” as well as characters from popular novels such as “American Rust” and “A Man in Full.
As a lifestyle enthusiast, I not only share my insights but also live them. Alongside my son, we rock stages together in our band aptly named the Jeff Daniels & Ben Daniels Band. Moreover, I’ve poured my life experiences into words for my 2023 memoir titled “Alive and Well Enough,” which reflects not just survival, but thriving.
Almost decided not to take on the role of Speed due to an initial misunderstanding. When he first read it, Harry didn’t manage to escape the elevator shaft during the opening rescue sequence. As Daniels explained on The Rich Eisen Show, his agent informed him, “Another draft is coming, your character dies later,” so he considered this information and agreed.
You are familiar with him, whether it’s from his role as the fated inventor of the chip potentially ending humanity in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” or his portrayal of Captain Herb “Mac” McMahon, Jack’s stern superior, in the movie “Speed.
Some notable screen titles produced by Morton since then include: Lone Star, What Lies Beneath, The X-Files, Ali, Smallville, American Gangster, The Good Wife, Grace and Frankie, Law & Order, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that for six seasons, he portrayed Olivia Pope’s father Rowan on the show “Scandal“, culminating in his win of an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2014.
Morton is not only an experienced stage actor; he will portray King Lear in 2022. During rehearsals, he shared with American Theatre, “I primarily work on television these days, as it takes breaks sometimes. That’s what this is.” However, for the majority of his career, if he performs a role like Speed or one of those larger movies, they compensate him for his capacity to participate in low-budget films. This allows him to do a low-budget film that covers his theater expenses. It all somehow balances out.
He shares three kids with ex-wife Nora Chavooshian.
Despite being known merely as Bus Passenger No. 1 and delivering her lines in shaky whispers, the character stood out in the movie due to her cat-eye glasses (similar to ones she wore in real life) and pearl-button cardigan, transforming what could have been a forgettable role into a memorable one.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times back in 1995, Gad mentioned that there were numerous emotional scenes requiring tears, and he was among the last to leave the set.
The Belgian-born artist dabbled occasionally in acting, and she based her artwork titled “Gad/Reeves” on a photo of herself with the main star of Speed. This artwork served as a tribute to the two-month movie production.
Her last exhibition before her death at 73 in 2021 was the virtual “Siren Shores.”
In her obituary, Track 16 gallery described her as a “beacon of determination and self-reliance within the art scene of Los Angeles”.
The individual who exited the bus last, specifically through the door, was destined to become Connor Roy. However, when this resident of Cleveland made an appearance in “Speed” as a tourist attempting to escape from the airport, he resembled Cameron from “Ferris Bueller.
Ever since the 1994 blockbuster, I’ve been living and breathing the thrill, and that’s none other than “Twister” directed by Jan de Bont, post-“Speed”. I was there, a part of the tornado chasing crew. Fast forward to 1996, I found myself in the whirlwind of television stardom, joining the ensemble of “Spin City” until its finale in 2002.
After that, he appeared in numerous guest roles across various shows such as Medium, CSI, NCIS, Bunheads, Burn Notice, and Masters of Sex. His career experienced a resurgence in 2018 when he played the role of the elder but often overlooked Roy sibling in Succession, for which he received an Emmy nomination in 2023.
He has a daughter named Emma and a son called Sam with his former wife Claudia Stefany, and he also has a daughter Vesper and a son Larkin with his actress partner Mireille Enos since 2008.
Initially, being spared from a fatal shooting meant that driver Sam could securely exit the bus before the situation deteriorated severely throughout the day.
Similarly to James, who earned his theater degree from Notre Dame and a master’s from the University of Michigan, and further honed his skills at the London Shakespeare Academy, was a bustling actor in the industry prior to Speed, with roles in shows like The Color Purple, Hill Street Blues, The Doors, and numerous others. This has been his career trajectory ever since.
This Chicago-born individual has accrued credits for roles in films like ‘Se7en’, ‘Amistad’, ‘Charmed’, ‘ER’, ‘Workaholics’, and ‘Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders’. His most recent work is the 2023 miniseries titled ‘Incandescent Love’. In addition, he portrays the real estate tycoon father of the main character in the drama series ‘Mr. Gates’.
He shared with Good Morning Texas before the movie’s release in June 2024, “I often find myself thinking, ‘I haven’t accomplished anything yet,’ but then I need to take a moment and review my achievements because there are many who would be thrilled for a chance at a career like mine.
In simpler terms, the experienced character actor provided Jack with a crucial ride in his Jaguar, offering a door-to-door service that came very close to a speeding bus before Jack ended up swerving into some trash cans and experiencing a bizarre morning incident.
He was so entertaining, he was elevated from “Jaguar Owner” to Maurice in Speed 2: Cruise Control.
