The principal cast of Dead Poets Society has remained active and notable well beyond the film’s 1989 release. Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles recently reunited in Taylor Swift’s 2025 music video for “Fortnight,” while Robert Sean Leonard continues acting in The Gilded Age. Meanwhile, other cast members like Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, James Waterston, and Allelon Ruggiero pursued varied paths in and out of acting. Tragically, veteran actor John Cunningham, who appeared as Ethan Hawke’s and Matt Damon’s onscreen father, passed away in January 2026 at age 93.
The Leading Lights: Hawke, Charles, Leonard
Ethan Hawke: From Todd Anderson to Modern Stardom
Ethan Hawke, who played Todd Anderson, has built a distinguished career marked by multiple Academy Award nominations, most recently for Boyhood (2015) . In 2024 and 2025, on-screen still, he appeared alongside Josh Charles in Taylor Swift’s music video “Fortnight,” blending nostalgia with renewed visibility . Hawke is currently starring in the theatrical releases Black Phone 2 and Blue Moon, and leads the FX series The Lowdown . His reflection on the film often mentions how Robin Williams’ improvisations changed his creative approach, opening “a new door … that you could play like that” .
Josh Charles: Knox Overstreet to TV and Music Video Cameo
Josh Charles, who portrayed Knox Overstreet and is now 54, has made a strong mark on television, earning Emmy nominations for roles in series like The Good Wife . Recently on The View , he shared heartfelt memories of Robin Williams’ kindness during filming and how Williams’ fame had emotional weight even then . He too reunited with Hawke in Swift’s music video, calling it “incredible” and recalling the laughter and camaraderie of the set .
Robert Sean Leonard: Continuing the Journey as Neil Perry
Robert Sean Leonard, known as Neil Perry, has maintained a solid presence in television and film. He starred in the long-running medical drama House and has more recently appeared in The Gilded Age .
Where Are the Others?
Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, James Waterston, Allelon Ruggiero
- Gale Hansen (Charlie Dalton) transitioned from acting into a career as a film executive after the film .
- Dylan Kussman (Richard Cameron) continues acting, with recent appearances in films like The Mule .
- James Waterston (Gerard Pitts) took a quieter route, returning periodically to TV in series such as Blindspot and The Blacklist .
- Allelon Ruggiero (Steven Meeks) took breaks but made comebacks in shows like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend .
A Final Farewell: John Cunningham’s Passing
John Cunningham, a veteran actor who appeared as Ethan Hawke’s and Matt Damon’s onscreen father in Dead Poets Society, passed away in early January 2026 at the age of 93. Cunningham’s career spanned stage and screen, including noteworthy Broadway performances in Cabaret and Six Degrees of Separation, and TV roles lasting into the 2010s .
Behind the Scenes: Memories and Reflections
Ethan Hawke often recalls how Robin Williams often improvised on set, “not asking permission” to deviate from the script—and how that blew his young mind wide open creatively . Josh Charles recently echoed the depth of that connection, describing Williams as kind, respectful, and carrying an emotional burden even during filming .
Conclusion
The cast of Dead Poets Society remains remarkably active and influential. Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles share renewed visibility through music videos and ongoing projects. Robert Sean Leonard keeps delivering strong performances. Others—Hansen, Kussman, Waterston, Ruggiero—found diverse paths, both in and out of the spotlight. And now, John Cunningham’s passing marks the end of an era linked to this iconic film.
FAQs
Q: What have Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles done recently?
A: Both starred in Taylor Swift’s 2025 “Fortnight” music video and continue acting in top-tier projects—Hawke in Black Phone 2, Blue Moon, and the FX series The Lowdown; Charles continues TV and stage work.
Q: Is Robert Sean Leonard still acting?
A: Yes. He remains active and recently appeared in The Gilded Age after earlier roles in House and film.
Q: What happened to some of the other Dead Poets Society students?
A: Gale Hansen became a film executive; Dylan Kussman still works as an actor; James Waterston returns to TV occasionally; Allelon Ruggiero appears on screen after breaks.
Q: Who from the cast has passed away recently?
A: John Cunningham, who played an onscreen father figure, passed away in January 2026 at age 93.
