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Jack Black Still Keeps Up with the “School of Rock” Kids, Nearly 20 Years Later: He’s “Amazing”
by
amanda prahl
Everett Collection / Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
The 20th anniversary of “School of Rock” is approaching this September, and after two decades the film still remains a beloved classic that fans keep revisiting. In the memorable 2003 movie, Jack Black plays Dewey Finn, a down-and-out wannabe rock star who poses as his roommate Ned Schneebly (Mike White) to take on a substitute teaching gig to pull in some money. Once in the classroom, he realizes his young students have some serious jamming potential – and fashions them into a music group with hopes of winning a local Battle of the Bands. The film’s heartfelt plot moments and easy laughs even led to the story being evolved into a Broadway musical.
The original cast included some established adult actors like Black, Joan Cusack, and Sarah Silverman, but also a full slate of rising young talent. Among them was Miranda Cosgrove, who went on to “iCarly” fame. Cosgrove just opened up about her experience filming “School of Rock” in an interview with People, saying that the movie is actually part of the reason she’s still acting today.
“I think Jack Black’s amazing,” Cosgrove told the outlet, revealing, “He’s kept up with pretty much all of us from the movie since we did it.” She added of Black, “I love him. He just acts [as] the most normal, nice guy. He doesn’t seem like he thinks he’s Jack Black at all.” The raving didn’t stop there. Explained Cosgrove, “He’s always been unbelievably nice, and I can honestly say one of the main reasons I love acting, and why I probably tried to keep doing it for so long, is because of what a great experience he made doing ‘School of Rock.’ “
Unlike Cosgrove, many of the “School of Rock” kids featured in the movie have actually left Hollywood altogether for other careers. So, what have your favorites been up to in the past couple of decades? Keep reading to find out.
Everett Collection / Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
Jack Black as Dewey Finn
Black was in peak comedy form in the early 2000s, with roles like this one. Here, he played Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who stumbles into a teaching gig and, while trying to convince them to form a band so he can beat his music rival, winds up teaching them (and himself) some much-needed life lessons.
Getty / Kevin Winter
Jack Black Now
In the nearly 20 years since “School of Rock,” Black has continued to work his comedy magic. He’s a staple of comedy movies, with recent credits including the “Jumanji” adventure comedy franchise and serving as the voice of Bowser in 2023’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”
Everett Collection / Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
Miranda Cosgrove as Summer "Tinkerbell" Hathaway
Cosgrove memorably played Summer, aka “Tinkerbell,” who gets recruited to be the band’s “manager.”
Getty / Sarah Morris
Miranda Cosgrove Now
While most of her costars chose to leave the acting biz shortly after “School of Rock,” Cosgrove continued acting and moved on to even more high-profile roles. She broke through with a pair of Nickelodeon shows, “Drake and Josh” and “iCarly,” and is currently starring in the revival of “iCarly” for Paramount+.
Everett Collection / Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
Joey Gaydos Jr. as Zack "Zack-Attack" Mooneyham
Gaydos played Zack, a shy guitarist who takes on the lead guitar role for their class’s band.
Getty / Jenny Anderson
Joey Gaydos Jr. Now
“School of Rock” was the only acting role for Gaydos, who has continued to play music over the years, just not in movies. In 2019, Variety reported that Gaydos faced multiple charges after reportedly stealing guitars in Florida. It is unclear how that case played out.
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Maryam Hassan as Tamika "Turkey Sub"
Tamika starts out as a seemingly shy kid destined to be a “roadie” for the band, but she impresses everyone when she steps up and asks for a chance to sing.
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Kevin Clark as Freddy "Spazzy McGee" Jones
Clark starred as Freddy, one of the more outspoken kids in the class who winds up taking on the role of drummer. Clark stayed out of the spotlight as an adult – in fact, “School of Rock” was his only film role ever. According to The Wrap, he died at age 32 when his bike was struck by a car on May 26, 2021.
Everett Collection / Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
Rivkah Reyes as Katie "Posh Spice"
Reyes played Katie, aka “Posh Spice,” a cellist who’s convinced to pick up the bass guitar to join the band.
Everett Collection / Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
Robert Tsai as Lawrence "Mr. Cool"
Tsai played one of the band’s breakout faves, quiet piano player turned keyboardist Lawrence.
Getty / Rick Kern
Robert Tsai in 2013
Tsai stepped away from acting after “School of Rock” but he kept up with his music. He attended Dartmouth, where he appeared as a pianist in some of the college’s music department concerts, a few of which are even viewable on YouTube!
