Decades after its release, Ocean’s Eleven continues to captivate audiences with its slick heist plot, witty dialogue, and, most importantly, its ensemble cast. This star-studded film, a remake of the classic 1960s movie, brought together some of Hollywood’s biggest names to tell the story of Danny Ocean, a charismatic ex-con who assembles a team of specialists to rob three Las Vegas casinos owned by his ex-wife’s new beau. But what has the Ocean’s Eleven cast been up to since they pulled off that daring cinematic heist? This article explores the careers and lives of the main actors, highlighting their continued success, their diverse projects, and their lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
The Core Eleven: A Glimpse into Their Lives
The magic of Ocean’s Eleven stems from the dynamic between its core ensemble. Each member brought a unique skill set and personality to the table, creating a compelling and believable team of criminals.
George Clooney: The Mastermind, Danny Ocean
As Danny Ocean, George Clooney effortlessly embodied the role of the charming and resourceful mastermind. Before Ocean’s Eleven, Clooney was already a household name, thanks to his role on “ER” and films like “Batman & Robin” and “Out of Sight”. But his career only accelerated after the film’s release. He continued to star in blockbusters like the Ocean’s sequels, “Syriana” (for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor), “Michael Clayton,” “Up in the Air,” and “The Descendants”. Beyond acting, Clooney established himself as a respected director and producer, helming films like “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “The Ides of March,” “The Monuments Men,” and “Suburbicon.” Clooney’s production company, Smokehouse Pictures, has been behind numerous critically acclaimed films and television shows. He has also been recognized for his humanitarian work and political activism. He is married to human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, and they have twins. George Clooney remains one of the most influential and respected figures in Hollywood, proving his talent extends far beyond his role as the smooth-talking Danny Ocean. He is a perfect example of how someone can make it in hollywood and stay in the limelight.
Brad Pitt: The Right-Hand Man, Rusty Ryan
Brad Pitt, as Rusty Ryan, Danny Ocean’s trusted confidante and second-in-command, brought a cool, laid-back charisma to the screen. Prior to Ocean’s Eleven, Pitt was already a global superstar, known for his roles in “Fight Club,” “Se7en,” and “12 Monkeys”. Since then, he has only solidified his status as one of the biggest actors in the world. He has starred in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including “Troy,” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” “Babel,” “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” “Inglourious Basterds,” “Moneyball,” “World War Z,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor), and “Bullet Train”. Like Clooney, Pitt has also ventured into producing, founding the production company Plan B Entertainment, which has produced films like “The Departed,” “12 Years a Slave,” “Moonlight,” and “Minari.” Beyond his acting and producing work, Pitt is known for his philanthropic efforts and his involvement in various social causes. He remains a prominent figure in Hollywood and is constantly challenging himself with diverse and complex roles.
Matt Damon: The Inside Man, Linus Caldwell
Matt Damon played Linus Caldwell, the young, eager, and slightly clumsy pickpocket who added a touch of nervous energy to the group. Damon, already an Oscar winner for his screenplay for “Good Will Hunting,” continued to impress audiences with his versatility after Ocean’s Eleven. He starred in the Bourne franchise, cementing his status as an action star. He also delivered memorable performances in films like “The Departed,” “The Informant!,” “Contagion,” “Interstellar,” “The Martian,” “Ford v Ferrari,” and “Oppenheimer.” Damon has also continued to write and produce films, further showcasing his talent and dedication to the craft. He is also actively involved in charitable work, focusing on issues like poverty and access to clean water. He is married to Luciana Barroso, and they have children. Matt Damon’s career shows no sign of slowing down, and he remains a highly respected and sought-after actor.
