Step into the peculiar world of Skid Row and the hungry plant, Audrey II, as we delve deep into the remarkable talents that brought this cult classic to life. The 1986 American horror comedy musical film, Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Frank Oz, remains a beloved cinematic gem, captivating audiences with its dark humor, catchy tunes, and unforgettable characters. But beyond the vibrant sets and the man-eating plant, it was the incredible performances of the Little Shop of Horrors cast that truly cemented its place in pop culture history.
More than three decades have passed since Seymour Krelborn first fed the mean green mother from outer space. Fans often wonder what became of the stars who portrayed these iconic roles. From the endearing nerd Seymour Krelborn, a nerdy orphan working at Mushnik's flower shop in urban Skid Row, to the sweet, vulnerable Audrey Fulquard, and the sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello, each actor delivered a performance that resonated deeply. Now, more than 35 years after the 1986 film premiered, here's a look back at the stacked cast of actors who stepped into the iconic roles, exploring their bios, filmography, and what they've been up to since their time in Mushnik's.
The 1986 film Little Shop of Horrors is a vibrant, darkly comedic musical that brought the beloved off-Broadway stage production to the big screen with remarkable flair. Directed by the legendary Frank Oz, known for his puppetry work with The Muppets and his directorial ventures, the film successfully blended horror, comedy, and toe-tapping musical numbers. Its narrative, centered around a timid flower shop assistant, Seymour Krelborn, who discovers a carnivorous plant that demands human blood, is both outlandish and strangely poignant. The film's production was a massive undertaking, particularly in bringing the increasingly large and complex Audrey II to life through sophisticated puppetry. This ambitious project required a stellar ensemble, and the chosen Little Shop of Horrors cast delivered performances that were both hilarious and heartfelt, making the film an instant cult classic and a commercial success, grossing over $39 million worldwide against a $25 million budget.
The Heart of Skid Row: Key Members of the Little Shop of Horrors Cast
The true magic of Little Shop of Horrors lies in its unforgettable characters, each brought to life by an actor perfectly suited for the role. The core of the film's emotional depth and comedic timing rested squarely on the shoulders of its principal performers. Let's find out who played Seymour Krelborn, Audrey Fulquard, and other memorable characters in Little Shop of Horrors with our guide to the cast and their journeys.
Rick Moranis as Seymour Krelborn
Biography of Rick Moranis
Rick Moranis, born Frederick Allan Moranis on April 18, 1953, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, rose to prominence in the 1980s as a beloved comedic actor. Before his iconic role as Seymour, Moranis was a staple on the Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV, where he honed his unique brand of understated humor. His transition to Hollywood saw him starring in a string of highly successful films, often playing endearing, slightly nerdy characters. His portrayal of Seymour Krelborn, the hapless florist's assistant who unwittingly nurtures a man-eating plant, showcased his ability to blend vulnerability with comedic timing, making Seymour a character audiences could truly root for.
Rick Moranis: Personal Data & Biodata
Full Name
Frederick Allan Moranis
Date of Birth
April 18, 1953 (Age: 71 as of 2024)
Place of Birth
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Nationality
Canadian
Occupation
Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer, Musician
Notable Works
SCTV, Ghostbusters, Little Shop of Horrors, Spaceballs, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Rick Moranis's Journey After Skid Row
After his memorable turn in Little Shop of Horrors, Rick Moranis continued his streak of successful films throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. He reprised his role as Louis Tully in Ghostbusters II (1989), starred as the eccentric inventor Wayne Szalinski in the immensely popular Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) and its sequels, and delivered a hilarious performance in Mel Brooks's Spaceballs (1987). However, by the mid-1990s, Moranis gradually stepped away from acting to focus on raising his children after the tragic passing of his wife. He largely retired from live-action film work after 1997, taking on only occasional voice roles in animated features like Brother Bear (2003). His decision to prioritize family over Hollywood was widely respected, and he became a symbol of a celebrity choosing a quieter life. While he has made a few sporadic appearances and voice roles since, including a recent return for a commercial and a planned sequel to Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, his time in the spotlight has been significantly reduced. Fans of the Little Shop of Horrors cast continue to admire his choice and hope for more of his unique comedic talent on screen.
