Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Actress

Molly Ringwald

Molly Ringwald is an American actress, writer, singer, and translator known for her 1980s teen films and later television work.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Molly Ringwald is an American actress and writer, best known for her iconic roles in 1980s teen films. She later returned to prominence with television work including Riverdale.

What it is

Molly Ringwald is an American actress, singer, and writer born in 1968. She began acting as a child and became a major teen star in the 1980s through a series of popular coming-of-age films directed by John Hughes.

Key details

Her best-known films include Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and For Keeps?. Later television roles include Mary Andrews on Riverdale, as well as appearances in Monster and Feud.

Why it matters

Ringwald's work in the 1980s defined a generation of teen cinema, and her continued acting into the 2020s shows her lasting relevance. She also works as a writer and translator.

In short

  • Known for 1980s teen films like The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink.
  • Later starred in Riverdale as Mary Andrews.
  • Married to writer Panio Gianopoulos since 2007, three children.
  • Continues acting and writing into the 2020s.
Canadian angle

Ringwald has a broad North American audience, and her films and television work have been widely distributed in Canada through theatrical release, broadcast television, and streaming services.

Quick questions

How old is Molly Ringwald?
She was born on February 18, 1968, making her 58 years old as of 2026.
What movies is Molly Ringwald in?
Her best-known films include Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and For Keeps?.
Who is Molly Ringwald married to?
She is married to writer Panio Gianopoulos; they have been married since 2007.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molly_Ringwald
    Supports: Birth date, occupations, spouses, children, and later career roles including Riverdale, Monster, and Feud.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000208/bio/
    Supports: Birth date, spouse Panio Gianopoulos, children, and selected filmography/career information.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Molly-Ringwald
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and marriage information.
  4. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/molly-ringwald
    Supports: Birth date, marriage, children, and later career activities.