Julia Roberts: The Ex-Wife, Tess Ocean
Julia Roberts, as Tess Ocean, Danny’s ex-wife and the object of Terry Benedict’s affection, brought both glamour and emotional depth to the film. Before Ocean’s Eleven, Roberts was already a reigning queen of Hollywood, known for her iconic roles in “Pretty Woman,” “Erin Brockovich” (for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress), and “Notting Hill.” She continued to star in a variety of successful films after the heist, including “Mona Lisa Smile,” “Charlie Wilson’s War,” “Eat Pray Love,” “August: Osage County,” and “Wonder.” Roberts has also ventured into television, starring in the acclaimed series “Homecoming” and “Gaslit.” She remains a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Don Cheadle: The Explosives Expert, Basher Tarr
Don Cheadle played Basher Tarr, the British explosives expert with a dry wit and a penchant for blowing things up. Cheadle, a highly respected character actor, continued to deliver powerful performances after Ocean’s Eleven. He starred in films like “Hotel Rwanda” (for which he received an Academy Award nomination), “Crash,” “Iron Man 2,” “Hotel for Dogs,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and the “Miles Ahead”. He also starred in and produced the Showtime series “House of Lies”, for which he won a Golden Globe. Cheadle is known for his activism and social justice work, using his platform to advocate for important causes.
Andy Garcia: The Casino Owner, Terry Benedict
Andy Garcia brought a suave and menacing presence to the role of Terry Benedict, the ruthless casino owner who becomes the target of Danny Ocean’s plan. Garcia continued to work steadily after Ocean’s Eleven, appearing in films like “The Pink Panther 2,” “City Island,” “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” and “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.” He continues to be a strong presence in Hollywood.
Bernie Mac: The Inside Man, Frank Catton
Bernie Mac, as Frank Catton, the former con man and inside man, provided much of the film’s comedic relief. Sadly, Bernie Mac passed away in 2008. He was a beloved comedian and actor, known for his stand-up routines and his roles in films like “Friday,” “Life,” “The Original Kings of Comedy,” and “Bad Santa.” His performance in Ocean’s Eleven remains a testament to his comedic genius and his ability to bring warmth and humor to any role. He is missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Carl Reiner: Saul Bloom
Carl Reiner took on the role of Saul Bloom, and was a staple in the Ocean’s cast. He passed away in 2020, and was a comedian, director, screenwriter, and actor whose career spanned seven decades. Throughout his career, Reiner was honored with multiple awards, including nine Primetime Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Casey Affleck: The Mechanic, Virgil Malloy
Casey Affleck played Virgil Malloy, one half of the feuding mechanic duo. After Ocean’s Eleven, Affleck continued to gain recognition for his acting talent. He starred in films like “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” (for which he received an Academy Award nomination), “Gone Baby Gone,” “Manchester by the Sea” (for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor), and “A Ghost Story.” Affleck is a notable actor in hollywood.
Scott Caan: The Mechanic, Turk Malloy
Scott Caan played Turk Malloy, the other half of the feuding mechanic duo. Caan found success on the small screen after Ocean’s Eleven, starring in the popular television series “Hawaii Five-0” for many years. He has also appeared in films like “Varsity Blues,” “Boiler Room,” and “Mercy.”
Eddie Jemison: The Surveillance Expert, Livingston Dell
Eddie Jemison played Livingston Dell, the nervous and awkward surveillance expert. Jemison has continued to work steadily in film and television after Ocean’s Eleven, appearing in shows like “Chicago Med,” “iZombie,” and “Shooter”.
The Legacy of Ocean’s
The success of Ocean’s Eleven led to two sequels, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen, which reunited the original cast for more elaborate heists. The franchise expanded further with Ocean’s Eight, an all-female spin-off that featured a new team of thieves led by Sandra Bullock. The enduring appeal of the Ocean’s franchise lies in its combination of stylish visuals, a catchy soundtrack, witty dialogue, and the fantasy of pulling off the impossible. The chemistry of the original Ocean’s Eleven cast was a crucial ingredient in the film’s success, creating a believable and engaging dynamic that resonated with audiences. The Ocean’s Eleven cast all contributed a different skill set that was able to make the heist happen.
Conclusion
The Ocean’s Eleven cast not only delivered a memorable cinematic experience but also went on to achieve continued success in their respective careers. From George Clooney’s directorial ventures to Brad Pitt’s producing prowess and Matt Damon’s continued writing efforts, the talent and ambition of this ensemble cast have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Ocean’s Eleven remains a testament to the power of ensemble acting and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted heist story. The Ocean’s Eleven cast will continue to be celebrated.
Which member of the Ocean’s Eleven cast is your favorite, and why? Let us know in the comments!
