ONTD Original: Where Are They Now? Robin Hood: Men in Tights Edition
2023 was the 30th anniversary of the release of Mel Brooks' millennial favorite, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, ostensibly a spoof of 1991's Kevin Costner starring film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. But beyond spoofing Kevin Costner's inability to do an English accent, this movie took jabs at many early 90s pop culture phenomena. In this original, I will let you know where some of your childhood favorite Men in Tights (and other cast members) are today (skipping ones that have terrible Netflix comedy specials - I assume if you're on ONTD you are well aware of where Dave Chappelle is).
Crusading nobleman Robin of Loxley (Cary Elwes) escapes from prison in Jerusalem and returns home to find that the evil Prince John (Richard Lewis) has confiscated his family estate and is abusing the citizenry. Robin enlists his blind attendant, Blinkin (Mark Blankfield), his friend Will Scarlett O'Hara (Matthew Porretta) and Little John (Eric Allan Kramer) to help regain his home. Robin also hopes to woo the beautiful Maid Marian (Amy Yasbeck), but her chastity belt may prove a challenge.
Actors Who Have Passed Away (RIP)
As is the case with many movies that are 30+ years old, a significant number of cast members have sadly passed away. Isaac Hayes (Asneeze, Robin's fellow prisoner in Jerusalem during the crusades and father of Ahchoo) passed in 2008 at the age of 65. Dom DeLuise (Don Giovanni) passed in 2009 at the age of 75. Dick Van Patten (The Abbott) passed in 2015 at the age of 86. Richard Lewis (Prince John) sadly passed in February 2024 at the age of 76. Roger Rees (the Sheriff of Rottingham) passed in 2015 at the age of 71. Mark Blankfield (Blinkin) reported passed in March 2024 at the age of 73, as reported by SAG.
Cary Elwes - Robin of Loxley
Now 61 and fresh off his internet feud with Ted Cruz (which led to a Princess Bride Reunion that raised $4 million for Wisconsin Democrats in 2020), Cary Elwes remains a popular actor. From The Princess Bride to Twisters in the 80s and 90s to his run in the Saw series in the 2000s and 2010s, Cary Elwes more recently can be found in 13 movies in the past 4 years alone, including Rebel Moon, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One.
Amy Yasbeck - Maid Marian
Post-Men in Tights, Amy Yasbeck starred in the 90s sitcom Wings, as well as Mel Brooks' next (and last) feature - Dracula: Dead and Loving It. After the death of her husband John Ritter in 2003 of an aortic dissection, Amy has become an advocate for heart disease awareness. Amy still acts, mostly appearing as a guest star on shows such as That's So Raven, Bones, Modern Family, and Pretty Little Liars.
Eric Allen Kramer - Little John
Prior to becoming a full-time actor, Eric Allen Kramer was a fight choreographer. After Men in Tights, Eric Allen Kramer became a successful television actor, with starring roles on The Hughleys, Good Luck Charlie, and Lodge 49. He has also appeared in various shows such as CSI: Vegas, Fuller House, Mom, On Becoming a God in Central Florida, Mike & Molly, and 9-1-1. He is also a member of the Antaeus Classical Rep Company in Los Angeles and continues to appear on stage in California.
Matthew Porretta - Will Scarlett O'Hara
The son of famous operatic tenor Frank Porretta (who was also an actor, famously appearing opposite Florence Henderson in the 1970 film Song of Norway), Matthew Porretta began his career on Broadway before Men in Tights. In 1996, he was cast as the lead in the TNT series The New Adventures of Robin Hood as Robin Hood before the series was recast after two seasons. Afterward, he has mostly appeared on television, including a recurring role on Hulu's Deadbeat, Lifetime Movie Networks's I Love You... But I Lied (op note: this show is legit the most ridiculous show I have ever seen for the sheer number of twists it can fit into 20-minute segments, and all three seasons are available on Tubi), The Blacklist, The Good Wife, and Blue Bloods. However, he is most famous these days for his video game work, including being the voice of Alan Wake in 2010's Alan Wake and 2023's Alan Wake 2 and playing scientist Dr. Casper Darling in 2019's Control (they're in the same universe bound by sudden song and dance numbers and general weirdness - if you haven't seen the 2023 Game Awards performance of Herald of Darkness with both Alan Wake actors + other cast, go check it out).
Is this entire ONTD original sort of just a follow-up to my post yesterday about Alan Wake/Control since people seem to have their minds blown realizing this is the same guy? Yes, yes it is - for more random GIFs and pictures from Control and Alan Wake 2, find it here (I find it amusing how many Reddit posts there are about people realizing it's the same person - there seems to be a big overlap in millennials between those who were big Men in Tights fans as children and people who play weird video games as adults). If there is indeed a TV and/or adaptation of Alan Wake and/or Control, the OP hopes he returns as one of his characters (preferably the delightfully unhinged Dr. Darling).
Megan Cavanagh - Broomhilde
Probably most famous for her role in A League of Their Own as Marla Hooch, Megan Cavanagh went on to voice Jimmy Neutron's mother in the cartoon series and associated movies and continues to be active mostly in voice work for television and film. In 2009, she was recognized by PowerUp as one of the most amazing gay women in Hollywood.
Tracey Ullman - Latrine
A famous comedian in her own right before appearing as the witch Latrine, Tracey Ullman later went on to star in several of her own sketch comedy shows, including Tracy Takes On..., Tracey Ullman's Visible Panty Lines, and Tracey Ullman's Show. She also appeared on several episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm and the miniseries Mrs. America.
But what does Ayo Edebiri have to say about Robin Hood: Men in Tights?
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hopefully the cut is not messed up by the stupid visual editor this time