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John Cusack Reveals Breakfast Club Near-Miss
29 Sep
Summary
- John Cusack almost took a role in The Breakfast Club.
- He was considered for the iconic John Bender part.
- Cusack preferred focusing on scripts over celebrity status.

Actor John Cusack has revealed a close call with a major role in John Hughes's classic film, The Breakfast Club. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Cusack addressed rumors about his potential involvement. Although he clarified he was never formally offered the part of John Bender, he stated that there was a moment when director John Hughes considered him for the role, and he believes he would have taken it.
Cusack described The Breakfast Club's screenplay as "cool" but noted that the opportunity did not materialize. During his formative years, Cusack starred in several other notable films by the age of 20. He also reflected on his experience as a teen idol, attributing his grounded perspective to his upbringing and his father's guidance.
His father famously advised that "to be a celebrity is death for an artist," consistently encouraging Cusack to focus on the quality of scripts and roles. This philosophy helped Cusack navigate the pressures of early fame. More recently, Cusack has shifted focus towards projects like his graphic novel, Momo, indicating a preference for creative endeavors with less external negotiation.