Ellen Greene as Audrey Fulquard
Biography of Ellen Greene
Ellen Greene, born February 22, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, is an acclaimed American actress and singer. Her career began in theatre, where she quickly established herself as a formidable talent with a distinctive voice and captivating stage presence. Greene originated the role of Audrey in the 1982 off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors, a role that would become synonymous with her name. Her portrayal of Audrey Fulquard, the sweet, vulnerable, and somewhat ditzy co-worker at Mushnik's, was lauded for its perfect blend of innocence, pathos, and comedic timing. Her performance in the film adaptation, where she reprised her stage role, is often cited as one of the most faithful and iconic character transitions from stage to screen.
Ellen Greene: Personal Data & Biodata
Full Name
Ellen Greene
Date of Birth
February 22, 1951 (Age: 73 as of 2024)
Place of Birth
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Nationality
American
Occupation
Actress, Singer
Notable Works
Little Shop of Horrors (Stage & Film), Pulp Fiction, Pushing Daisies, The Threepenny Opera
Ellen Greene's Continued Enchantment
Ellen Greene's career has remained vibrant and diverse since her indelible performance as Audrey in the Little Shop of Horrors cast. While the film brought her international recognition, she has consistently returned to her roots in theatre, starring in numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including acclaimed revivals. Her powerful voice and unique vocal style have also led to a successful career as a cabaret singer, performing in prestigious venues worldwide. In film, she's had notable supporting roles, including a brief but memorable appearance in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994). On television, she gained a new generation of fans for her recurring role as Vivian Charles in the cult favorite series Pushing Daisies (2007-2009), showcasing her quirky charm and musical talent once again. Greene has also lent her voice to animated projects and continued to tour with her one-woman shows, often featuring songs from Little Shop of Horrors. Her enduring connection to the role of Audrey and her continued artistic output make her a cherished member of the original Little Shop of Horrors cast.
Steve Martin as Orin Scrivello, D.D.S.
Biography of Steve Martin
Steve Martin, born August 14, 1945, in Waco, Texas, is a true multi-hyphenate: a comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician. He first achieved widespread fame as a stand-up comedian in the 1970s, pioneering an absurd, philosophical style that made him one of the biggest comedy acts of his time. Transitioning to film, he quickly became a leading man in comedies, showcasing his versatile acting range. His role as Orin Scrivello, the sadistic, leather-clad dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, was a departure from his usual wholesome persona, allowing him to embrace a darker, more villainous comedic character with relish. His performance is a standout, providing some of the film's most memorable and darkly humorous moments.
Steve Martin: Personal Data & Biodata
Full Name
Stephen Glenn Martin
Date of Birth
August 14, 1945 (Age: 78 as of 2024)
Place of Birth
Waco, Texas, U.S.
Nationality
American
Occupation
Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer, Musician
Notable Works
The Jerk, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Roxanne, Father of the Bride, Only Murders in the Building
Steve Martin: A Career Beyond the Drill
Steve Martin's career post-Little Shop of Horrors has been nothing short of legendary. He continued to star in and often write highly successful comedies, including Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987), Roxanne (1987), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), and the beloved Father of the Bride (1991) and its sequel. Beyond acting, Martin has cultivated a distinguished career as a playwright, novelist, and essayist. He is also an accomplished banjo player, often performing with the Steep Canyon Rangers, and has released several bluegrass albums, winning multiple Grammy Awards. In recent years, he has found renewed popularity with the critically acclaimed Hulu series Only Murders in the Building (2021-present), which he co-created, co-writes, and stars in alongside his longtime friend and collaborator Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. This series has introduced him to a new generation of fans, proving his enduring comedic genius. Steve Martin's role in the Little Shop of Horrors cast remains a testament to his incredible versatility and willingness to embrace unconventional characters.
Levi Stubbs as the Voice of Audrey II
Biography of Levi Stubbs
Levi Stubbs, born Levi Stubbles on November 6, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, was an American baritone singer best known as the lead vocalist of the iconic Motown vocal group, the Four Tops. With his powerful, soulful voice, Stubbs was instrumental in defining the sound of Motown in the 1960s, leading the Four Tops to numerous hits like "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" and "Reach Out I'll Be There." His distinctive vocal range and commanding presence made him a natural choice to voice the menacing, soulful, and increasingly demanding plant, Audrey II, in Little Shop of Horrors. His performance gave Audrey II a unique personality, blending charm with terrifying hunger.
