Remember Jake Ryan from 16 Candles? You Won’t Be Surprised to Know His Daughter Is a Gorgeous Model
Michael Schoeffling, the actor who charmed us as Jake Ryan in the 1984 teen comedy, may have stepped away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but his daughter Scarlett is shining bright as a successful model.
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved film Sixteen Candles, it’s interesting to note that Michael Schoeffling, the high school heartthrob Jake Ryan, will not be resurfacing for any reunions. Though he acted in a few more movies after the classic, he chose to step away from the spotlight in the early ’90s, settling in a small Pennsylvania town where he immersed himself in woodworking.
Now 63 years old, Schoeffling has remained tight-lipped about his decision to leave acting, continuing to prefer a serene life with his wife and two kids, far removed from the bustling showbiz world.
However, the spotlight has found its way back to the Schoeffling family through his daughter Scarlett, who is making waves as a stunning model and venturing into acting as well.
In 2020, Scarlett appeared in the film Blackjack: The Jackie Ryan Story and made a guest appearance in the hit series Billions. As a model, she’s represented by New York Models and LA Models and has featured in various campaigns for brands like Tommy Bahama.
The Brooklyn-based beauty keeps her family life private but pays tribute to her roots by sharing a throwback photo of her dad on the cover of GQ from the ’80s in 2023. She captioned it, “my Father’s Day post is dad’s first GQ cover. slay.”
Scarlett, who also has a brother, comes from a family with a legacy of good looks and talent. Her father, Michael, initially made his mark as a model before transitioning to actor roles in films like Sixteen Candles, Vision Quest, and Mermaids. Her mother, Valerie Robinson, is also a former actress and model.
Robinson and Schoeffling first crossed paths on the modeling circuit in New York in the early ’80s and have been happily married since 1987. After attending Temple University, Schoeffling was discovered by photographer Bruce Weber, who motivated him to pursue acting.
In 1983, director John Hughes cast Schoeffling, then 23, in his directorial debut Sixteen Candles. The film, a mix of drama and comedy, touches on the true essence of being 16, despite Samantha’s teenage angst due to her infatuation with Jake Ryan, played by Schoeffling.
The movie, made on a budget of $6 million, grossed $23 million and became a cult classic. It featured stars like Anthony Michael Hall, Gedde Watanabe, and John Cusack.
The timeless charm and themes of Sixteen Candles continue to resonate, enlivened by Hughes’ heartfelt direction, blending comedy and drama to capture the essence of teenage life.
