Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Anthony Michael Hall

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Anthony Michael Hall made an impact.

Anthony Michael Hall is an American actor, producer, and comedian who rose to prominence in the 1980s. He began his film career with roles in films such as 'Six Pack' and 'National Lampoon's Vacation'. Hall achieved mainstream success through starring roles in three John Hughes films: 'Sixteen Candles', 'The Breakfast Club', and 'Weird Science'. His association with these films led to him being identified as a member of the 'Brat Pack', a group of young actors popular at the time.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1977: Stage Debut in The Wake

In 1977, Anthony Michael Hall made his stage debut as the young Steve Allen in Allen's semi-autobiographical play The Wake.

1980: Screen Debut in The Gold Bug

In 1980, Anthony Michael Hall made his screen debut in the Emmy-winning TV movie The Gold Bug, portraying the young Edgar Allan Poe.

1981: Starred in Rascals and Robbers

In 1981, Anthony Michael Hall starred as Huck Finn in Rascals and Robbers: The Secret Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

1982: Gained Notice in Six Pack

In 1982, Anthony Michael Hall gained recognition for his role in the Kenny Rogers film Six Pack.

1983: Role in National Lampoon's Vacation

In 1983, Anthony Michael Hall played Rusty Griswold in National Lampoon's Vacation, catching the eye of John Hughes.

1983: Reference to Hall's 1983 film in 'The Goldbergs'

In 2019 episode of "The Goldbergs", the show pays homage to Anthony Michael Hall's character from the 1983 film.

1984: Breakout Role in Sixteen Candles

In 1984, Anthony Michael Hall had his breakout role as "The Geek" in John Hughes's Sixteen Candles, receiving positive reviews.

1985: Anthony Michael Hall Joins Saturday Night Live

In 1985, Anthony Michael Hall joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) becoming the youngest cast member in the show's history.

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1985: Starred in The Breakfast Club and Weird Science

In 1985, Anthony Michael Hall starred in two teen films: The Breakfast Club as Brian Johnson, and Weird Science as Gary Wallace.

1985: Declined Vacation Sequel Role

In 1985, after Vacation's success, Anthony Michael Hall moved on to other projects and declined to reprise his role in the sequel.

1985: Joined Saturday Night Live

In 1985, at the age of 17, Anthony Michael Hall joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL), becoming the youngest cast member in the show's history, however, he found the environment very competitive.

1986: Starred in Out of Bounds

In 1986, Hall starred in the film Out of Bounds, marking his entry into the thriller and action genre.

1987: Failed Full Metal Jacket Negotiations

In 1987, Anthony Michael Hall was offered the starring role in Full Metal Jacket but a financial agreement couldn't be reached.

1988: Starred in Johnny Be Good

In 1988, Anthony Michael Hall starred in Johnny Be Good, which was a critical failure.

1990: Starred in Edward Scissorhands

In 1990, Anthony Michael Hall starred in Tim Burton's film Edward Scissorhands as the villain, shifting towards more mature roles.

1992: Starred in Into the Sun

In 1992, Anthony Michael Hall starred in the comedy Into the Sun, receiving praise for his performance.

1993: Smith refuses kissing scene with Hall in Six Degrees of Separation

In 1993, for the film Six Degrees of Separation, Will Smith refused to film a kissing scene with Anthony Michael Hall, who played his gay love interest, due to concerns about his career.

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1994: Starred and Directed Hail Caesar

In 1994, Anthony Michael Hall starred in and directed his first feature film, Hail Caesar, a low-budget comedy.

1994: Featured songs from Hail Caesar

In 1994, the film Hail Caesar featured songs written and performed by Anthony Michael Hall.

1997: Starred in Claude's Crib

In 1997, Hall starred as "Shorty" Lattimore in the USA Network sitcom Claude's Crib.

1998: Formed Hall of Mirrors

In 1998, Anthony Michael Hall formed his band, Hall of Mirrors, as the lead singer and songwriter.

1999: Starred in Pirates of Silicon Valley

In 1999, Anthony Michael Hall gained media attention for his portrayal of Bill Gates in the Emmy-nominated TNT movie Pirates of Silicon Valley.

1999: Played Bill Gates in Pirates of Silicon Valley

In 1999, Anthony Michael Hall starred as Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in the television film Pirates of Silicon Valley.

1999: Released Welcome to the Hall of Mirrors

In 1999, Anthony Michael Hall's band, Hall of Mirrors, released the album Welcome to the Hall of Mirrors, featuring collaborations with Gilby Clarke and Tommy Barbarella.

2000: Appeared in Happy Accidents

In 2000, Anthony Michael Hall made a cameo appearance as himself in the comedy film Happy Accidents.

2001: The Caveman's Valentine and Freddy Got Fingered

In 2001, Anthony Michael Hall had supporting roles in The Caveman's Valentine and Freddy Got Fingered.

2001: Starred in Various TV Films

In 2001, Anthony Michael Hall starred in several made-for-TV films, including Hitched, Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story, and 61*.

June 16, 2002: The Dead Zone Series Premiere

On June 16, 2002, Anthony Michael Hall began his first regular series role in The Dead Zone, which premiered on USA Network and drew high ratings.

2002: Starred in The Dead Zone

In 2002, Anthony Michael Hall began starring as Johnny Smith in the USA Network science fiction series The Dead Zone.

2002: All About the Benjamins

In 2002, Anthony Michael Hall took a supporting role in the action-comedy All About the Benjamins.

June 17, 2007: The Dead Zone's Final Season Premiered

On June 17, 2007, The Dead Zone's sixth and final season premiered.

December 2007: The Dead Zone was Canceled

In December 2007, USA Network officially canceled The Dead Zone.

2007: The Dead Zone Ended

On June 17, 2007, the sixth and final season of The Dead Zone premiered and the show was officially canceled in December 2007.

2008: Appeared in The Dark Knight

In 2008, Anthony Michael Hall appeared in the superhero film The Dark Knight.

2010: Hall stars in Aftermath

In 2010, Anthony Michael Hall starred in the independent crime-drama film, Aftermath, alongside Tony Danza and Frank Whaley.

2011: Hall plays antagonist in Warehouse 13 and guest stars in Z Nation

In 2011, Anthony Michael Hall played Walter Sykes, the main antagonist in Season 3 of Warehouse 13. He also guest-starred in Z Nation as Gideon, a former communications manager.

2012: Hall reprised role as Rusty Griswold in Old Navy commercials

In 2012, Anthony Michael Hall reprised his role as Rusty Griswold from National Lampoon's Vacation in a series of Old Navy holiday commercials.

2015: Starred in Results

In 2015, Anthony Michael Hall starred in the film Results.

2015: Hall cast in War Machine

In 2015, Anthony Michael Hall was cast in the Netflix film War Machine, working alongside Brad Pitt.

2016: Hall appears in AT&T commercial and joins Murder in the First

In 2016, Anthony Michael Hall played himself in an AT&T Mobile commercial and was cast in a recurring role on the TNT drama series Murder in the First.

2017: Starred in War Machine and Bodied

In 2017, Anthony Michael Hall starred in the films War Machine and Bodied.

2017: Hall appears in "War Machine"

In 2017, Hall appeared in the Netflix film "War Machine", playing a character based on U.S. General Michael Flynn. Brad Pitt gifted his co-stars engraved wristwatches after production.

2019: Hall appears on The Goldbergs

In 2019, Anthony Michael Hall began appearing on the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs, playing Rusty in the season 7 premiere. He had a recurring role as Mr. Perott for the series' remainder.