Levi Stubbs: Personal Data & Biodata
Full Name
Levi Stubbles
Date of Birth
November 6, 1936
Place of Birth
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Date of Death
October 17, 2008 (Aged 71)
Nationality
American
Occupation
Singer, Voice Actor
Notable Works
The Four Tops (Lead Singer), Voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors
Levi Stubbs's Legacy as the Voice of Audrey II
While Levi Stubbs was primarily known for his legendary music career with the Four Tops, his role as the voice of Audrey II in the Little Shop of Horrors cast introduced his incredible vocal talent to a new audience. He brought a terrifying yet captivating quality to the plant, making it far more than just a prop. His soulful growls and booming musical numbers, particularly "Feed Me (Git It)" and "Suppertime," are among the film's most memorable moments. Stubbs continued to perform with the Four Tops for decades, touring and recording new music. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, a testament to their enduring influence on music. Despite facing health challenges later in life, Stubbs continued to be a beloved figure in the music industry until his passing in 2008. His contribution to the Little Shop of Horrors cast remains a highlight of his diverse career, demonstrating his ability to bring character and menace to a role purely through voice.
Supporting Stars Who Shone Brightly
Beyond the central quartet, the Little Shop of Horrors cast was filled with an array of talented actors who delivered memorable performances, adding depth and humor to the film's quirky world. * **Vincent Gardenia as Mr. Mushnik:** The owner of the struggling flower shop and Seymour's grumpy, opportunistic boss. Gardenia, a veteran character actor, brought a perfect blend of exasperation and greed to the role, making Mushnik a wonderfully flawed character. His performance earned him a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. * **The Ronettes (Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon):** Played by **Tichina Arnold**, **Michelle Weeks**, and **Tisha Campbell**, respectively, these three street urchins served as the film's Greek chorus. Their sassy commentary, vibrant harmonies, and synchronized dance moves were integral to the musical's style and provided much of its energy and narrative exposition. All three actresses went on to successful careers in film and television. Tichina Arnold is well-known for her roles in Martin and Everybody Hates Chris, while Tisha Campbell gained fame in Martin and My Wife and Kids. * **Bill Murray as Arthur Denton:** In a brilliant cameo, Murray played a masochistic dental patient who revels in the pain inflicted by Orin Scrivello. His unscripted, improvisational performance was a comedic highlight, showcasing his unique brand of humor and adding another layer of absurdity to the film. * **John Candy as Wink Wilkinson:** The enthusiastic, slightly sleazy radio host who discovers Seymour and Audrey II. Candy's brief but impactful appearance added a touch of his signature warmth and comedic timing to the film's broader satirical elements. * **James Belushi as Patrick Martin:** A slick marketing executive from World Botanical Enterprises who attempts to buy Audrey II. Belushi's role, though small, effectively conveyed the corporate greed that seeks to exploit Audrey II's unique qualities. * **Christopher Guest as The First Customer:** Another notable cameo, Guest's portrayal of a curious customer adds to the film's quirky atmosphere in the early scenes. The collective talent of this supporting Little Shop of Horrors cast created a rich tapestry of characters, each contributing to the film's distinctive charm and enduring appeal.
The Voice Behind the Vine: Crafting Audrey II's Menace
While Levi Stubbs provided the iconic voice, the creation of Audrey II was a monumental feat of puppetry and special effects, a true star in its own right. Directed by Frank Oz, a master puppeteer himself, the various iterations of Audrey II were designed and operated by a team of skilled artists and technicians. From the tiny seedling to the colossal, building-filling plant, each stage of Audrey II's growth presented unique challenges. The largest Audrey II puppet, used for the climactic scenes, required over 60 puppeteers to operate its intricate movements, from its menacing jaws to its slithering vines. This complex mechanical marvel allowed for seamless interaction with the human actors, making the plant feel like a truly living, breathing, and terrifying character. The seamless integration of Stubbs's powerful vocals with the physical presence of the puppet created a creature that was both horrifying and strangely charismatic. The success of Audrey II's portrayal is a testament to the collaborative genius of the special effects team, the puppeteers, and the vocal performance by Levi Stubbs, all working under the precise direction of Frank Oz. It’s a key reason why the Little Shop of Horrors cast, including its botanical star, is so memorable.
The Enduring
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