Mia Sara Reflects on Challenging Experience Behind ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off remains a pop culture staple, but for Mia Sara, the experience behind the scenes was challenging. Nearly 40 years after the movie’s release, Sara shared insights about her time filming and why she found it difficult.

Sara’s Perspective on Filming

Sara played Sloane Peterson in the film directed by John Hughes. Despite the movie’s lasting popularity, she struggled with the filming experience.

“I don’t really give interviews because making ‘Ferris Bueller’ was not that good an experience for me,” she revealed. While acknowledging the movie’s significance, she admitted, “I didn’t get along well with John.” Hughes was “a strange guy,” Sara noted.

Behind the Scenes

Hughes wanted the cast to bond and watch French New Wave films together. However, Sara felt isolated, seeing herself as a “snotty New York kid” who didn’t mesh well with the seasoned actors. “I didn’t have the emotional maturity to deal with other people’s egos, or my own,” she observed.

Reflecting on her acting career, Sara shared her mixed feelings. “I never really had the resilience to deal with the audition process,” she said, finding acting ultimately unfulfilling.

Cultural Impact

Sara acknowledged the movie’s enduring impact among new generations. She shared that her kids notice when their friends recognize her from the film, often commenting on her appearance.

In contrast, Jennifer Grey, who played Ferris’ sister Jeanie, had a different experience. She began a secret relationship with Matthew Broderick during filming.

Casting and Relationships

Grey reminisced about a scene where her giggles caused disruption due to Broderick’s expressions. “I had no chance!” Sara joked, stating her crush on Broderick was unrequited.

Alan Ruck, who played Cameron Frye, shared his audition story. At first, casting directors hesitated due to his age. “Wait a minute, isn’t this guy 28?” they wondered. When Ruck auditioned with Broderick, their chemistry convinced them he was right for the part.

“We have this way of teasing each other that seemed to work for the characters,” Broderick said of his relationship with Ruck.