If not, you’ve encountered Plummer in films such as “Strange Days,” “Showgirls,” “ER,” “Dexter,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Southland,” “Major Crimes,” “Suits,” “Shameless,” “9-1-1,” “A House Divided,” and many more.
On the home front, he shares two children with ex-wife DeMonica Santiago.
Without construction worker Ortiz’s efforts, it’s possible that Jack could have been stuck clinging to the underside of the bus for a longer time.
Actor Carrasco, who seamlessly transitions between the theater and television, boasts an impressive resume that includes roles in shows such as ER, Star Trek: Voyager (alongside Deep Space Nine and Progeny), Angel, CSI, Parks and Recreation, Looking, Insecure, and Hunters.
Originating from Panama City, this individual has been a dedicated advocate for many years, championing Latin and Afro-Latin acting talents as well as filmmakers. For eight consecutive seasons, they managed the Panamanian International Film Festival based in Los Angeles.
Along with Joe Morton, you have also seen Grant in everything. Probably even more of everything.
Starting from 1979, I’ve been fortunate to have a rich TV career that spans decades. From portraying the character Helen, who was fatally impatient in ‘Speed’, to appearances on shows like ‘Friends’, ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’, ‘Angel’, ‘The X-Files’, ‘CSI’, ‘Malcolm in the Middle’, ‘Everwood’, ‘Six Feet Under’, ‘Bones’, ‘Jericho’, ‘Pushing Daisies’, ‘Criminal Minds’, ‘King of the Hill’, ‘Modern Family’, ‘Dexter’, ‘Justified’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘American Gods’, ‘The Mindy Project’, ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’, ‘Goliath’, ‘Dollface’, and most recently, ‘Grace and Frankie’. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m grateful for every role I’ve had.
Simultaneously, she’s been transitioning effortlessly between independent films and large-scale productions: Todd Haynes’ ‘Safe’, ‘A Time to Kill’, ‘Dr. Dolittle’, ‘Donnie Darko’, ‘Pearl Harbor’, ‘Matchstick Men’, ‘Little Miss Sunshine’, ‘Flags of Our Fathers’, ‘No Country for Old Men’, ‘Crazy Heart’, ‘The Artist’, ‘Jackie’ and ‘Amsterdam’.
She has been skillfully shifting between significant indie films and big-budget movies, including Todd Haynes’ ‘Safe’, ‘A Time to Kill’, ‘Dr. Dolittle’, ‘Donnie Darko’, ‘Pearl Harbor’, ‘Matchstick Men’, ‘Little Miss Sunshine’, ‘Flags of Our Fathers’, ‘No Country for Old Men’, ‘Crazy Heart’, ‘The Artist’, ‘Jackie’ and ‘Amsterdam’.
Or, more informally:
She’s been jumping between indie darlings and blockbusters like nobody’s business. Some examples are Todd Haynes’ ‘Safe’, ‘A Time to Kill’, ‘Dr. Dolittle’, ‘Donnie Darko’, ‘Pearl Harbor’, ‘Matchstick Men’, ‘Little Miss Sunshine’, ‘Flags of Our Fathers’, ‘No Country for Old Men’, ‘Crazy Heart’, ‘The Artist’, ‘Jackie’ and ‘Amsterdam’.
At night, switch on your TV to one of the movie channels. As Ike Barinholz mentioned to the Wilmington Star-News back in 2013, keep track of the minutes it takes for actress Beth Grant to appear in one of those films.
Besides being a grant, Grant is also the mother of actress Mary Chieffo, whom she has been married to her actor husband Michael Chieffo since 1985. You might recognize Michael from various roles he’s played!
Known for his iconic roles dating back to “Rebel Without a Cause,” Hopper was famed for delivering eccentrically brilliant performances, including directing and acting in “Easy Rider,” “Apocalypse Now,” “Blue Velvet,” and “True Romance.” Later, he took on the role of Howard Payne, a former Atlanta PD bomb squad officer who lost a finger, now having nine, and planted enough C4 on a bus to create a gaping hole in the world.
He might either retrieve his money or cause trouble for Jack and the Wildcat in the car, depending on what happens first.
In retrospect, Hopper expressed a strong fondness for the film Speed, as he shared with AV Club in 2008. He considered it an excellent movie, marking Jan de Bont’s first directorial effort after working as a cinematographer. De Bont did a fantastic job on that project, and Hopper found it enjoyable.
He also praised Kevin Costner’s controversial film “Waterworld”, stating that he enjoyed it, and went on to act throughout the remainder of his life. Notably, a year before his death from prostate cancer in 2010 at the age of 74, he appeared in a TV adaptation of the Academy Award-winning movie “Crash”.
Hopper, known for his marital history with five wives and fatherhood of four children, was additionally an accomplished photographer and artist.
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2025-06-10 17:18