Mia Sara Discusses Her Experience With ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’
Mia Sara recently opened up about her experiences filming the iconic 1986 movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Although the film remains a beloved cultural phenomenon, Sara recounted difficulty in connecting with director John Hughes.
In an interview, Sara acknowledged the significance of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off for its fans but revealed her personal struggles during the production. Working with Hughes was not a positive experience for her. “I don’t really give interviews because making ‘Ferris Bueller’ was not that good an experience for me,” she originally stated to The Sunday Times. Despite the challenges, she recognized the film’s legacy and its value to audiences.
Sara described Hughes as “a strange guy”. He encouraged the cast to bond and introduced them to French New Wave films. However, as a newcomer with a different background, Sara felt disconnected. “The others were seasoned actors, and I was a snotty New York kid… I didn’t have the emotional maturity to deal with other people’s egos, or my own,” she reflected.
Looking back, Sara admitted that acting posed difficulties, leading her to shift her focus from Hollywood to writing poetry. “I never really had the resilience to deal with the audition process,” she revealed, considering her career somewhat unhappy despite certain achievements.
Her kids often witness friends recognizing her as Sloane Peterson in the film, which continues to resonate even decades later. Sara shared that when her children’s friends identify her, they express surprise at her former on-screen persona.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, featuring actors Matthew Broderick as Ferris, Alan Ruck as Cameron Frye, and Jennifer Grey as Jeanie, remains a staple in teen comedy. The plot follows Ferris skipping school to explore Chicago with Cameron and girlfriend Sloane, avoiding his suspicious sister.
Jennifer Grey, who had a different experience, recalled starting a secret relationship with Broderick during filming, which created challenges. “I got the giggles so badly,” she admitted, finding it hard to hide their bond.
Grey’s relationship also affected Sara, who had feelings for Broderick during filming but found it unrequited. Alan Ruck recounted his audition process, emphasizing the bond he shared with Broderick, which convinced casting directors of his suitability despite age concerns.
The camaraderie and teasing style between Broderick and Ruck contributed significantly to their on-screen dynamic. Ruck shared, “We have this way of teasing each other that seemed to work for the characters, and we genuinely like each other.” Their genuine friendship translated effectively to their performances, underscoring the film’s enduring appeal.